Health Assessment Form For Clinicals

[lilbit_23]

I'm starting another nursing program this semester. I was previously in another RN program several years ago. This program has a health assessment form with a portion students complete and a portion a doctor completes. I don't remember doing anything similar anytime at the other program. Has anybody had to complete something similar? How did you feel, especially if you have a chronic disease/disability?

Over the past few years I now have a couple chronic conditions/disabilities and have started taking a few prescription medications (nothing impairing). My experience with the prior program being reluctant about disability service accommodations makes me nervous about this form.

Examples:

- A list for students to self-assess their current health status & briefly explain if applicable

- List all medications

- " We follow guidelines of the American Disabilities
Act (ADA). We adhere to their definition of reasonable accommodations which is defined on a case-by-case basis and must always take into consideration two factors...
Please indicate any special accommodations that could be required to facilitate progress in the program."

I remember only the 3rd party drug test company had a list of my meds. One of my meds only has a couple uses. I thought the accommodation request went through the schools disability services coordinator who verified the details & worked with the program on accommodations.

[NurseKat, BSN, RN]

I am in California and they did not require us to have a doctor sign off on our health conditions. I don't have any chronic diseases or disabilities but in my nursing program, we did have diabetic students who needed more frequent breaks for snacks, and students with ADHD who had to take their exams in a quieter place and for a longer allotted time. If I were you I would schedule a phone or in-person meeting with someone in the nursing program asap and keep communication open about your needs. 

[londonflo]

On 1/6/2022 at 11:35 PM, lilbit_23 said:

I'm starting another nursing program this semester. I was previously in another RN program several years ago. This program has a health assessment for with a portion students complete and a portion a doctor completes

I taught in the Midwest but the health form is required of our school and many others. The real purpose is to show a student can do all of the physical tasks needed to perform the role of the RN...bending over, squatting to read the amount in Foleys and Chest tubes. I was the person responsible for collecting these for years. I never looked at meds but did look at vaccinations.

[lilbit_23]

13 hours ago, londonflo said:

I taught in the Midwest but the health form is required of our school and many others. The real purpose is to show a student can do all of the physical tasks needed to perform the role of the RN...bending over, squatting to read the amount in Foleys and Chest tubes. I was the person responsible for collecting these for years. I never looked at meds but did look at vaccinations.

Thank you for your experience as an instructor! My issue is more so with physical tasks vs just needing extra time on exams or such. For example, I can't squat or lift off the ground normally and at times fine motor tasks may be a challenge. However, I've mainly worked acute care for several and have learned to get on/off the floor, assist in codes, help lift patients, do IVs/NGs/foleys, etc. It's a difficult spot because it's not obvious unless someone is paying attention. I might make it through without them noticing or making much of it; or they might notice the first day with stairs, how I set-up supplies, etc. and make a big deal out of it. 

[summertx]

On 1/6/2022 at 11:35 PM, lilbit_23 said:

I'm starting another nursing program this semester. I was previously in another RN program several years ago. This program has a health assessment for with a portion students complete and a portion a doctor completes. I don't remember doing anything similar anytime at the other program. Has anybody had to complete something similar? How did you feel, especially if you have a chronic disease/disability? 

Over the past few years I now have a couple chronic conditions/disabilities and have started taking a few prescription medications (nothing impairing). My experience with the prior program being reluctant about disability service accommodations makes me nervous about this form.

Just  be careful about what  doctor you go to. Some doctors will use their power and say you aren't 'fit'. Don't ever take their word or rely on their assessment.