Health requirements to be a nurse

[MWCSI]

Hello, I'm sure you all have heard many questions from someone looking to enter the nursing field. I hope this is a new and easy one for you.

I'm looking to jump over to nursing after 15+ years in law enforcement (non sworn = not a cop). My question has to do with the health requirements to become a nurse. Before I start looking into schools and jobs, I wanted to know if there are any laws or general prohibitions to becoming a nurse if you've sustained a heart attack. I had a small MI two years ago, had some additional stents placed a year ago, but seem to be doing well now. I'm working and living at full speed though still on many of the meds needed for year 1.

Any idea if this will be an issue for me to get my RN cert. or cause trouble with the hiring process? Thanks!

[outriton]

Nobody asked me my health history to get into nursing school or for employment offers.

I recently completed a pre-hire physical that consisted of a quick and dirty eye exam ("read line 8"), review of immunizations, and signing off that I read and can fulfill the duties detailed.

I did have to fill out paperwork about allergies, history of breathing issues, etc. to determine if I could use a respirator as part of my PPE. I think there were questions about chest pain involved. I've worked at one other hospital system that did not have this paperwork though.

[Mia415]

Glad to hear you are doing so well since the MI! There are no restriction as long as you can perform the duties. if your visions hearing and mobility are fine then you have nothing to worry about. I do not know the specific laws about people with disabilities obtaining their license (as many rn positions do not require you to work with patients at all!) but most jobs working with patients will require you to be able to lift 20-50 lbs, and not have a major vision or hearing disorder. They will drug test you as well and make sure your vaccines are up to date. As long as your medications are not opiates or benzos you will be fine. You do not have to provide a list of any medications you are taking as long as they will not show in a drug screen, if they do show, you will be asked about prescription meds. Hope that helps!