HIPPA for employees?

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a recovering addict that has not used in several years. I went to nursing school after I got clean and sober. I have marks on my arms from prior abuse. I just got my RN license this past summer. I was offered a job at a facility and one of the requirements is to pass a physical. I am fearful that my scars might mess things up for me. I don't know if employees are covered under HIPPA. I haven't used in a long time, so I know that my drug screening will be clean. I am just worried about explaining myself. Should I confide in the person examining me? Or should I keep my mouth shut about my recovery status? I am certain that whoever examines me will definitely see the lipodystrophy on my arms. I also have scarring from cellulitis that look like burn marks. I need some feedback. Thanks.

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Specializes in Tele/PCU/ICU/Stepdown/HH Case Management.

i don't think you have anything to worry about as long as you pass the drug test and criminal background check. it's nobodys business about your scars.

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Specializes in NICU.

It's no one's business. You are going to pass the drug screen so it shouldn't be a problem. But if they do ask, I think you should be honest about it.

Congratulations on recovery and nursing school graduation :)

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

This has nothing to do with HIPAA since you're agreeing to the release of information to the employer.

Regardless, I doubt that any mention will be made of the scars, either in person or on the physical forms.

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Thank you. I'm feeling much better about it now. ;)

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Yes, it is none of anyone's business where your scars came from. Yes, if they ask you directly you should tell the truth. but again, if they hold that against you it would be discrimination. If you are clean and sober then good for you!

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I was offered a job at a facility and one of the requirements is to pass a physical. I am fearful that my scars might mess things up for me. I don't know if employees are covered under HIPPA. I haven't used in a long time, so I know that my drug screening will be clean. I am just worried about explaining myself. Should I confide in the person examining me? Or should I keep my mouth shut about my recovery status?

The person examining you will be a licensed medical professional which can be an NP, PA or Physician. They are held to the highest standards of privacy that you would expect of your own medical practitioner. Most are also thoroughly trained in assessment and they are not easily fooled. If they ask you about your history, be honest and yes you have signed a release for them to obtain certain information which will make it part of your medical record. But, it is not going to be shared with all of your co-workers or easily accessible from that point on. Being up front may also relieve any tensions during the exam.

You have a lot to be proud of and although those scars are a reminder of your past they also represent how far you have come. You might be surprised to know how many others have successfully won a battle over addiction and addiction can come in many forms. There are also several who have yet to recognize their problems and deal with them. Health care is about helping and healing. You have already proved you can be a healer by your own experiences. You might be surprised to know your strength will continue to get stronger as you help others.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

When I had my work physical I don't remember having to undress or even rolling my sleeves up. I had pretty bad scars on my arms (not from drug abuse or cutting) that I was kind of sensitive about people seeing when I started nursing. In more than three years I think they've been commented upon maybe twice. When people in or out of work ask me about my scars I always say, "They're old, and I don't like to discuss them." That always puts an end to the questions. Really, your scars are nobody's business!

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For some previous physicals, they drew blood to check vaccine titers. I also had my arms bared for whatever vaccines that needed to be updated. If you work in some units like NICU, you may not be able to wear long sleeves. Some work areas also expect you to do an up to the elbow scrub. So, you may have to bare your arms at some time during your career. Knowing the gossip mills of hospital very well, sometimes taking away the mystery literally leaves some speechless.

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I'm sure that the gossip mills would have a field day if I disclosed myself. I am not ashamed of my status as a recovering addict. I believe that the difficulties that I faced during my addiction have molded me into the person I am today, and that I will be a better nurse as a result.

If I ever have the opportunity to work in an area that requires me to wear short sleeves, I won't worry about it. My primary concern at this point is losing an opportunity at employment. This is my first RN job and I really need to start working. Once I get my career going, I don't care if people look at my arms. Usually people don't know what it is unless I tell them.

Thank you for your comments. I joined this site today, and I love it already.:rolleyes:

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

congratulations on your progress and accomplishments! now please join the ranks of nurses that correctly spell hipaa, please!

:D

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Specializes in chemical dependency detox/psych.

Additionally, many people will have no clue what those scars are from. Before I got into the field of chemical dependency detox/psych, I was completely naive about such things.

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