Interviewing while on workman's comp?

[qestout, ASN, RN]

On 10/30, a patient caused me to fall, suffer vertebral compression fracture, and I'm at home for a few weeks to heal. If all goes according to plan, I should recover mid-December.

Wouldn't you know, I was finally called for an interview for a position I've applied for many times! I did make an interview date for next week when they called.

What should I do?

I can cover up the back brace with clothing, and I can walk short distances w/o cane, but I think I should mention the injury.

Any advice on if I should talk about this? Or just say I'll be available after 1/1/14?

Thanks :)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Just say you fell and expect full recovery soon.

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

If the interview is at the same facility, they will find out. If not, you need to let them know you fell and suffered compression fractures but are expected to make a full recovery by January. They will most likely require a statement from the doctor that you are cleared without any restrictions before they will hire you.

[qestout, ASN, RN]

It is at a different facility, and I do have a couple of friends that work there who know of the fall. I don't think they would hire me in my current status. But I would rather be honest than not. Is it something I should bring up at the beginning or end of interview?

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

No. They are not allowed to ask why you are using a cane, and cannot take it into account. But if you really don't want to leave it hanging in the air, tell them at the end when they ask you if you have any questions.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Your employment application asks if you were ever on Workers Comp.

As with any application question you need to be 100% honest.

I would stress the fact that you are near the end of your healing process and EAGER to get back to work.

Never let 'em see ya wince;)

Best of luck, keep us posted.

[SubSippi]

No. They are not allowed to ask why you are using a cane, and cannot take it into account. But if you really don't want to leave it hanging in the air, tell them at the end when they ask you if you have any questions.

They might not technically be allowed to cite that as the sole reason for not hiring someone, but with so many people applying for each position, would a hiring manager really not take that into account? That's not a rhetorical question, I'm genuinely wondering.

Also, I would definitely want to point out that I was expected to make a full recovery. I would, however, NOT let on to the fact that it was a workplace accident. I wouldn't want a perspective employer to think that I wasn't utilizing safe body mechanics and all that. Not saying OP wasn't being safe, I know accidents happen, I just wouldn't want to lead someone to view me as a potential liability in the workplace.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

This is not meant to be legal or medical advice, per TOS.

I don't know, call me overly cautious, but I would hate to think that this could somehow jeopordize your workman's comp. Stranger things have happend. If they start the process of calling employers for your application, and HR is wondering how you can travel to a job interview, sit for same, etc. it may not be in your best interest.

Also, unfortunetely, back injuries have a mind of their own. Your expectation and what actually occurs may be 2 different things. If you go back to work mid December, and you still can't function well, you need to allow yourself time to heal properly. You do not want to set yourself up for a chronic pain situation. And you may or may not find that your current employer makes reasonable accommodations for your injury,

Now, I have not a clue what this new position may be. However, if it is more "back friendly" than your current position, it may be something that would benefit you. However, I would be up front about the fact you had a fall, you are recovering from said fall, and that you really have wanted a position with them for a long time. But again, as you know, floor nursing (if that's what this position is) is not easy when people do not have an issue with their back.

So be mindful and careful. And maybe this is a sign that you need to think about management positions, something away from bedside.

Whatever you decide, best of luck in your endevours and recovery.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Your employment application asks if you were ever on Workers Comp.

I've never been asked that on a job application.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I've never been asked that on a job application.

You don't have to be asked. Any employer can contact the state division that regulate work comp and ask for any reports on comp claims for anyone applying for work. In my state they also get anyone also at the same address or similar names, and search by SSN.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

The last 10 years, I have done travel nursing, agency nursing, and more. Many, many apps.Every application had not- so fine print that asked about EVER receiving Worker's Comp.

[qestout, ASN, RN]

Update***I'm calling in to cancel interview, r/t having recent injury preventing attendance (***found out today I'm not allowed to drive). I'll ask if I may call when medically released, as I'd love to work there.

And that's it.