Job offer, disclose medical disease?

[lovelifehappiness]

I have a job offer as a student nurse/cna....i have a hereditary disease of the kidney, should I disclose the disease at the physical? I only take a hypertensive med...thats it. How much are they going to ask in the physical examination? Do they ask for my past medical records? I just don't want to be discriminated because of my disease.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

They can't ask anything unless you volunteer. As long as you are not asking for accommodations, you should be fine.

Good luck.

[tpaheart]

Trust me, don't disclose anything. They can't ask for your past records. I've worked somewhere for 6 yrs and have lupus. Never a problem w old boss now they want me to undergo "fit for duty" exam because they are just trying to get rid of me. Yes its discrimination and I have an attorney involved.

But do not EVER tell anyone anything.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

THey send us an annual periodic health assessment form to fill out where I work and stated it was an "opportunity" for us to tell them about our medical problems and safety concerns. Really? I don't remember it being voluntary. It's mandatory so how is it an opportunity? Also stated you could ask for accommodations due to health problem? Really since when, anytime any coworker every had a back problem or medical issue where lifting was a problem the only time they were allowed to work was if it was a workers comp deal. Granted they mentioned if you had a poor immune system you could ask for accommodations, I wouldn't hold out hope of any help other than to help someone out the door!

I think its intrusive to demand to know any health problems we may have and probably the majority of nurses have some problems as they are getting older and dealing with constant stress and poor working conditions. Oh but its confidential. I don't trust them and don't see why I should have to publicize any medical problem I might have!

[tamadrummer]

I had back surgery 8 years ago and told the hospital that hired me. They requested my records, did a physical and an in depth physical assessment test and cleared me fit for duty without limits. I thought I was going to regret being honest but in the end I feel like I did the right thing and have a much easier time sleeping knowing I am not having to hide anything. Good luck and have fun. Being a nurse tech is great because it helps develope skills necessary to be a successful RN.

[Budzmom]

So, tamadrummer, are you a RN or a RN tech? I had spine surgery almost 10 years ago that basically made me unhireable-I guess they see me as a liability. I am working home health, which I hate, but it pays the bills. Sounds like you had better luck than I did.