New Grad/First Job: Pre-employment Physical Exam

[RNrhythm, BSN, RN]

I have been hired by a sub-acute care facility for my first RN job. The paperwork for the pre-employment physical is very detailed and dated 2002.

I have DMII and HTN, both very well controlled by oral medication. I also take niacin. I have seasonal allergies. Why is this any of their business?

My parents died in their 80's (cancer and a head injury). My siblings have had some common health challenges. I am going to leave these sections blank.

I don't smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs. I also rarely exercise intentionally.

I do not feel comfortable giving an industrial clinic that I will never see again this much personal information. Are these forms outdated? Contrary to HIPAA? It all seems needlessly invasive of my privacy.

A simple physical exam will reveal that I am in robust good health and free of disability.

Thoughts?

[KaltmanRN15]

I was wondering the same. I have hypothyroid and asthma. But that doesn't keep me from being a good nurse. How much should you tell them and how much do you keep to yourself? Also, what type of Health issues would keep them from being able to work!?

[benegesserit]

One pre-employment physical, which was otherwise extremely basic, asked if I had any STDs. That felt a little over-the-top.

[amoLucia]

One pre-employment physical, which was otherwise extremely basic, asked if I had any STDs. That felt a little over-the-top.

I always liked the ones that asked about D/A use! Or the detailed obstetical history.

[RNrhythm, BSN, RN]

So here's what happened: I received a second job offer during the orientation for the first job, and quit before the physical. All of the paperwork from the first job had the revision date of 2001, which made it pre-HIPAA. During the pre-employment physical for the second job, for a much nicer facility, there were no questions about family history and only general questions about health. There were no questions about medications.

My vitals were measured, a simple head to toe assessment was performed, and a drug test was performed. I have since started my new job and am very happy.

[SallyRN15]

Thank you for updating us :)