New Grad RN - repaired herniated disc - physical exam

[bigst79]

I am a new graduate male RN with a cervical disc herniation that I just had repaired by Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. I went out of network to have it performed by one of the best in the business and I feel great. I'm already back in the gym. My starting date will be 2 days shy of it being 3 months since I had the surgery. I wanted to have it repaired before I started working to make sure I didn't re-injure it. Which brings me to my question...

Now that I received the pre-employment physical exam documents to fill out, I'm wondering if maybe they'll disqualify me from employment for having a steel plate in my neck even though it's considered to be repaired? Is this possible? Do they contact my family physician and request medical records? Will having my disc herniation REPAIRED disqualify me from employment? How should I answer the physical exam questionnaire? I didn't come this far to find out I'll never make it as a nurse.

Thanks

[llg, PhD, RN]

Answer the questions honestly. If you are caught in a lie later, it could be justification for immediate termination with "Not eligible for re-hire" in your file forever.

Do you have any restrictions on what you can physically do? (e.g. can't lift above a certain weight, etc.) If you do, that may be a problem that would prevent you from being hired into certain positions. If you don't, you might want to get a letter from your physician stating that you have no restrictions that you would take you to any screening. Even the suspicion that you might not be able to perform all your job duties can be enough for them to not hire you.

I wish you the best of luck with this job. You have reason to be hopeful that the surgery will not matter to them, but you need to be prepared with the proper documentation ready to go if needed. Don't make them wait for it when/if they ask for it.

[bigst79]

Thanks. I have no limitations and will take your advice and call my doctor tomorrow so that I will have written documentation in hand when going for my physical. I went through 4 clinical semesters including a preceptorship with no back issues, and that was before my disc was corrected.

Thanks again.

[Ginger35]

If you have no restrictions by your physician - then - no restrictions means no restrictions. Of course, even with a healthy spine - you want to prevent injury. I too have had previous spine surgery and employed in different positions with different employers. They can not refuse to hire you just because of a history of spine surgery - unless - you fail the physical or have restrictions from your MD. Good luck! Ginger

[Herman66]

I had almost the same issue. Anterior spinal fusion L4-5. Had a ton of anxiety over this. Was leaning towards ommission, but wanted to protect myself in case of re-injury (as well as ...I just don't like to be dishonest). I answered the questions honestly, went to the pre-employment physical armed with a letter from my Ortho stating that I had no limitations (it's been a few years). Had absolutely no problem, been there a year now. Hope this helps, and good luck!

[puravidaLV]

here is the thing when you fix it the ones above and below have a greater chance of herniating themselves as well. You may or may mot reinjure it, but 3 months....your more than likely going to. I have a "friend" who had two herniated and it lead to a third, so is it worth doing? going to work and feeling that nice nerve pain when you lift timmys grandma? that's your call.

its better to recover than go down without having a chance.