I am asking all my fellow nurses on their thoughts are on this. I have chronic pain, several car accidents and take a few medications but they have no adverse effect on me. I currently take Tramadol 2 tabs 3 times a day (I've been taking this for over 5 years now and have zero drowsiness with them) for Fibromalgia. I also take 1 tab Flexeril before bed. I avoid taking the medications while I am working and know my body and will not work under the influence or hinder my performance or safety.
I am beginning a new position as RN and had to complete the physical and urine drug test. They asked for all my medications and I was honest with him. He was asking a lot of questions about the pain, why I take the medications and the effects they have on me. He wants me to bring in the label itself to show the prescription part.
I have been upfront and honest about it all but now question if they can use this against me and not hire me? I have true legitimate prescription and reason for taking it. Wouldn't it be discrimination if they don't hire me? Can they legally not hire me? Or am I getting worried about nothing??
Did you end up getting the job? I am going to be going in for an employee health screen and am getting nervous about pre-judgements about my health conditions and medications. Although my health has never compromised my work performance or attendance, I have experienced delays in starting positions because of concerns of what "could happen" that required further documentation. I now have to fill out a pre-employent health history form and I wonder if it is legal to ask if I've been on disability or ever applied for it? I know that before you are offered the job, that question is optional. Do I have to answer it now?
Does anyone know if you have to answer the question, "Have you ever been on disability or applied for it?" on a pre-employment health form. I have a conditional offer, but this doesn't seem like something that should be required to answer. Has anyone ever not answered this questions or left out other thing on this form? I want to be honest, but I don't want to have the department making judgements based on a stereotype or what "could happen", because I know that this is not legal under the ADA. But it seems like with nursing jobs, there doesn't seem to be the same rights given to applicants due to "patient safety" concerns, regardless of whether the applicant has never had any issues in job performance or attendance.
Yes, they can legally not hire you. THEY can not hire you for any reason.
"He was asking a lot of questions about the pain, why I take the medications and the effects they have on me." Any employer could question your ability to function with prescribed medications. Tramadol and Flexeril will remain in your system, even if you do not take it during your shift.
Think about it.. if the facility has their pick of applicants, why would they hire someone that requires meds for pain control? You could easily exacerbate your condition with the rigors of nursing.. then become a liability for the company.
Best wishes, next time you apply, lay off the Tramadol and Flexeril, before the question is asked.
Does anyone know if you have to answer the question, "Have you ever been on disability or applied for it?" on a pre-employment health form. I have a conditional offer, but this doesn't seem like something that should be required to answer. Has anyone ever not answered this questions or left out other thing on this form? I want to be honest, but I don't want to have the department making judgements based on a stereotype or what "could happen", because I know that this is not legal under the ADA. But it seems like with nursing jobs, there doesn't seem to be the same rights given to applicants due to "patient safety" concerns, regardless of whether the applicant has never had any issues in job performance or attendance.
Legally, employers who have made a job offer can access your worker's comp records. Legally, they can only rescind an offer due to your previous disability claims if you fail to disclose it during the application process.
So, if you don't answer that question, or answer no, your potential employer will find out that you were not truthful. And more than likely they will pull their employment offer. You have more to lose by not answering truthfully.
RNrunner1
6 Posts
Did you end up getting the job? I am going to be going in for an employee health screen and am getting nervous about pre-judgements about my health conditions and medications. Although my health has never compromised my work performance or attendance, I have experienced delays in starting positions because of concerns of what "could happen" that required further documentation. I now have to fill out a pre-employent health history form and I wonder if it is legal to ask if I've been on disability or ever applied for it? I know that before you are offered the job, that question is optional. Do I have to answer it now?