Full disclosure??

Nurses Disabilities

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So I was chosen out of many applicants for a CNA position at a fairly large hospital. Now I am faced with the question of if I absolutely have to disclose a medical condition that is not outwardly obvious and then maybe risk having the job offer rescinded/discrimination? Do I have to state any and all conditions that will NOT affect work performance and job safety? I am entirely capable of fulfilling all of the job description duties. Anyone have some insight on this issue? Thanks in advance :)

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Do NOT disclose any information that you're not directly asked for. Your health record is private and does not need to be discussed with your employer unless you need accommodations to do your job. Believe me, they will find a way not to hire you or to get rid of you once the condition is known, so it's best not to let that particular cat out of the bag.

I'm sorry things are like this, but it's just too risky career-wise to disclose anything about one's health in a health"care" environment. Wishing you the best of luck.

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Thank you, VivaLasViejas" for your reply.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

You're welcome. It's just that I've been burned badly, twice, by disclosing an illness which unfortunately got out of control so I could no longer hide it. Now I take my medications exactly as directed and keep my mouth shut. :)

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If a medical condition is not disclosed in the beginning ( being honest) like at the post offer physical then it could be discovered later if a workers comp injury occurs or if claims are submitted. Right? So then not being up front could end up biting me in the butt later! Or if I am honest, then that could have a negative result too! Kind of a two-edged sword. Any input/ experience is greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I think a lot depends on the condition you have. If it's physical, it could affect the way you do your work, and that probably should be disclosed but only IF you're asked for that information point-blank. Don't volunteer it, but don't lie either.

My own issues are mental and there's a lot of stigma attached to mental health diagnoses, which is why I advise against disclosure. And remember, you don't give up your right to privacy when you become a healthcare professional! HIPAA exists to protect you as well as anyone else out there. Good luck.

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Specializes in ICU.

Do not disclose. I never do. I wouldn't worry about something like workmans comp. the fact is, it would be rare for you to have to use it. And if they deny you for a condition you already have, which I have never heard of btw, it's not a big deal. I have epilepsy and I never tell. I did one time at a job after they hired me. They treated me completely different and were upset that I didn't tell them in the interview. But they couldn't do anything because I was working for a few months at that point. But I was treated differently after that point.

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