Intrusive application questions!

[Scorchednurse]

I was recently completing my hiring paperwork for a pediatric home health company, and I came upon a "health history" page. It asked me to list every surgery I've ever had, the date, and why. It then asked me to list any new or chronic health conditions I've been diagnosed with in the last 5 years!!! When I asked why they need all that information; they stated it was pertinent to ensure we're capable of performing the functions required for the job! Also, they sent a paper to each of your prior employers that had to be returned prior to starting where they graded you 1-5 on dependability, attitude, etc., then asked if we were ever disciplined and why. I very honestly told them I had no interest in working for an employer that felt entitled to that much personal information, especially home health that offered average pay and said they are building clientele and have people who have been hired for 5 months that haven't gotten a patient yet!!! Forget it!! Anyone else have their employers ask questions this personal?

[guest940422]

I had someone ask me in an interview how many times I called in sick last year and if I had ever been on FMLA... I shook their hands on the spot, thanked them for the interview, and excused myself. I saw no point in wasting anyone's time after that.

Another told me I didn't get the job because I don't speak spanish. I lost my cool and asked them if that was a legal reason since a translator line is a "reasonable accommodation" even a spanish speaking nurse would need given the Arab, Mandarine, Vietnamese, and other languages spoken in my city.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

For my job on a gero-psych unit, I was asked: if a had a boyfriend or husband, and then I was asked if I planned on becoming pregnant in the next two years.

I kept the shock off my face! But my head was like *****

"Yes, and life rarely goes according to plan. Do you have any more illegal questions for me? No? Good... I will excuse myself now, because your clear disregard for federal law doesn't bode well for you as an employer."

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

It seems like every job I've had in my life, as time has progressed, has become more and more intrusive in the info that it asks. The last one had a two page check list of potential diseases/diagnoses, including a write-in section for any hx of mental health problems (past or current). Specific items that they wanted to know about on the checklist also included frequent hemorrhoids, a weak urine stream, menstrual cramps, heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, number of pregnancies and living children, and if I examined my testicles regularly.

They also wanted to know every medication, including OTCs and vitamins/supplements (past and present!) that I had taken.

Oh **** no.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I had someone ask me in an interview how many times I called in sick last year and if I had ever been on FMLA... I shook their hands on the spot, thanked them for the interview, and excused myself. I saw no point in wasting anyone's time after that.

Another told me I didn't get the job because I don't speak spanish. I lost my cool and asked them if that was a legal reason since a translator line is a "reasonable accommodation" even a spanish speaking nurse would need given the Arab, Mandarine, Vietnamese, and other languages spoken in my city.

Even if you did, that doesn't mean you are a **qualified medical interpreter.** Shame on them for not knowing that...they are doing their Spanish-speaking pt population a huge disservice.

[rn1965, ADN]

I think I would politely excuse myself from the interview and move on.

[Julius Seizure]

For my job on a gero-psych unit, I was asked: if a had a boyfriend or husband, and then I was asked if I planned on becoming pregnant in the next two years.

I kept the shock off my face! But my head was like *****

"Yes, and life rarely goes according to plan. Do you have any more illegal questions for me? No? Good... I will excuse myself now, because your clear disregard for federal law doesn't bode well for you as an employer."

Just burst into fake tears and tell them "I've been trying to get pregnant for the last seven years but the doctors say it will probably never happen." And then fake cry so hard that they can't even continue the interview.

[Ambersmom, BSN, RN]

wrong thread

[maxthecat]

So does anybody think that since they are going to be paying a portion of your health insurance costs if they

hire you, that an employer has a right to know if you are going to be a likely liability to them (Of course

nobody knows for sure, but there are statistical values out there.) For example, they

and their insurers may prefer to hire a healthy 28 year old with no family history of chronic illnesses over a 48

year old who will be making frequent claims r/t chronic respiratory issues, whose parents both died of

complications of COPD. My employer already makes a distinction in the premium I pay based on my obesity. They

know that people like me are more likely to use insurance and thus cost them money based on known health risks

of an obese individual. I may not like it,, but I can't really argue that they don't have a right to do it.

[Julius Seizure]

So does anybody think that since they are going to be paying a portion of your health insurance costs if they

hire you, that an employer has a right to know if you are going to be a likely liability to them (Of course

nobody knows for sure, but there are statistical values out there.) For example, they

and their insurers may prefer to hire a healthy 28 year old with no family history of chronic illnesses over a 48

year old who will be making frequent claims r/t chronic respiratory issues, whose parents both died of

complications of COPD. My employer already makes a distinction in the premium I pay based on my obesity. They

know that people like me are more likely to use insurance and thus cost them money based on known health risks

of an obese individual. I may not like it,, but I can't really argue that they don't have a right to do it.

No, I don't think that makes it their business. The hospital has a group plan with the insurance agency to provide insurance at a certain rate for their employees. The subsidize a certain amount of it. They don't send your health records to the insurance company to adjust how much your premium is based on your weight. Also, your increased use of your health insurance doesn't affect your pre-set premium. Thats why it's insurance...you are guaranteed certain benefits for a pre-agreed monthly payment.

I do think they want to know how much of a risk you are in terms of missed shifts, on-the-job injuries, etc., though.

[caliotter3]

When confronted with this "tell all on paper" request the first time, I compared it to the employer pre-employment "physical exam" where the doctor or nurse practitioner asked me to touch my toes, listened to my lungs, and peeked at my throat, then proclaimed me fit to do the job I was applying for. That put it into perspective for me.

[Julius Seizure]

When confronted with this "tell all on paper" request the first time, I compared it to the employer pre-employment "physical exam" where the doctor or nurse practitioner asked me to touch my toes, listened to my lungs, and peeked at my throat, then proclaimed me fit to do the job I was applying for. That put it into perspective for me.

Hopefully no pap smear or "turn your head and cough", in the pre-employment physical exam.

[Wlaurie, RN]

A little off topic here. I understand that employers can ask for your ss #, but I recently went to a new doctor and theyre asking for it. No wonder there is so much scamming going on. Told them there is no reason for me to give it to them. People think they can ask you anything and youll answer it. Im just a salmon swimming upstream bc they are not getting it from me.