Physical- Dealbreaker????

[StudentNrseMcFarland]

I don't want to ask my school this, so I'm putting it out here & hope you can help.

I understand the need for shots, vaccinations, TB tests, etc. and an HIV test for clinical settings.

But, why is a physical required & what do schools look for? I'm admitted, but can they reject me after admission based on my physical results?

I'm a little overweight (but working on it) I can bend, move, walk, run, turn, lift, squat and have a good range of motion. I have a few chronic health problems that are under control and manageable, but in no way serious and do not effect my daily life in any way. However, they may appear alarming on a physical form if taken at face value, with no explanation.

Is this just paperwork, or does someone analyze my forms?

[JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN]

On our form, our doctor just signs off if we are capable of performing the duties of a nurse. It is very general.

[rn/writer, RN]

Usually if your doc says that you are fit enough to attend school and clinicals, that should suffice. Programs don't want to allocate a highly-sought-after space to someone who will obviously not have the stamina or physical ability to make it work. Many students have health conditions that, if left untreated, would render them unable to handle the physical demands. But if they are receiving treatment for those same conditions, and the symptoms are controlled, they can go forward.

Two other reasons schools requires physicals--many students haven't seen a doc in at least a couple of years. A few may not have seen anyone for many years.. A good physical can catch an undiagnosed problem in the early stages--and then treatment can begin.

Schools also want a way to defuse liability issues, and the best way to do that is to pass the buck to the certifying physician.

If your primary doc is familiar with your situation (I say that because your care may involve other docs) and feels that you would be able to handle nursing school, he or she will most likely sign off on the form, and for most schools, that is enough.

Best wishes.

[happy2learn]

They aren't looking for an athlete, if that's what your worried about.

The MD or NP just checks off that you are capable of performing the duties of a nurse. That's it.