Pre-employment physical

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Nov 16, 2012

With most places it's nothing serious. Try to be relaxed. Be ready for a drug screen.

Wave Watcher · Nov 17, 2012

I had what they call a PATS test which is a test to see if you are physically able to preform your job. I had to lift a 50 pound box 10x from the floor to a table, preformed range of motion, pulled a 50 pound resistant cord across the room 10x, walked on tread mill at fast pace for 15min, and a few other random stuff. Had to go to my own doc and get physical for job.

CP2013 · Nov 17, 2012

I had worn a skirt suit because I went to talk to HR. didn't know I was doing a physical.

I had to do sit ups, jumping jacks (10 each) and touch my toes 5 times. They checked my BP and heart rate. They asked me to lift a box 5 times.

Basically if I couldn't do that then I would be on "restrictions" and it was up to the department if they could take someone on with restrictions or if they were going to rescind their offer of employment.

This was for a tech position though!

MrChicagoRN, RN · Nov 18, 2012

My experiences didn't involve any lifting, jumping, or dragging.Mostly BP, P, immunization reviews, ppd, drug screen. Some do a basic Neuro or balance test, but that was pretty much it.

elkpark · Nov 18, 2012

Over the years, I've encountered everything from TB-and-drug-test-and-nothing-more to a full physical exam by an MD (in hospital gown), and everything in between. Lots of employers do routine labs; lots of them actually test you on the listed physical requirements of the job (like lifting X lbs, bending/body mechanics). It's entirely the choice of the individual employer.

It's hard to imagine, though, that anyone would lose out on a job offer because of a touch of white coat HTN. :)

CP2013 · Nov 18, 2012

Over the years, I've encountered everything from TB-and-drug-test-and-nothing-more to a full physical exam by an MD (in hospital gown), and everything in between. Lots of employers do routine labs; lots of them actually test you on the listed physical requirements of the job (like lifting X lbs, bending/body mechanics). It's entirely the choice of the individual employer.
It's hard to imagine, though, that anyone would lose out on a job offer because of a touch of white coat HTN. :)

Exactly! A little of this or that is not a reason to revoke an offer of employment.

For instance I know a girl who applied for a job that clearly stated she must be able to lift 25 pounds as part of the job requirement. She failed to mention at any time that she was pregnant until she was asked during the physical to lift a box. She then said she was a high risk pregnancy and needed the money do she just left that part out. She said lifting could risk the baby.

You can be sure they didn't hire her!

Nursey86 · Nov 18, 2012

Do you think there is an issue if you are on an SSRI?

MrChicagoRN, RN · Nov 19, 2012

Do you think there is an issue if you are on an SSRI?

No

And you are under no obligigation to disclose it as long as you believe you can do the job as described