Question

romie · Dec 30, 2006

Since you were not diagnosed with any of the listed illnesses, the answer to that question would be NO. As far as disclosing the medications you are taking, it really isn't any of their business. It isn't relevant to your application.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Dec 30, 2006

Double check to make sure depression not listed too.

Often a brief note from PCP saying your under their care, regular visits, threapeutic levels included with application will help for those having to take meds.

caliotter3 · Dec 30, 2006

Just like with the question on a work physical exam form I had to fill out the first time I got a job as a CNA about back injuries: the DSD said this has nothing to do with sore backs, strains, and such, they mean serious back problems that require surgery. Also, recently my MD told me that I did not have to disclose my meds on employment physicals or answer questions from my employers, unless I chose to. If it has nothing to do with my ability to do the job, then it is absolutely NOT their business. And if ever injured on the job, then it is a worker's comp MD whose questions and exams I would have to worry about.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 30, 2006

If it has nothing to do with my ability to do the job, then it is absolutely NOT their business.

That question surprises me because I also would have thought that it isn't something they can ask. Have to say that I do think more screening of future nurses would be a good thing but I'm not sure how ethical or legal it would be and this question seems to me to be pushing the envelope a bit.

jimthorp · Dec 30, 2006

Since you were not diagnosed with any of the listed illnesses, the answer to that question would be NO. As far as disclosing the medications you are taking, it really isn't any of their business. It isn't relevant to your application.

My PMH is none of their business.

danissa, LPN, LVN · Dec 30, 2006

one of my newer co-workers was telling me the other night how she had to get a letter from her doctor stating her fitness to go to Uni to train as a nurse, as she disclosed at her interview that she was on Anti- depressant meds! Have never come across this before, heck anti depressants, -more than half of my co-workers, myself included, take them now! No-one cares enough to see how you are doing on them anyway, as long as you are fit for work!:uhoh21:

AfloydRN, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2006

By law, NO. Most women I know- RN's are on them anyway. It does not affect patient care. As long as it's not a new med and you aren't sure how you will react, it's fine.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2006

My PMH is none of their business.

Actually it is. One must be of sound mind and body to be a nurse. Nursing is not unique in this, the military, police, and other professions ask about past medical history.

I had to get a physical for my online RN to BSN program, that was odd.

To the OP, it sounds like the answer is no, so don't worry about it. However, even "yes" answers doesn't necessarily disqualify you if you're currently of sound mind and body.

jimthorp · Dec 31, 2006

Actually it is. One must be of sound mind and body to be a nurse. Nursing is not unique in this, the military, police, and other professions ask about past medical history.
I had to get a physical for my online RN to BSN program, that was odd.
To the OP, it sounds like the answer is no, so don't worry about it. However, even "yes" answers doesn't necessarily disqualify you if you're currently of sound mind and body.

I had to get a physical for nursing school but did not have to complete a PMH questionare. I also had to get a physical for employment but again no complete PHM disclosure. I was not presented with the questions the OP was.

jimthorp · Dec 31, 2006

By law, NO. Most women I know- RN's are on them anyway.

That right there is scary!

romie · Jan 1, 2007

Unfortunately because mental illnesses and treatments carry such a stigma for their sufferers, one's privacy should be considered. It amazes me that even among healthcare workers, there is an incredible amount of ignorance and prejudice towards those with mental health issues of any kind and an attitude that those who use medications or psychotherapy are somehow weaker, morally bankrupt, less valuable. Such widespread attitudes and beliefs leads people to avoid seeking treatment. If I were in a position where I had to chose someone to become a nurse, I would probably choose the person with depression and using SSRIs as opposed to going with an individual who is untreated, undiagnosed and lacking awareness of their mental/ emotional health.

What it really boils down to is a matter of FUNCTION: can one do the job? At my school we had to sign a statement that went over every functional aspect of nursing-- seeing, hearing, observing, motor, intellectual/ integrative/ quantitive abilities and finally behavioral/ interpersonal attributes. It focused on FUNCTION as opposed to slapping labels on people that lay people could use to judge.

Does the OP situation impair her ability to function as a nurse? NO. Does the mere fact that she is under pharmocotherapuetic treatment impair her ability to function as a nurse? NO. She does not need to disclose this to anyone.