re: health questionaire for job

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jan 30, 2008

I wish first to say...congrats on your continued recovery. 16 months, most excellent and impressive. Woot!!!

However, I am somewhat a little reluctant in answering this type of post, for it is somewhat similar to asking about one's license regarding the BON...which this forum does not address....outside of the scope. I would say that it is best to discuss this further during your interview. Don't immediately or automatically discount honesty as an avenue of rejection. The purpose of hire is to lay out all the cards...on both sides of the table.

I would love to have you come back to this forum to continue talking about your continued abstinence...to give us updates so that way we can continue to provide you continued encouragements. I am so proud of you. Also, would like to see you support others here and for you to share what you have found helpful...so others may benefit from your experiences.

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 30, 2008

You might want to talk with a lawyer or some other expert in this area of employment law.

However, at every hospital I have ever worked for --- Any lie on an application was considered justification for immediate termination. Even if the lie was to cover up something that would not have prevented them from being employed, the LIE was consideration demonstration that the employee could not be trusted. If a lie was discovered, the person was immediately fired ... no if's, and's, or but's.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jan 30, 2008

Good point, llg.

A couple more posts should answer fuzzie's thread sufficiently...then I will close.

I do wish to say that in Recovery, honesty towards oneself and towards others tends to be a golden rule...for it helps prevent paving "a road full of regrets"....a trigger for many, which can jeopardize one's abstinence. The exception to this rule is when our honesty may hurt another...then, we withhold it.

AmericanRN · Jan 30, 2008

I live in Idaho, and am applying for a job as a cna at a major hospital. i'm in a nursing program here.
does anyone know the process for these health history questionnaires. i am in recovery now for 16 months (after relapse) and am really having a hard time with a question that asks if I have ever been evaluated or treated for a chemical dependency. i was evaluated at one time by an addiction counselor and am an active member of AA.
Of course the honest answer is yes, in my mind. but the obvious concern is if i will be immediately disqualified...does anyone have any insight into this or experience they might share?

I know quite a few recovering addicts who also happen to be RNs and in NA or AA.

They are honest if asked directly on a questionnaire. They don't outright offer to "tell all" though if that is not asked. I would also ask at a meeting how to handle this question the next time you share. That way some other people in AA who might also be in the medical field will share with you after the meeting how they handle it. In fact they may be quite familiar with the laws are in your area regarding that.

Since you were evaulated by an addiction counselor theres a record that it indeed happened unlike those who found AA or NA on their own.

Plus I am sure your vernacular has changed, I am child of recovering addicts who have been in recovery for close to 20 years and me, my brother and sister can indeed always tell when someone is a friend of Bill W or has spent any length of time "in the rooms." They just talk differently and don't even realize it.

If you lied you might indeed be found out by someone who is familar with recovery and not all people familar with it will shut their mouth like they should.

TazziRN, RN · Jan 31, 2008

If the question were "Have you ever been treated for chemical dependency?", the answer truthfully could be No. However, since it asks if you've been evaluated, and you have, the best answer would be the truthful one. Employers are a lot more understanding nowadays about people in recovery. I think you would be pleasantly surprised.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jan 31, 2008

Great input, folks. I will continue to keep the thread open, but will continue to monitor.

island40 · Feb 4, 2008

I think that you will find that there are a lot more freinds of Bill W and Lois who are nurses than you thought. Nursing attracts the type of personality that can very easily become co-dependent. But for the grace of God go I- I don't have the allergy to alcohol or drugs but I do know that temtation to take the 'wasted' ativan home and use it to get a good night's sleep instead of flushing it as I should. I think that this gives me a bit of empathy with my clients who do have a substance abuse problem. You may find that your potential employer sees this as an asset instead of a liability too.

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Feb 4, 2008

Fuzzie - just wanted to say congrats on your 16 months! That is great. My name is Anne and I'm an addict. Just coundn't say no to the Demerol! Thank God I have 7 years clean and sober. Keep coming back to the group here at allnurses for support or to vent, there are some WONDERFUL teammates here to help you!!

Anne, RNC:clpty: