Required to disclose hx of depression

Nurses Disabilities

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I'm attending a health screening soon for a new job and it asks on my pre-screening forms if i have a hx of depression, which i do, as well as an eating disorder. this was treated back in 2008 and i don't take meds/ receive therapy anymore. i haven't had any issues either. is there any chance that i will be disqualified from employment with my history?

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

It's possible. Employers tend not to be very understanding of mental health issues. If you've been stable for seven years and are not on meds, there really is no need to disclose your medical history. It's really none of their business if it's not a current problem.

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thank you very much for your quick reply and suggestion. i agree. it hasn't been an issue in years, and i'd hate to risk losing my dream job over a psych problem i had in high school

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Specializes in ER.

Whatever happened to HIPAA and our right to privacy? For what it's worth, I've never been asked health history by an employer other than vaccination status.

I think it should be illegal, other than a general question asking if you have any condition that will keep you from performing your duties.

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Will your hx of depression affect your performance in this job? No? Then they can stuff it. Only way they would ever find out is by illegal means.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Even the BONs don't require you disclose all past history. What most require is self disclosure of any psychiatric condition that led to hospitalization in the past 4 years. Medical records are private in this country except in the event of legal holds for Danger to self, Danger to others , or gravely disabled by reason of mental illness. If your illness never brough you in contact with the legal system then I would not disclose it as it's none of their business. If you have a handel on it and feel you can address the stresses of the job go for it - just make sure you are practicing good self care as old anxiety related disorders tend to rear their ugly heads when new stressors are encountered.

If you past problems resulted in legal actions or involuntary holds you may want to discuss it with your employer (or not) as it may show up on a back-ground check. Psychiatric juvinile records are not sealed and employed may feel they were lied to. It's something you have to decid. If you don't disclose and it comes up in back ground you need to have a psoitive healthy response to give. Something like "Oh, that was years ago and I worked through it with some great professionals and it's all behind me." Approach any questions from a position of strength.

Good luck to you

Hppy

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Specializes in Pediatric.

Late to the party, but I would by no means would disclose it.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.
Whatever happened to HIPAA and our right to privacy? For what it's worth, I've never been asked health history by an employer other than vaccination status.

I think it should be illegal, other than a general question asking if you have any condition that will keep you from performing your duties.

Amen. I'm regretting my decision to answer questions truthfully. Honest to a fault. I thought disclosure is the best policy. Boy was I wrong.

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Amen. I'm regretting my decision to answer questions truthfully. Honest to a fault. I thought disclosure is the best policy. Boy was I wrong.

:( I'm sorry, dear. :(

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