Will this affect my acceptance in to my nursing program?

MedicalNerd · May 14, 2008

That is really a good question, I wouldn't think that it would since it is not something that effects your time at school or clinicals.

Parade · May 14, 2008

I really wouldn't think it would be an issue, as it only happens while you're sleeping. If you're on medication to control them and they're well-managed by the meds, I really don't see where it would be a problem at all.

dallet6 · May 14, 2008

Under the americans with disablities act I don't believe they can deny you admission based on this.

anne_in_maryland · May 15, 2008

Go to a walk in place for your nursing physical and don't tell them about the disorder. They basically go by whatever history you give them.

justme1972 · May 15, 2008

Be very, very careful...you don't want to open a can of worms that you can't close back up.

I you have never, ever had a seizure while awake, I see no reason to disclose your health condition.

However, if you HAVE had seizures while awake, then I think you should disclose it.

I would also ask your doctor about this.

Application questions like that are really looking for profound reasons for health conditions and/or handicap that would put you or your patients at risk at a hospital or require special accomodations.

You are NOT required to disclose every single health condition just because you have something you are undergoing treatment for.

naide88 · May 15, 2008

It says on the form:

I hereby attest that medical information supplied includes all medical conditions that would affect my participation in a health professions program. I authorize release of current medical information on my medical history or current condition to clinical affiliates. If false information is given, or if significant medical information is withheld, I understand I will be dismissed from the program.

Above that there are about twenty check boxes of different "conditions" including fainting or seizures. It says I should complete this part before visiting primary care giver. Should I check yes, and write where it says to explain any 'yes" answers that I had seizures while I slept and I do not have them any more?

Or should I just wait to see my doctor and see what they say?

The fact that I used to have seizures is on my medical record.

anne_in_maryland · May 15, 2008

It says on the form:
Above that there are about twenty check boxes of different "conditions" including fainting or seizures. It says I should complete this part before visiting primary care giver. Should I check yes, and write where it says to explain any 'yes" answers that I had seizures while I slept and I do not have them any more?
Or should I just wait to see my doctor and see what they say?
The fact that I used to have seizures is on my medical record.

I would check no.

justme1972 · May 15, 2008

It says on the form:
Above that there are about twenty check boxes of different "conditions" including fainting or seizures. It says I should complete this part before visiting primary care giver. Should I check yes, and write where it says to explain any 'yes" answers that I had seizures while I slept and I do not have them any more?
Or should I just wait to see my doctor and see what they say?
The fact that I used to have seizures is on my medical record.

When people faint, they are AWAKE and can possibly be working...that puts the patient and the employee at risk for injury, etc.

The form should have been more specific. Seizures is most likely referring to the fact if you have epilepsy and have seizures while you are awake...if have ONLY had them while you are awake, then I see no reason to diclose this, b/c you obviously are not going to be working while you are sleeping.

If you had seizures during the day, in most states, your driver's license would automatically be pulled. That is how it is here.

Also, remember that many of these questions, you really need to think about them before you answer.

They do not have a right to access your entire medical record. If your physician feels that this is a condition that requires disclosure, then ONLY the portions of your medical record dealing with this specific condition will be disclosed.

coolpeach · May 15, 2008

I would check with your DR. I know we have to take a drug screening prior to starting our clinicals. I would hate for your meds to show up, and then you have to confess to taking them, and not listing them on your physical, and then confess to your health history, and not listing that.

I personally would check with your primary care Dr. and have a heart to heart. If he says it won't affect your abilities then you could even have him write a note stating that. The way it sounds it really wouldn't affect your nursing, and I am sure he/she wouldn't mind saying that on paper. Then its all out in the open, and you won't have to even think about it anymore.

naide88 · May 15, 2008

Well I am taking Topamax for migraines and Topamax also controls my seizures somehow.

I'm still very confused. If it won't affect my performance, then why mark no? I don't want to lie because then I can be kicked out of the program.

coolpeach · May 16, 2008

If it doesn't affect your performance then you shouldn't have to worry. When do you turn in your physical? We don't turn ours in until we are already in the program, and go to success camp prior to the start of semester.

If that is case for you then they would have to tell you why you couldn't continue, and then you could sue if your Dr. felt it wouldn't affect your ability to be a nurse.

Then again since its a migraine med you could just state you have migraines. I couldn't do that because I am all paranoid that one day it would bite me on the butt.

If it were me I would go talk to my Dr. and ask him to write you a note in addition to filling out your physical.....then your safe. If they failed to admit based on that you could sue them.