Few things are more exciting than landing a new job, but just because you nailed the interview doesn’t mean you get to hit the ground running the next day. Many industries require new recruits to go through a pre-employment physical.
It may seem like just another hoop to jump through, but for many jobs, it’s a crucial step to ensure your health and safety as well as the health and safety of your future coworkers. Some careers (police officers, commercial truck drivers, and the like) require you by law to pass a pre-employment physical.
Fortunately, you don’t have to wander into the process blind. Phylis Muthee, NP, ARNP, and the team at Ezzia Healthcare PLLC in Everett, Washington, have years of experience helping people just like you check this important box. And in this blog, we walk you through some finer points so you know what to expect.
You’ve already made progress in preparing for your pre-employment physical by reading this blog. Next on your to-read list should be the paperwork from your potential employer to get as much information as possible about what they expect from you.
You may not be able to meet every health and wellness expectation overnight, but you can start making changes to get as close as possible.
One of the most common examples is drug use. Most (if not all) employers screen for recreational drug use. If this applies to you, stop now. Even though recreational marijuana is legal in Washington, employers can still screen for traces of marijuana and decide not to hire you if you test positive.
Furthermore, if your pre-employment physical involves lab work, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before arriving.
Pre-employment physicals often include a lot of paperwork and documentation. Remember to bring the following:
Depending on your employer, they may have some specific forms they’d like us to fill out during your appointment. Check with our team to make sure you have everything you need.
Each pre-employment physical is different. Some employers require complete stamina and physical ability testing, some require psychological testing, and some just need the basics.
But for the most part, you can expect a pre-employment physical to look much like a regular physical exam. Our team starts by checking your vitals (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate), listening to your heart and lungs, and feeling your abdomen for signs of disease and other abnormalities.
To complete your physical, we may perform one or more of the following:
If you’re ready for your pre-employment physical or have more questions about the process, call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.