Psychological Testing

[c3neely]

Im interested in a career as an NO, and have been doing research on a career change about how to go about that.  I have 3 "ins" at Exelon, now I need to finish the required coursework to make me "hireable" to even give myself a chance.

Can you guys explain to me the Psychological Testing aspect of the job?  For example, I have had issues with anxiety problems in the past, and have taking medication for that for a few years of my life (not currently over the last year) but have consistent work history over that time.  Are my medical records released in this process of getting hired/obtaining an unescorted nuclear clearance?  Even if they were, is this a problem or a "red flag" that would keep me from getting hired/obtaining clearance?  Im aware that they administer (at Exelon) the MMPT, but I didn't know if thats where it stopped at.  I will obviously answer questions honestly...but as you can imagine, I would hate to make this switch...go finish this coursework (starting with an associated in engingeering/applied science), change careers (i currently teach), get my interview...and then be told "yeah you can't obtain clearance for this line of work"

Can anyone give me any insight on this?  thanks

[Starkist]

Guess I should chime in.

I feel your pain dude. I had two very severe panic attacks in the navy that lead me to getting discharged early. Some here want to call me a "sad panda", but that's not the case. I was diagnosed with anxiety, impulsive explosive disorder, depression, and "adjustment disorder" all in one go. I wasn't put on meds but I had to do a lot of counseling (still am).

Well after getting out, I applied to various plants, and a bunch were still interested. I did the testing, and it was scary/difficult explaining everything, but I was still hired. It may be tempting to try to cover it up or minimize it, but have faith in yourself. If you don't get hired in right now, keep taking your meds and doing what you have to do. I was prett surprised they still cleared me, but it was nice and helped me sleep at night knowing they knew everything already.


If you are still seeing a psychiatrist, tell him/her your goals of getting a nuke job, and see if they will give you a written recommendation, it will go pretty far for you.

Good luck. The user "graphic' here can help you out a lot as well. Id suggest sending him a pm and let him know what's going on. He's been invaluable to the site.

Edit
I didn't even answer your question! You will authorize them to "dig" as much as they want. To my knowledge they never looked at my medical records, maybe they did, maybe they didn't. I think they are more concerned with you being honest 

[c3neely]

appreciate the response

panic attacks are scary man.  The scariest part of the whole thing is the first time u have one...u have no idea what the hell is going on.  U just assume that your "going crazy."   Im off everything now, and trying to learn how to deal with all of this without medication, cause u probably no, but at the end of the day anxiety meds dont really solve the problem, they just cover shit up.  But i really would like to get into this field, I just obviously am concerned about being denied a job...even though I know im a reliable worker/excel in the work force.  Its my personal life I cant get into order, haha. 

and i did message that guy...thanks for that, he got back to me right away.

[Starkist]

Yeah dude, my first panic attack I was in berthing, and I couldn't stop crying. I passed out for about five minutes and was a mess for a few days. My next panic attack I was on watch and it got UGLY as drayer will tell you. I was never more scared in my life and I had no idea why. I feel your pain brother, I hope you never have to experience that again. My last panic attack cost me my job, and just wrecked me for a while. Its such a shame that something you can't control has such a negative impact on your life. Somee people here think I tried to get out of the navy, but that's the complete opposite of what was the truth. I was a career guy, and it broke my heart when I got out. Drayer (on here) was one of the few people to help me through it. I was up for e6 at my 4 year point, and it just went to crap. Very sad, I hate thinking about it.

Feel free to pm me if you have any questions, its a hard deal and I KNOW what you're feeling right now. Others are quick to judge, but that's only because they've never had to experience it. Its sheer terror, I know. Good luck dude, graphic can help you better then I can, so use him as much as possible. Use your friends and family to help you through everything and don't give up. Things will be fine if you want them to be.