will suboxone prohibit me from becoming a CNA?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi

I want to become a CNA, and the school i want attend gives a drug test upon admission. I became addicted to oxycontin while i was having medical issues a few years back and have been on suboxone for 1 year now, i am trying to taper off but it will take a while.

I have never stolen drugs or been arrested for drugs. i was never addicted to anything until oxycontin. I plan on being upfront with the school before i take the test but i am nervous that this will cause them to not accept me. I worked as a NA years ago and always wanted to go back to it and become certified. I know that CNA's do not handle medication, but will this stop me in any way when it comes time to take the state test? I am embarrassed to even have to ask this because i know how controversial the subject is, but i need to know so i can plan otherwise if this is a problem.

thank you

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Amroke,

I have been on suboxone as well in the past- good luck tapering! It's not that bad at all.. compared to methadone it's a cake walk! I am presently on methadone and starting nursing school (registered nursing) tomorrow. The physical I handed in had that I was previously addicted to opiates and if you have any medical condition, to write a paragraph about it. So I wrote a paragraph explaining my prior addiction, how long I've been in treatment, how I attend weekly groups/counseling and that I have no positive drug tests. I sent this in in July and they still haven't sad anything- so I don't think it will be a problem! What state do you live in? I know that some states are different and are VERY discriminating against addicts. There's a case I that I was given a link to on another board about a nurse suing the board of nursing in PA. It's a great thing you don't have a record espeically for drugs/larceny - because that is something that might hinder you. And CNAs don't have to get licensed right? So I don't think the board of nursing applies to you anyway. I'd check out the Nurses in Recovery board on here.. it's A LOT more common for nurses to be addicts, especially opiates, than people think.

Good luck honey and don't let this deter you from pursuing your career! :D

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

You need to be VERY careful here. I frankly do not recommend that you discuss this issue with anyone. I recently read a very interesting article on this issue. Should you tell your employer that you have a mental illness and in general it was recommended that you don't disclose this information. If you are in recovery and you take medication that will not interfere with your ability to think clearly, I would not disclose. If you are on a medication that shows up in a drug screen and the school does a drug screen then you should bring them the bottle and show that you have a prescription for the medication. Don't disclose details unless asked. Trust me on this. If you disclose this information I guarantee you that it may affect the way people judge you. Just be careful. You will have to disclose if you have meetings that you have to attend that may interfere with school hours and you will have to disclose if specifically asked on an application or if you have a legal action against you such as a felony for possession etc.

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to snipsnapsnap...thank you so much for your reply! I feel much more confident now. I was on methadone for 6 years and made the transition to suboxone with no problems. I had made several attempts to taper off methadone and you are right it is an unbearable experience. i think suboxone is a miracle for a lot of people. I will explain my situation to them like you did, and hopefully it will work out. I figure since i wont be responsible for dispensing meds, that it wont be a problem but it still worries me. I was thinking of getting a note from my doctor to reassure that i have been testing clean. The state i am in is Massachusetts.

This is something that i have wanted to do for a long time and i hope it works out. congratulations and good luck to you in your recovery and nursing school! I will definitely check that thread you suggested.

thanks for the encouragement, take care.

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You need to be VERY careful here. I frankly do not recommend that you discuss this issue with anyone. I recently read a very interesting article on this issue. Should you tell your employer that you have a mental illness and in general it was recommended that you don't disclose this information. If you are in recovery and you take medication that will not interfere with your ability to think clearly, I would not disclose. If you are on a medication that shows up in a drug screen and the school does a drug screen then you should bring them the bottle and show that you have a prescription for the medication. Don't disclose details unless asked. Trust me on this. If you disclose this information I guarantee you that it may affect the way people judge you. Just be careful. You will have to disclose if you have meetings that you have to attend that may interfere with school hours and you will have to disclose if specifically asked on an application or if you have a legal action against you such as a felony for possession etc.

thank you for your response. that is exactly what i am afraid of, that i will be judged harshly. i have no felony's or possession charges but i still dont want to have to experience that. thank you for the advice and take care :)

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the only thing you might worry about is when you get a job- you probably will submit to a drug test. but i dont see the problem as long as you are prescribed. i think its discrimination because suboxone is NOT impairing whatsoever!

im also in massachusetts.. where do you plan on going?

if you ahve any more questions don't hesitate! good luck!!! :)

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Specializes in geriatric.

as far as i know suboxone will not come out on a random emplyment drug screen. it has to be listed and is expensive. it will not show up as a regular narcotic. at least it never used to. I suggest you dont say anythin unless asked. I agree with others just bring in your script if they ask. chances are it wont show up. if you admit to it not only will it be onthe record but it will follow you and can cause un neccesary problems.best wishes on a continued successful recovery.

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Interesting information here. I can tell you that some state boards of nursing have an issue with this, and some don't. What I mean by some don't is that they will allow you to practice as a nurse while you're on treatment, and some will not allow you to practice. Although this is for the CNA class it may pose a problem and honestly I don't know if they wont allow you to take the class because of it. But, it might be easier being that you don't have access to direct medications. It is something that you do need to disclose because if it's found out later on while you're in the program, you will be in big doo doo for not disclosing it as it's important information that was purposely withheld.

Either way good luck to you and I hope things work out in your favor.

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If it affects your ability to care for patients, then it is illegal. Period. You can loose you license forever. However, if you get a doctor's note that says it does not impair your function. Then you can get away with it. HOWEVER, if you are ACCUSED (does not mean you did) OR your patient FALLS, then that will have to be disclosed at a hearing or investigation - those investigations are MANDATORY, and if you do not disclose it then - then you LOOSE your license for lying - and possible MISDEMEANOR charge. AND it ALL stays on the state board of nursing files forever!!!! Is it really worth it??

Anyway, once you get your doc's note, you should disclose it to the state board. Get a lawyer, if you don't understand the nursing aide laws in your state. FULL DISCLOSURE is important for your own protection. If the state board says it's ok, there's you golden shield. Yes, it's is no big deal - so people are judgmental - it's the world of nurses - get use to it - it's the truth.

Good Luck :)

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