[sirI]

Originally Posted by grannynurse FNP student

Tweetie, I realize the NPAs vary from state to state. I also ocassionally use narcotics. When I haven't used them for a long period of time, I suffer some of the side effects. However, after using them on a continued bases, I don't. I also do not drive when taking a narcotic. In some instances, I believe it is BON over reacting and fear of being accused of the same things BOM are. No one knows if a chronic pain suffer is taking a narcotic unless she/he shares the information. And to be honest, it is no one elses business, unless they are showing signs of impairment.

Grannynurse

I am confused here. You are saying you will not drive when under the influence, but, you will take care of a patient while under the influence?

[grannynurse FNP student]

Originally Posted by siri

I am confused here. You are saying you will not drive when under the influence, but, you will take care of a patient while under the influence?

No, you are not confused, I am. What I meant to say was that I did not drive when taking a narcotic on a limited bases. It is when I have taken a narcotic or been using a duragesic patch, for a period of time, that I do drive. I do not suffer from any of the side effects and the prescribing physician does not have a problem with me driving. He and I have discussed the subject at length. It has been my experience and the experience of many other chronic pain suffers, who use narcotics on a regular bases, that we do not generally suffer from dizziness and/or drowsiness or altered sensorium. The precautions, against driving or operating equipment or machinery, while under the influence of a narcotic, is based on the acute use pattern and its effects on the brain. I would not go to an ER, receive an inject of MS and then get behind the wheel of my care. I would drive my care after being on a patch for a period of time. And I would also take care of a patient. And I would challenge anyone to differeniate when I have a patch on and when I do not. It is not as simple as some appear to think it is, to determine when someone is operating under the influence.

Grannynurse

[teeituptom]

Originally Posted by Crumbwannabe

Do you want a doc performing surgery on you while in severe pain, needing to sit down,perhaps lie down for a few minutes to regain focus? I'd prefer to have my surgery done by a surgeon who is comfortable and not hastening the procedure to get it over with. Of course in the ideal world, health care providers ignore and overcome the pain with their stoic character.

Believe me, I'm there, and the pain is getting worse. I don't volunteer info to anyone, I am not cloudy due to narcs, relif of pain helps me to focus on what I should be doing. Believe me, no one is going to give you a gold star or blue ribbon for living in constant inescapable pain. You will simply realize that when the end of your life comes, you had never lived, to paraphrase Thoreau.
Or you may end up putting a bullet in your own head when you have no more reserve to live with it.

So my message is that when quality of life is poor at best you have nothing to lose by lying, cheating, falsifying or whatever it takes to get by those employers or agencies who would exclude you from the human race. And being in a position of having nothing to lose is quite liberating if you think about it. It takes a great load off if you accept that you can't improve your lot. (I am not talking about stealing drugs or forging scripts or anything of the sort. I am talking about prescriptions administered by competent physicians.)

What are the "good people" in a position to do about it if they catch you using a prescription at work? Make you more miserable than you already are?
Don't just stand and take it. Be a troublemaker if needs be, and choose your battles wisely.

No I wouldnt want that doctor working on me, also I certainly dont want a doctor taking pain control medicine working on me.

[grannynurse FNP student]

Originally Posted by teeituptom

No I wouldnt want that doctor working on me, also I certainly dont want a doctor taking pain control medicine working on me.

With all due respect, I have a quick question for all: How would you know that the physician was taking pain medication, on a long term basis to control chronic pain, unless he shared it with you? Please share with me how you would reach such a determination.

Grannynurse

[jlamb]

Originally Posted by siri

Hello, SRbear,

I am so very sorry about the pain in your life.

Yes, this is in violation just about anywhere. You are considered working under the influence and a danger to the wellfare of your patients AND yourself.

I hope you can find some peace and be free from this pain......

You can still work. I am a CLNC and have had a palliative care certification. There are many health care providers who have to take narcotic pain medication. I personally know quite a few who are since I have worked in a pain management clinic. It is not true that a person would be under the influence just because of narcotic prescription use. In fact, there have been studies that show there are more mistakes made by those who are in pain and are distracted by that.

[teeituptom]

Originally Posted by grannynurse FNP student

With all due respect, I have a quick question for all: How would you know that the physician was taking pain medication, on a long term basis to control chronic pain, unless he shared it with you? Please share with me how you would reach such a determination.

Grannynurse

And do people who use narcotics, or alcohol, or Cannabis freely admit that they are using while driving a car and jeopardizing our lives. No not untill they are either busted or get in an accident then its too late.

same difference to me

[grannynurse FNP student]

Originally Posted by teeituptom

And do people who use narcotics, or alcohol, or Cannabis freely admit that they are using while driving a car and jeopardizing our lives. No not untill they are either busted or get in an accident then its too late.

same difference to me

Sorry but I do not understand your response. And no, I am not currently taking a narcotic. My point, there are many people, who legally use narcotics and function well, in their given professions. You would be hard pressed to determine if I were using a durgestic patch, without my telling you. And you would be equally hard pressed to tell if someone else, who used a narcotic on a regular bases, was using one also, without them informing you.

Grannynurse

[teeituptom]

Originally Posted by grannynurse FNP student

Sorry but I do not understand your response. And no, I am not currently taking a narcotic. My point, there are many people, who legally use narcotics and function well, in their given professions. You would be hard pressed to determine if I were using a durgestic patch, without my telling you. And you would be equally hard pressed to tell if someone else, who used a narcotic on a regular bases, was using one also, without them informing you.

Grannynurse

When you out it that way, that really is a scary thought.

[grannynurse FNP student]

Originally Posted by teeituptom

When you out it that way, that really is a scary thought.

This remark is somewhat hurtful to me, Tom, as I suffer from chronic pain. It is possible for a chronic pain sufferer to function, while using a narcotic, and others being completely unaware of it, unless informed. Healthcare professionals should practice with the most current research-based information on the use of narcotic and chronic pain management. Current knowledge of the impact of narcotics, chronic pain management and state laws is indispensable.

Grannynurse

[sirI]

and

Originally Posted by jlamb

You can still work. I am a CLNC and have had a palliative care certification. There are many health care providers who have to take narcotic pain medication. I personally know quite a few who are since I have worked in a pain management clinic. It is not true that a person would be under the influence just because of narcotic prescription use. In fact, there have been studies that show there are more mistakes made by those who are in pain and are distracted by that.

Hello, jlamb,

The original question was "work while under the influence". That is a very broad statement. If the individual's care of a patient is compromised due to being under the influence then, yes, the nurse can be held most liable for any and all acts that caused damages to the patient if directly related to the narcotic.

So, the nurse may be working and taking narcotics, but, is a direct liability if "under the influence".......which is exactly the words the OP used.