[lindsaylou]

I am still in nursing school, but I have a question that has been bothering me for quite awhile. I have ADHD and I cannot function without it when I am working as a nurses aide. Adderall and Concerta and all of the other meds are considered category x drugs and shouldn't be taken when pregnant. What I want to know is what I should do when I am a nurse and become pregnant. I am worried because I feel that I can't do a good job as a PCA when I don't take my medicine, let alone being a nurse. I think that my lack of concentration would put my patients in danger. Do you think that I would be able to take the entire duration of my future pregnancy off and still be compensated from work, like on disability or something? When I asked some of the nurses I worked with they said I should still try to take my medicine and that it wouldn't be fair to be paid for it and also they dont think that if I took the entire pregnancy off without pay that a hospital would hold my job... What are your thoughts?

[santhony44]

Talk to your OB/GYN.

[Silverdragon102]

Regarding medication that is something you need to discuss with your doctor. At AN we can not offer medical advice

Regarding time off work I think you will find it hard to find an employer willing to pay whilst you are off and also may have problems claiming disability.

[nurse5005]

Originally Posted by lindsaylou

I am still in nursing school, but I have a question that has been bothering me for quite awhile. I have ADHD and I cannot function without it when I am working as a nurses aide. Adderall and Concerta and all of the other meds are considered category x drugs and shouldn't be taken when pregnant. What I want to know is what I should do when I am a nurse and become pregnant. I am worried because I feel that I can't do a good job as a PCA when I don't take my medicine, let alone being a nurse. I think that my lack of concentration would put my patients in danger. Do you think that I would be able to take the entire duration of my future pregnancy off and still be compensated from work, like on disability or something? When I asked some of the nurses I worked with they said I should still try to take my medicine and that it wouldn't be fair to be paid for it and also they dont think that if I took the entire pregnancy off without pay that a hospital would hold my job... What are your thoughts?

I am in the same situation, trying to get pregnant and I have ADHD. I called my doctor, he suggested me to stop my medication. So, I am without my medication for while, it is hard

[Jolie]

Only your physician/midwife can advise you on medications.

As for taking a long-term leave of absence and collecting disability, that is something you would need to discuss in advance with Human Resources. I am not aware of any law that would require an employer to hold your position for that length of time. (FMLA generally allows 12 weeks per year for employees with at least a year of service who work 20 hours per week or more.) Beyond that time frame, it would depend on whether or not you are able to get a written agreement from your employer to hold your position. Some may be willing to do so, some not, Any potential disability payments would depend on whether or not your condition was considered a "disability" by your insurer, and the terms of your policy

Best of luck to you.