[deboopy]

Ok I'm a nurse, fresh out of school. I had an accident after graduation, my doc put me on hydrocodone. Now Im interviewing for positions as a nurse. I take about 15-20 mgs a day for the pain. he gave me 10's and i break them in half, so not to use to much (I have a presciption).

Heres my question, with me being a nurse do you think my potential employers (Hospital) will deny me employment because I take this?
I had three interviews this week and supposedly if everything works out(drug test and background check), 2 have offered me the job.

I feel that I cant tell the hospital im on these meds for pain because I really think they will look at me as a liability or even worse a drug user, like someone whos abusing it... what do you think?

I wanted to be a nurse for as long as i can remember and now what!

[TheCommuter]

Prior to any urine drug screen, you need to disclose the prescription drugs you currently take. If you don't disclose it and your urine turns up positive for it, this could be bad news. Honesty is the best policy.

A plenitude of nurses take pain meds, benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax), and other drugs, and are able to function maximally at work. Back injuries, chronic pain, and stress are intertwined into many of our jobs. As long as they are prescribed by a healthcare provider and legally obtained, you shouldn't worry too much.

[pagandeva2000]

Let them know before you take the drug test.

[JessieRN]

If you have a RX, and are taking the med as prescribed for pain, you have no problem. Just dont' try to hide it, that is what will look bad.

[santhony44]

Originally Posted by JessieRN

If you have a RX, and are taking the med as prescribed for pain, you have no problem. Just dont' try to hide it, that is what will look bad.

I agree. Take the prescription bottle with you. As long as it's legit, it's no problem. The hydrocodone will show up in the test.

[deboopy]

what ive heard is that if your a nurse taking any opiates, employers will not hire you. Because of liability or patient negligence... what do you guys think?

Thanks girls for the advice on the question above.

[lilacaf]

HIPPA prevents the testing laboratory from asking about your PIH and this includes your medications. If the hydrocodone does show up on the test the medical director of the testing laboratory will contact you about the medication. Just give him all the info off the rx bottle and you should be fine.

[TheCommuter]

Originally Posted by deboopy

what ive heard is that if your a nurse taking any opiates, employers will not hire you. Because of liability or patient negligence... what do you guys think?

Thanks girls for the advice on the question above.

One of my coworkers is an LVN/LPN who has chronic back pain after 40 years of nursing. She has been taking hydrocodone routinely, and it is prescribed by a doctor. So far, she has not had any problems finding employment due to the hydrocodone being present in her urine.

The moral of the story is to be truthful.

[everthesame]

When you go for the drug screen you will be asked about any meds you are taking. be sure to list it on the form. Bring the pharmacy bottle with you too. Sometimes they ask to see it. I take a prn med to help me sleepthat shows up on the drug screen but I have never had problems getting hired because of it.

[RN1989]

As long as you disclose it prior to the test it is generally not a problem. However, you need to review the hospital's P&P as well as your nurse practice act regarding working while having it in your system.

I have been in places that do not tolerate nurses taking any meds that could possibly impair them, due to liability issues if you were to make a mistake and a patient sued. Nurses who were on RX meds were asked not to come to work until they were off the meds unless it was a longterm maintenance like an antidepressant. But then they did not want the nurse to be at work while the antidepressant was being started or the dose played with because they did not want to take any risk of adverse effects compromising care. One place even had in its P&P that a nurse with a detectable level of acetaminophen could be in trouble for "working under the influence of a drug", no matter how harmless.

It does not matter if you have and RX or not, medications can affect you and you should check with your nurse practice act regarding what would be acceptable. You don't want to find out the hard way.