Kicked out of CNA because of RX

flashpoint · Jan 16, 2006

You really do have a negative attitude. Everyone has limitations however success stories come from us overcoming those limitations. You wanted to be an olympic gymnast and professional pianist but how much did you practice at either? Were you 5'8" since 4 years of age or earlier when it seems most of these olympic gymnasts start? There is no reason that you cannot become a professional pianist now unless you have made other choices in your life that take up your time such as a decision to start a family.
When you say we should go with our strengths and interests it seems as if you are saying those are the most important things. While I do agree with you about the interest, I feel strengths are not as important. Strengths will just get you so far. I would include hard work and determination with interest. These 3 qualitites will allow you overcome almost anything.
When I graduated high school I was probably a B average student. There were a few naturally gifted people that were very intelligent yet they failed out of college while I graduated with like a 3.7 or so. Why? Because we can take things for granted.
Determination shouldnt be that big of a factor but unfortunately with so many people being negative or telling people they CAN'T do something, it is necessary so they believe in themselves and not other people.

I don't think it is negativity...just simple reality. Because of her chronic pain and need for use of narcotics, she is going to have a hard time being a nurse. It sucks, but it is a fact of life. The liability is just so high for a facility to hire a nurse who has a chronic condition and uses narcotics (even legally) on a regular basis. If something goes wrong and she is somehow involved, she will be one of the first people that the PTB point their fingers at...not fair to her or an employer. You can be the most determined person on earth but if the rules say you can't get into a program to get your prerequisites for RN school, then you just can't get into a program to get your prerequisites for RN school. They can't be expected to change the rules for one person and their rules are in place for a reason. Again, it sucks, but...

When I was in high school, I worked in a fast food restaurant (this was WAY before orders showed up on a computer screen for the people preparing the food to read) and the manager had someone who was deaf apply. The applicant didn't read lips very well and used an interpreter during the interview. Since a huge amount of the job relied on verbal communication, there was simply no way she could do the job...she couldn't take orders at the counter, couldn't run the drive-thru, and couldn't cook because all grills (special orders like no cheese) and deep fried foods were verbally communicated (as well as being written on a ticket, but it was still important to verbally communicate as well). She also couldn't hear the timers on the fryers. So, without changing a huge part of the operation, adding special equipment like lights on the fryer timers (which she wouldn't have been able to see anyway since the fryers were behind the food prep area), how could she have done the job? She couldn't, so she wasn't hired...and she thretened to sue. So...the manager offered her a very modified job to avoid a lawsuit...we ended up paying someone $3.35 an hour (minimum wage back then) to stand around and wait to wipe off tables and sweep the dining room.

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 16, 2006

I actually never wanted to be a gymnast, but if I had, it wouldn't have mattered how much I trained at four years old, because unless I took some major medications to stunt my growth, my body type would become incompatible with gymnastics.

I did start piano at 7. And no matter how much I love playing, I am honest enough about my ability and skills to know I can never be a concert pianist. I have the same "problem" with singing. I can replicate, but not change and "interpret". I've taken voice and piano lessons, but it's just not something I can do.

I really view myself (as do others) as a very upbeat and optimistic person, but I do keep a healthy dose of reality mixed in there. There are other ways of helping and caring without the liability risk of a narcotic dependant nurse. (I don't use dependant in that she is addicted per se, but that she depends on it to be able to function)

Noryn · Jan 16, 2006

A few of those posts really came off as negative to me. It sounded to me as if the person was saying, "I couldnt live my dreams so you cant either--sorry that is life." Everyone does have limitations but I think for the most part with hard work and ingenuity they can overcome a lot.

Everyone is going to make mistakes--whether you take a prescription narcotic or not. I have never seen a nurse get a drug screen after making a mistake but I do hear of this happening in some institutions. But without knowing the person I honestly dont see how you can make a broad generalization. There are some nurses who suffer from bi-polar disorder or major depression. Some definately should not be working however there are some who have went through therapy or have their symptoms controlled with medication and they make great nurses.

My main point was this--there is no reason why someone on a Fentanyl patch should not be allowed to be a CNA. As long as their health and doctor permit it. Now there is more thought and you have to act faster in nursing. By law you have to be able to show at least a minimum proficiency in knowledge and training. That is where nursing schools come into play and the NCLEX. If the person is not competent then they really shouldnt be able to pass the clinicals. If they can pass nursing school, pass their clinicals, and pass the NCLEX then they have showed competency despite what your experience is with people taking narcotics.

There are always going to be extreme cases. Can a severly mental challenged person become a doctor? Of course not.

We see a lot of people on narcotics for a short period of time and yes it can snow them. I think also we see a lot that are taking narcotics because of addiction and there are a few that take them simply for the feelings of euphoria. However when someone is taking a long term narcotic for pain, they can usually function much better. Again I think driving a vehicle takes more reflexes and faster thinking/responding than nursing does usually.

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 17, 2006

It depends on what setting you are in.

And all of your reasons why she should be able to continue, could just as easily be applied to a drug abuser, but most will agree that they are a potential danger in the workplace. There are many people who abuse drugs and alcohol who are high functioning, but that doesn't mean I want them trying to insert an IV in me.

kukukajoo, LPN · Jan 17, 2006

It depends on what setting you are in.
And all of your reasons why she should be able to continue, could just as easily be applied to a drug abuser, but most will agree that they are a potential danger in the workplace. There are many people who abuse drugs and alcohol who are high functioning, but that doesn't mean I want them trying to insert an IV in me.

Why do keep comparing her to a drug abuser, this situation is very different here.

You have not heard one thing that would make you assume she would be a danger and can't do her job.

Also you should not assume that she will be on the patch forever for pain. She has found out on this board that there may be other alternatives and I am betting that she is looking into them. Neurontin is a very good choice and works very well for many.

Also, there are many aspects of nursing, such as administration and such so pigeonholeing her is not a good idea.

Please remember, this is about HER not about YOU.

Khristina · Jan 18, 2006

That is terrible. I do not think that they can discriminate against you because you have to take meds. If you were diabetic would you have been kicked out for the use of insulin? Taking pain medicine has a huge stigma attached to it, I know from personal experiance. I would demand to see their policy and if they are unwilling to work with you get a lawyer.

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Jan 18, 2006

I am not taking one side or another, I just thought of something while reading some of these posts. There are many medications, even antidepressants that you can not take when operating a vehicle. A family friend who is a CHP (California hwy patrol) said that you can get a ticket if you are pulled over with Effexor!!!!:uhoh3................

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jan 18, 2006

It has come to my attention that this thread has wandered off track and become quite negative. Please remember to debate the issues and not one another; the thread will have to be closed if the current trend continues.

Thank you for your cooperation.

vamedic4, EMT-P · Jan 18, 2006

Why do keep comparing her to a drug abuser, this situation is very different here.
You have not heard one thing that would make you assume she would be a danger and can't do her job.
Also you should not assume that she will be on the patch forever for pain. She has found out on this board that there may be other alternatives and I am betting that she is looking into them. Neurontin is a very good choice and works very well for many.
Also, there are many aspects of nursing, such as administration and such so pigeonholeing her is not a good idea.
Please remember, this is about HER not about YOU.

yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enough said!