Depression/Anxiety Medications A Possible Hinderance to Getting a Job?

Nurses Stress 101

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I am a new RN who has been looking for a job for a long time. I have had a dead spell where I got no interviews, but now am getting several calls for interviews. While interviews themselves are stressful (as everyone knows!), my concern lies with my prescribed medications for anxiety and depression. I know that many nurses suffer with these problems, but I take atypical medications for my issues because I have adverse reactions to SSRI's. I take Wellbutrin, Lamcital, and Neurontin. This combination has kept me stable for years.

Now I am concerned about a health examination and having to reveal this drug combination because I worry that people may think I am seriously mentally impaired. I am not! I graduated cum laude and was a participant in an honor society. I have great reviews from my mentors.

I can't get this worry out of my mind. I feel like if I took Prozac or another SSRI the concern wouldn't be as bad. I feel more "normal" than so many people I talk to. I have friends who got in taking Adderall or Ritalin, but is treatment for depression more of a stigma than ADHD treatment?

How can I ease my mind about this? I have worked very hard in nursing school and don't want to be disqualified for jobs due to what medications I take. Thanks all!

Do you really think that an Np will have difficulty obtaining prescriptive authority if they take medications? I am trying to figure that out myself because I am currently an NPP student and have to take meds. Do you have any information about this? THanks

One of my best friends who is ex Army Ranger was passed up for an NP program, had two interviews and the dean told him he couldn't let him in because he didn't want to see him get through the program just to be denied scriptive authority by the DEA because he is on a benzo for anxiety and PTSD.

well now I'm worried! I have narcolepsy and take ritalin for my condition. I have one year left in my PMHNP program and I'm wondering if I should cut my losses and go back to being a nurse. However, I would think that could be grounds for a case on discrimination. People who have disabilities have rights. I can't believe that could happen. Maybe I was naive. I'm sure there are mental health professional out there that have issues themselves and have to take meds. In fact, I think it may help you be more empathetic towards your patients and make you an even better practitioner.

Thanks ya'll! I have a stress management problem... I just want to be seen as competent, not labeled as less than anyone else. Life is good!

I totally understand your concerns. There is more stigma associated with some health conditions than with others.

Specializes in Psychiatry, ICU, ER.
One of my best friends who is ex Army Ranger was passed up for an NP program, had two interviews and the dean told him he couldn't let him in because he didn't want to see him get through the program just to be denied scriptive authority by the DEA because he is on a benzo for anxiety and PTSD.

This is entirely ridiculous.

1. Getting into and graduating from an NP program has nothing to do with getting a DEA number. They have no way of knowing your eligibility for a DEA number.

2. People with DEA numbers receive prescriptions for controlled substances all. the. time. The DEA has no say over the medical care of registrants who possess prescribed controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes.

Specializes in Med/surg,geriatrics,CM.

Why do you have to tell your employer? Unless it will show up in drug screen it is none of their business

Specializes in Med/Surg, orthopedics, urology.

OK, so ya'll are saying that when I take my urinalysis to not disclose the meds? I know none of them should flag for a false positive. OR should I disclose them for my urinalysis but refrain from disclosing the medications to my potential employer? I have a few interviews and of course want to know the best way to nab a job without fear of stigma and possible denial for the position.

I know I am nitpicking. That got me through school... my analysis of situations and perfectionism. I drawback is that I look at situations and look for the "worst case scenario"!

I know I am nitpicking. That got me through school... my analysis of situations and perfectionism. I drawback is that I look at situations and look for the "worst case scenario"!

I agree that you are catastrophizing right now. Did I spell that right? :) I am guilty of the same thing-no judgment. It's just that the jury has spoken; you do not need to disclose your medication regimen to your potential employer, and you do not need to fear that there will be repercussions for failure to disclose. You are free to pee in a cup fearlessly. Make that your mantra.

Specializes in Med/Surg, orthopedics, urology.

Too funny! Thanks!

All of these are non narcotic so should not be a problem. Even prescribed narcotics are accepted as long as you do not use them at work. Just be truthful on the health form when you are hired and have to go to employee health and make sure all scripts are current. I think wit in 6 months. Also I wouldn't tell anyone of your history as this can be used against you. Also don't take any narcotics at work. This is against all states nurse practice acts and can land you in a monitored assistance program. Just a warning even if you see others in you career taking prescribed narcs don't think it's ok and an all around accepted practice.

Your friend was mislead or the person who told him this was misinformed. NP absolutely can have prescription authority if they take medications that are considered controlled. People, please, do not just take someone's word for things that effect your job or potential job. Look it up, call the board in your state, the DEA, etc. directly. SO much misinformation gets thrown around..even on here. Nurses CAN work on medications and I agree w/other posters on here. Do not volunteer any information unless there is something, like Adderall, that would show up in a urine/blood drug screen. And no, this will NOT keep someone from getting a job.

Specializes in Med/Surg, orthopedics, urology.

Well ya'll, I got a great full time job at a location which allows me to relocate and be near my fiance who currently lives in another city. I listed my meds and answered questions honestly. I am so fortunate to be employed! Thank everyone for their input! I made a mountain out of what turned out to be a little ol' molehill.

This is entirely ridiculous.

1. Getting into and graduating from an NP program has nothing to do with getting a DEA number. They have no way of knowing your eligibility for a DEA number.

2. People with DEA numbers receive prescriptions for controlled substances all. the. time. The DEA has no say over the medical care of registrants who possess prescribed controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes.

Hey, go ahead and shoot the messenger if it makes you feel better, I can only relay what was told to me. If this were an issue I were facing, I would certainly do my own research.

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