Pain Medication (narcotic) and going to work.

Nurses Disabilities

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Specializes in IMCU.

OK Chaps...

So I read some threads and something disturbed me a little bit. Many people seem to work places where they cannot be on pain medication while at work. I have a chronic painful condition which has me on NSAIDS perpetually. However, it does "go acute" from time to time and I need to bring in the heavy guns (some narcotic type pain killer). Separately, I have "rescue treatment" agreed with my doc for migraines (again very rare but requires promethazine w/ narcotic) to prevent me having to go to ER for shots in the bum. In total I might have to take a proper pain killer 3-4 times a year.

So my question is...is it fairly standard for nurses to not be permitted narcotic pain medication while on duty?

Don't get me wrong, I am not stupid and understand the effects a narcotic can have and the dangers, potentially, to a patient. I just need a bit more info from people in the "real" nursing world.

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I've never heard a rule about not going to work on a pain med. However, if it impairs you - and you know if it does - you should obviously stay home.

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I also need to take stong pain medication due to a trauma injury. When I finaly get strong enough to try to go back to work I will have to deal with that issue. I also have migraines. Check with your doctor to see if a medication called "Maxalt" may be suitable for you. I had tried several other migraine medications untill my doctor prescribed it. It isn't a "knock you out for the duration" type of med, but you still have to be able to lie down for awhile. It doesn't make me "groggy" or "drunk". I don't know if it would help you. Check with your pain doctor.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

We can't provide medical advice. We also can't say what your board of nursing would say.

Please check with them.

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