All student nurses should know this!!

[Lust4life, BSN]

Please know the nursing law in your state and keep up with your nurse practice act. Be aware of everything that can affect your license to practice AND ALSO the consequences (most important)!! I know you are thinking this will never apply to you, I did also, but PLEASE be aware that it happens all too often and all think it never would! Know what all to expect.(best and worst case scenario) if you are found suspicious of anything that has to do with substance use, partying outside of work, having an Onlyfans or risqué on social media, not doing taxes/being late, diversion, voluntary reporting, any criminal charge, weed  ETC... all those things they don't mention in nursing school! Then, make sure your peers and colleagues know also, so we don't lose anymore nurses or lives!! With the opiate epidemic the way it is....just please realize that one 5mg tiny oxycodone pill could change your life for the worst, and carry a high likelihood you will never practice again, even with "peer nurse assistant " type programs. They aren't what the name implies LOL! You could be charged and put on lists that will make ANY employment, outside of Target seasonal, impossible to get!! Know exactly what can happen to you! Don't go in thinking naive or it'll never happen to me. Educate yourself, think first, and know what your getting into. Always cover your butt with knowledge and be self accountable. Never give anyone your nrs pass codes, etc, not even your best colleague!! Always log out of pyxis! Double count the narcotics in the machines and always properly waste. Once anyone catches wind that you may be linked to substance use/diversion/drinking during your off time (that too)...in any way you are going to be referred to a program that does NOT have compassion and understanding. Know exactly what the program does to you in your state(s) & BON ( is to support the community NOT nurses). They DO NOT want any nurse with blemishes to practice ever again, but have the duty to help other nurses...so it's under that guise. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. I know this seems out of left field but I made mistakes and I don't ever want a good nurse to go through what I have and still do. 

Thanks for your time! Best wishes and blessings as you move forward in this rewarding journey of nursing ?? ✨️ ?? ❤️ 

[bsd058]

Well if you don’t have a prescription for the drug, yeah of course it’ll cause you trouble. If you do have an RX, they cannot discriminate against you. It’s illegal from what I understand.

[Lust4life, BSN]

7 hours ago, bsd058 said:

Well if you don’t have a prescription for the drug, yeah of course it’ll cause you trouble. If you do have an RX, they cannot discriminate against you. It’s illegal from what I understand.

Depends on which state you are practicing in, what the drug prescribed is, and the situation that lead up to them finding out what your prescription drugs you are taking. They have their ways of discriminating, but that may change in the future, because of the case in Indiana. If it is something they consider addicting and a controlled substance the likelihood of them referring you to the state's monitoring program is very high. It's best to know your situation, the laws, and how your state board handles things. 

[bsd058]

On 9/6/2022 at 7:35 AM, Lust4life said:

Depends on which state you are practicing in, what the drug prescribed is, and the situation that lead up to them finding out what your prescription drugs you are taking. They have their ways of discriminating, but that may change in the future, because of the case in Indiana. If it is something they consider addicting and a controlled substance the likelihood of them referring you to the state's monitoring program is very high. It's best to know your situation, the laws, and how your state board handles things. 

yeah I suppose you’re right. I was prescribed hydrocodone-acetaminophen 10-350. And I take alprazolam 0.5 mg for anxiety. I’ve been on these medications for a few years. Hydrocodone is for back pain. Bent the wrong way doing yard work and suffered a bulging disc. And obviously alprazolam is for anxiety. I have to take a drug test for school if accepted, which I probably will be because I have straight a’s in prereqs and a good TEAS score. I looked up their policy and it just made it seem like if you’re up front with the tester and you bring proof of your prescriptions, you should be okay to enter the program. Worst case scenario I assume I would need a letter of fitness from my physician who prescribed these. He knows I’m going into nursing. Hoping it won’t be an issue. I live in Florida. I am pretty open about it. No shame in needing medicine when you actually need it. 

[Lust4life, BSN]

You are right, there is no shame in it! Transparency is always the way to go. I wish you the best! Good luck in your career!! 

[TheFutureChoice]

Thank you !

I'm just starting out, but I need to learn about these professional organizations.

I read a fantastic post on Reddit about the profession and this is a contender! Love when experienced nurses give warnings about the Field 

[mursefromstaples]

On 9/5/2022 at 8:50 PM, bsd058 said:

Well if you don’t have a prescription for the drug, yeah of course it’ll cause you trouble. If you do have an RX, they cannot discriminate against you. It’s illegal from what I understand.

I think its crazy that nurses cant drink or smoke weed off the clock. CA is pushing to prevent employers from discriminating against workers who smoke off the clock and away from work. Weed has been amazing for my insomnia and has helped me get the best sleep I've ever had. I've tried OTC sleep meds, and none of them work consistently.