Can I get a job on Suboxone?

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear on Suboxone,

I am an L.V.N. in CA. I am taking Suboxone to get off of Morphine that was prescribed by my Doctor for knee pain had both knee replacements now. Can I get a nursing job while taking Suboxone.

Dear LVN,

Congratulations on getting off of morphine and being in recovery.

Suboxone (buprenorphine) is one of the primary drugs prescribed for medication-assisted therapy (MAT) for opioid addiction. It prevents cravings and allows people who have been addicted to return to normal life.

It most likely will not show up on a standard pre-employment drug screen, unless a multi-panel test is ordered that includes buprenorphine.

If it does show up, and you are questioned, you have a prescription for Suboxone. As long as you test within the therapeutic range, there shouldn't be a problem.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, https://www.amazon.com/Y Your Last Nursing Class- how to land your first nursing job...and your last!

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Specializes in Hospital and long term.

I do have a question I was in same spot I went to a doctor asked for suboxone to help In pain management and he turned me in for not staying with his program now I have an order to show in front of pa non Iam very scared

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I’ve been on Methadone the whole 2 years I’ve been a CNA. I had to take a pre-employment drug test and provide the lab with proof of a prescription. Very easy process.

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Specializes in Hospital and long term.

Thank u but Iam a nurse and I think it’s a different thing for us cause it is a med used for addiction mostly and secondly pain managment

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My Methadone is for addiction too. I know at least a dozen RN’s at the clinic I go to who are on Methadone for addiction (one FNP and one CNM). I’ve talked with most of them about their journey. Some are like me who couldn’t get off a properly prescribed opioid. Some literally stole meds from their patients. As long as you have a prescription you are fine.

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Specializes in Hospital and long term.

Can u find out for me I think the state board of nursing sees it differently I had a jerk doctor turn me on who was treating me it’s a night mare

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