Can I use supplements/herbal supplements as a nurse?

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I recently got my first job as a RN and was reading over some of the paperwork. There was some very vague general wording on there about habitual or addictive use of narcotics, stimulants, blah blah blah.

Im not really sure what to make of this. I mean im pretty sure 90% of people consume caffeine daily, and thats clearly a stimulant.

I use a wide variety of fitness/workout supplements, which I know contain different substances. Caffeine, Yohimbe, ephedra and a variety of other herbs/drugs are in frequently found in common exercise/weight loss supplements.

While they are all legal and over the counter, im not sure if im allowed to be using any of these while being a nurse. I mean obviously they wont do anything about caffeine, but im not sure if others are considered gray areas.

Anyone have any experience/knowledge/opinions on the matter?

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I don't think this is something we can answer I would check with your PCP

Specializes in Med Surg.
I recently got my first job as a RN and was reading over some of the paperwork. There was some very vague general wording on there about habitual or addictive use of narcotics, stimulants, blah blah blah.

Anyone have any experience/knowledge/opinions on the matter?

Yes, you definitely don't want to test positive for any blah, blah, blah.

I don't thin this is something we can answer I would check with your PCP

Well if not from a legal/can i get fired standpoint, but maybe a moral/ethical one ?

I mean im sure theres plenty of nurses out there who are fitness freaks (or have used some diet pills) which contain all of this stuff.

I just wasnt sure if this is something thats like a big deal

Or not even those things in particular, but if theres ever any general controversy with nurses using things they can take.

Like if a nurse can get in major trouble for using benadryl at work or something.

But just because you mentioned PCP, im not asking if its healthy/good for you or any of that. Just if nurses are "expected" to never use anything kind of deal ?

Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.

Ephedra is the only one if stay away from because it is illegal in the US and may test positive for amphetamines.

Ephedra is the only one if stay away from because it is illegal in the US and may test positive for amphetamines.

Ephedra (well certain forms of it are) is legal in the USA (its just controlled because of the ability for people to go all Breaking Bad with it) . I think theres a certain form of it that is illegal (in which case im not concerned since it wouldnt be in any supplements)

Im just trying to get a good idea of how careful id have to be checking supplements and things in the future.

(and just incase of any confusion, im not asking about anything illegal, only legal supplements, just as I know a LOT of this stuff is very common in different energy/workout drinks and the like)

Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.

You're playing with your health, supplements are poorly regulated and many contain illegal ingredients. Workout the natural way without taking the easy way with 'shortcuts' and you'll be fine. My hospital just sent a few people to counseling after testing positive, and guess what they claimed, yes 'supplements' do yourself a favor and quit.

You're playing with your health, supplements are poorly regulated and many contain illegal ingredients. Workout the natural way without taking the easy way with 'shortcuts' and you'll be fine. My hospital just sent a few people to counseling after testing positive, and guess what they claimed, yes 'supplements' do yourself a favor and quit.

Thats why im asking.

I mean caffeine is a supplement, and a stimulant, and the overwhelmingly majority of people use it without problem.

If there are certain things that nurses are expected to avoid or not take, then I fully plan on doing so. Theres nothing that I need, im just trying to do my homework and go about things in a smart responsible manner.

Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.
Thats why im asking. I mean caffeine is a supplement and a stimulant, and the overwhelmingly majority of people use it without problem. If there are certain things that nurses are expected to avoid or not take, then I fully plan on doing so. Theres nothing that I need, im just trying to do my homework and go about things in a smart responsible manner.[/quote']

Got it, caffeine is just about the only substance I'd trust. Best of luck!

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

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Nurses can find themselves in hot water even for prescription drugs that they take. ANY substance uses at work that can impair you can land you in hot water....whether legal or not. You need to check with your PCP.

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