Diagnosed ADHD before nursing school. Will this disqualify me from joining the USAF?

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Hi everyone,

I always had a tough time with school and work, not because I am stupid or lazy but because it seemed just impossible for me to focus and sit down long enough to get work done. I compensated all throughout school by cramming last minute and being bright enough to do decent. I was raised with parents that were strictly "sit down do your work" so I never considered any medications.

Before starting nursing school, I went and saw my doc. I told him about my grades, lifestyle, studying habits, etc. and he prescribed Adderall 15mg tablets BID. I was a little nervous about the med but he stressed the importance of my exercise routine (which I exercise religiously) and a good diet (which I have). Anyways, the medicine really helps me focus and I am able to get stuff done in advance so i'm not shoving stuff down the night before, etc. Instead of Cs/Bs I am getting almost all 3.7s and higher. I don't take it a lot, one script last me months (where I can get a new script every month). If I had to stop taking it I think it would be extremely difficult to compensate but I could do it.

I want to join the USAF as a nurse right after graduation. I am going to set up an appointment soon to talk to a recruiter but before I waste any time I am curious - does having a previous dx of ADHD automatically disqualify you, specifically with the tx of adder all (since this is such a controlled drug). I have tried searching but have come across mixed answers, it seems with a doc's prescription that I would be fine?

Thanks

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

You would probably only know until you get your first medical exam. If you haven't seen these sites, take a look. Good luck.

Medical Evaluation | Air Force Academy

Certain Health Issues Can Make It Hard To Join | Military.com

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I am going to say no espeically if you are still currently taking.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I am going to say no espeically if you are still currently taking.

Agree. Pretty sure it's the same as with psych meds - you must be off of them for at least a year. But in this climate? Waivers will be very, very rare. But if you don't ask, the answer is always no. Good luck.

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Specializes in Field Medical Trauma.

Like everyone else that has been answering I can pretty much guarantee a no with the prescription and a maybe with the ADHD. Its a dog eat dog world for commissioning in any branch right now.

Not that its any of my business but how old are you tag and how far along are you to finishing your BSN? I only ask because you may just grow out and past your ADHD and the "iffy" commissioning possibilities may change in a few years to more promising levels. That is if you have a year or more of school to go.

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Everyone is saying no, but can't the OP attempt to get a waiver? I'm no recruiter by any means, so don't quote me here, but I have read a lot about possible waivers for medications for conditions like ADHD or anxiety.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

There are certain things that are not waiverable and I believe ADHD & being on medication for it are not. Also in today's environment getting a waiver is almost impossible.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Instead of all this speculation (however correct it may be), why don't you just go ask a healthcare recruiter rather than this unofficial source. You'll get a verifiable answer and can make career decisions from there.

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Specializes in ICU + Infection Prevention.

Don't. tell. them. Ever. Period.

There are negative implications for your career if you do, if they let you in. Military culture makes a lot of assumptions about adhd.

Don't tell them you had it or ever took meds for adhd.

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Problem solved if you can function well without the meds.

This was the advice given to me by a militarty career physician. I never joined up though.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I would never advise anyone to lie to get into military service.

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Don't. tell. them. Ever. Period.

There are negative implications for your career if you do, if they let you in. Military culture makes a lot of assumptions about adhd.

Don't tell them you had it or ever took meds for adhd.

=

Problem solved if you can function well without the meds.

This was the advice given to me by a militarty career physician. I never joined up though.

Lying will come back to bite you hard...especially in the military

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Specializes in ICU + Infection Prevention.
I would never advise anyone to lie to get into military service.

I see no difference between what I was told to do and someone who "lied" about their sexual orientation before the military was forced to accept non-heterosexuals.

The physician knew he almost certainly had ADHD, but chose never to be diagnosed because he knew what that would mean career wise. Yet he was extremely successful. Was he a "liar" too?

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