This board has been awesome, I have a question for you all.
I am starting nursing school (already accepted) and I have a sheet that has to be filled out by my doctor and I have to list any medications I am on. I have to take pain medictions (including anti-depressant) and I wanted to know if this would change my acceptance into nursing school?
I am currently working at a major hospital and love working as a tech and can't wait to be a nurse.
I can see why you wouldn't want to disclose it. Do you know who your advisor is? If I were you I would go in and talk to my advisor. You have to put it on the form if they are asking for it. I don't really think they should be asking for it though. JMO If they need it to use to compare to the drug test they can certainly have the drug test facility collect that information and simply report you as a pass/fail based on their findings compared to your meds.
You are the expert on you! :) If you are taking meds and your condition is correctly treated and you are able to perform the functions of a nurse as decided by you and your doctor, NO WORRIES! Of all people to expect compassion and understanding from regarding this situation it should be fellow nurses.
>>You want to know why I took my position? Because of opinions like rpred's.
Honestly, that is my reason now. I just feel the hostility and it freaks me out.
I am a very kind, intelligent and strong willed person. My medication use has never endangered anyone, I worked with children for many years in a school setting. I would never take such risks!
I just know that I am very hesitant to ever reveal this now.
This has been a real eye opener for me! Especially reading how I may have a break down, lose it, be a liability, etc... Wow! Nope, I won't be sharing this information.
I can see why you wouldn't want to disclose it. Do you know who your advisor is? If I were you I would go in and talk to my advisor. You have to put it on the form if they are asking for it. I don't really think they should be asking for it though. JMO If they need it to use to compare to the drug test they can certainly have the drug test facility collect that information and simply report you as a pass/fail based on their findings compared to your meds.
You are the expert on you! :) If you are taking meds and your condition is correctly treated and you are able to perform the functions of a nurse as decided by you and your doctor, NO WORRIES! Of all people to expect compassion and understanding from regarding this situation it should be fellow nurses.
i think the bold part is the issue, why do they think they have the right to know every med you are taking?
the ethical way to do drug testing is through a third party.....so there is no opportunity for bias
I find it impossible to get people to understand what it is like living and managing chronic pain on a daily basis, it is just a part of my life every day. I have never missed a single day of work from it, and never would endanger a patient's life.
I don't wish to disclose this but not sure if I have the option to not. I highly doubt I will have a UA and I like what someone else said, I can never take it back if I put it on there. It is always something that can be used as a biasis against me.
There is so much stigma surrounding pain medications anymore - mainly due to the abuse and media. There are people who truly need it, and couldn't lead a quality life without it!
Part of professionalism is honesty and you do need to disclose this. I am also on pain meds and an antidepressant and will disclose both if asked to do so. I also have chronic pain and often wonder if I am just wasting my time going to school when I have a disabling disease and have no idea how long I will be able to do this. The thing is that nursing has always been my dream and no matter what I will make it through this. There are non-narcotic forms of pain relief that you may need to try if you disclose this and your school will not allow it. I believe that since the instructors are nurses they are very aware that many many people take pain meds everyday and after awhile you get used to being on them, function just as you would if you were not on them, and are not a risk to anyone.
Honestly it is really bothersome to me that you would even consider not disclosing this! If you were my nurse I would not trust you for the simple fact you lied about something! I would imagine they will do a drug screen on you and you will be out of there for not disclosing this info. The fact that your not willing to be honest makes me wonder what else you would lie about? What if I am your patient and you make a mistake? Would you try to hide that also? Coming from someone who is IN YOUR SHOES, I would NOT lie about it, peroid! Anything I've read talks about "drug abuse", not just being on pain meds, meaning either over using it, using it without a Rx or illegal drugs.. and in your case it would be none of the above. So do the right thing and be honest!
Part of professionalism is honesty and you do need to disclose this. I am also on pain meds and an antidepressant and will disclose both if asked to do so. I also have chronic pain and often wonder if I am just wasting my time going to school when I have a disabling disease and have no idea how long I will be able to do this. The thing is that nursing has always been my dream and no matter what I will make it through this. There are non-narcotic forms of pain relief that you may need to try if you disclose this and your school will not allow it. I believe that since the instructors are nurses they are very aware that many many people take pain meds everyday and after awhile you get used to being on them, function just as you would if you were not on them, and are not a risk to anyone.
Honestly it is really bothersome to me that you would even consider not disclosing this! If you were my nurse I would not trust you for the simple fact you lied about something! I would imagine they will do a drug screen on you and you will be out of there for not disclosing this info. The fact that your not willing to be honest makes me wonder what else you would lie about? What if I am your patient and you make a mistake? Would you try to hide that also? Coming from someone who is IN YOUR SHOES, I would NOT lie about it, peroid! Anything I've read talks about "drug abuse", not just being on pain meds, meaning either over using it, using it without a Rx or illegal drugs.. and in your case it would be none of the above. So do the right thing and be honest!
but the deeper question is, do they have the right to demand a list of all the meds a student is taking?
but the deeper question is, do they have the right to demand a list of all the meds a student is taking?
I don't know the answer to that. Being that I have been drug tested by so many jobs, legally my guess would be yes, but thats all it is... a guess. I guess you could argue the same for a background check, but I think they are doing both for patient safety and thats always a good thing. I think they should know if someone is using drugs illegally, meaning ask, then drug test, and if something shows up then get concerned. They are going to be the people who have access to your pain meds when you break your arm.. Do you want someone who is going to chart they gave it to the patient and took it for themselves? I know I sure don't! And honestly thats what I think of when I hear about someone not being honest...
I would say they have the right to make it a program requirement and if your not willing to comply then its your option to not continue in the program.
I don't know the answer to that. Being that I have been drug tested by so many jobs, legally my guess would be yes, but thats all it is... a guess. I guess you could argue the same for a background check, but I think they are doing both for patient safety and thats always a good thing. I think they should know if someone is using drugs illegally, meaning ask, then drug test, and if something shows up then get concerned. They are going to be the people who have access to your pain meds when you break your arm.. Do you want someone who is going to chart they gave it to the patient and took it for themselves? I know I sure don't! And honestly thats what I think of when I hear about someone not being honest...
I would say they have the right to make it a program requirement and if your not willing to comply then its your option to not continue in the program.
drug testing should be by a third party, there should be no need to tell, and go back and read the OP, they want to know EVERY med the student is on....which could certainly lead to many different difficulties/outing of med contitions that are not any business of the school.
>>drug testing should be by a third party, there should be no need to tell, and go back and read the OP, they want to know EVERY med the student is on....which could certainly lead to many different difficulties/outing of med contitions that are not any business of the school.
Thank you!
When I applied to my job it was done by a 3rd party and I had no issue disclosing my medical history. I work for a major hospital and was told by the person who did my screening I was protected by law and it never had to be shared with my employer unless they felt it was necessary. I shared with her my entire medical history (including several surgeries).
I just don't wish for anyone to know (especially a superior) my entire personal medical history. I am so offended by someone saying that I would steal medications, or lie about mistakes, etc. This just PROVES to me that lack of understanding and how naive some can be.
My doctor will have zero issue with signing off for me going to college. She has been encouraging me the last two years and I only have two more to go. I will make an incredible nurse, and love working as a tech. I have never missed one day due to my illness.
I just truly believe this is no one's business and I think it is fascinating how quick some would be to give out personal information....something that could be used against you. It is NOT to my benefit to share this with anyone and some of the posts here really make me understand that now. I would have considered sharing it before but now I won't.
>> I guess you could argue the same for a background check, but I think they are doing both for patient safety and thats always a good thing. I think they should know if someone is using drugs illegally>>
I have no problem with a background check. I don't mind being drug tested and I am not using anything illegal.
I just don't wish to disclose my entire personal medical history to a nursing college.
misconceptions about chronic pain can do harm to people with legitimate medical problems. patients with chronic pain can and should be treated. dispelling these damaging myths should raise awareness and encourage more people to seek help with a professional trained in treating chronic pain.
chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for at least 6 months. it may result from an initial injury or problem, such as a herniated disk, serious infection, or surgery. there may be an ongoing cause of pain, such as arthritis, scar, or cancer. some people suffer chronic pain in the absence of any past injury or evidence of damage to the body. unfortunately, many people with chronic pain do not get the help they need, and the effects may be devastating, not only for the sufferer, but also for an entire family.
chronic pain is a huge problem in terms of its human and economic toll -- it disables more people than cancer or heart disease, and the annual cost to society in terms of medical treatment, lost working days, decreased productivity and workers compensation is a staggering $100 billion a year.
myth #1: if the doctor can't find anything wrong medically with a patient with chronic pain, it must be "in their head." maybe they're crazy.
fact: chronic pain is not "in your head." it is a legitimate medical condition that can and should be treated. unfortunately, the exact cause of chronic pain cannot always be found. pain is a complex personal experience, and not all doctors have received adequate training to treat it. pain management specialists are specifically trained to recognize and treat common and unusual conditions that cause ongoing pain. although not all pain has an identifiable cause, there is an effective treatment for most painful conditions.
myth #2: if people seek treatment or complain about their pain, it means they're weak.
fact: seeking treatment has nothing to do with being weak. many people with chronic pain feel trapped and helpless, and do not want to burden anyone else with their problem. it is important for them to realize that there is no need to suffer because effective treatments are available.
myth #3: people who take powerful opiate ("narcotic") pain medication become drug addicts.
fact: opiates are highly effective for many types of pain and can be given safely. physical dependence from pain relievers is different from addiction. drug addiction is characterized by compulsive craving and use of a drug, which results in physical, psychological, and social harm to the user. an addict's drug use continues in spite of predictable, consistent harm (self-destructive behavior.) the vast majority of people taking opiate medications for pain management do not become addicted. drug dependence, where the body becomes used to the presence of a drug, can occur with the prolonged use of some pain relievers.
myth #4: the side effects of opiate painkillers turn people into zombies and can stop their breathing.
fact: most side effects are mild, tolerable, treatable, occur at the beginning of therapy, and fade with time. common side effects include constipation, drowsiness, and dry mouth. careful adjustment of dosages and attention to patient concerns help alleviate most side effects.
myth #5: people with chronic pain treated with opiate pain medications will have to take more and more medication as time goes by to get the same pain relief (tolerance).
fact: most patients have stable dosages with time. increases in medication dosage usually result from worsening physical or psychological status.
myth #6: some people don't want to get better because they benefit from being in pain.
fact: most people don't enjoy being in pain. research shows that exaggerating about pain and malingering are actually rare. assistance from others when pain limits activities or financial compensation for a work-related injury is appropriate for people who suffer from chronic pain.
myth #7: ignoring the pain will make it go away.
fact: in most cases, ignoring ongoing pain will not make it go away, and it may even get worse. it is better to seek help from a caring, experienced specialist when pain persists and becomes a problem.
myth #8: people should try to overcome their pain by pushing themselves to do things.
fact: knowing one's limits and pacing oneself can help people manage their pain. overdoing it and pushing too hard can exacerbate pain.
myth #9: if someone looks good, they can't be in pain.
fact: many people with chronic pain go about their business and do as much as they can, in spite of their pain. there are no outward signs of chronic pain (unlike acute pain). just because people look comfortable does not mean they are not in pain. this misunderstanding creates much emotional distress for people with chronic pain.
myth #10: many people have been to several doctors, but haven't been helped. they've been suffering from chronic pain for so long, they'll just have to live with it.
fact: with few exceptions, there is no need for anybody to live with unbearable pain. a variety of treatment options are available, but it is important to find the right doctor. just as people see a cardiologist for heart disease or an ophthalmologist for an eye ailment, pain management specialists are trained to treat chronic pain. patients should make sure they see a qualified pain specialist to get the treatment they need. pain management specialists will listen carefully to the history, perform a thorough physical examination, and may refer a patient for other tests or medical consultations before coming up with a comprehensive plan for care.
it looks as if you already have made up your mind about not disclosing any information to the school. i hope this doesn't come back to bite you in the butt.
if a future employer asks of you to disclose any meds you're on, will you be willing then to disclose this to them, or is it just that you don't want the school to know?
please know i'm not being judgemental, i think that if the school finds out you'll be in big trouble by lying by omission.
I just don't wish for anyone to know (especially a superior) my entire personal medical history. I am so offended by someone saying that I would steal medications, or lie about mistakes, etc. This just PROVES to me that lack of understanding and how naive some can be.
My doctor will have zero issue with signing off for me going to college. She has been encouraging me the last two years and I only have two more to go. I will make an incredible nurse, and love working as a tech. I have never missed one day due to my illness.
As I stated in my post, I am currently on pain meds, going into a nursing program.. and I am sorry for offending you, but I think honesty is MOST important! Seriously, I don't have an issue with you being on meds, I have an issue with you lying about it.
I just feel the hostility and it freaks me out. 
anonymousstudent
559 Posts
I can see why you wouldn't want to disclose it. Do you know who your advisor is? If I were you I would go in and talk to my advisor. You have to put it on the form if they are asking for it. I don't really think they should be asking for it though. JMO If they need it to use to compare to the drug test they can certainly have the drug test facility collect that information and simply report you as a pass/fail based on their findings compared to your meds.
You are the expert on you! :) If you are taking meds and your condition is correctly treated and you are able to perform the functions of a nurse as decided by you and your doctor, NO WORRIES! Of all people to expect compassion and understanding from regarding this situation it should be fellow nurses.