Do we need to take drugs.. in order to do our job?

[Been there,done that]

Recent posts have brought up the question.. is it legal to take mood altering medication while on duty? ... and " I am so stressed out , I am now on an anti-depressant medication".

I cannot think of any other profession facing this dilemma. Why are care givers driven to the point of self medication to perform?

[elprup, BSN, RN]

Viva las vegas - so glad you found your manageable place. It is such a great place to find - i know! And yes, I too will be on my meds forever (at a tiny dose that drs say does nothing, but when I stop, i fall back into pain and depression) i am extremely happy I found my space where I feel normal. And i eat organic everything if I can, no sodas no more, no alcohol, and protein shakes, yum. And exercise. It is so awesome to feel energetic without worrying about pain later. Yay!!!!