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

dishes, BSN, RN · Mar 2, 2012

I think in some cases the use of anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication is increasing because people are mistaking feelings of stress and sadness, as a psychiatric disorder and are asking their primary care provider to prescribe medication to help them cope.

kaycedee · Mar 2, 2012

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

I'm in social work but am starting nursing school this summer. When I started at my current job a few years ago I was told that it should come with a prescription. Almost everyone I can think of is on meds for the stress. It is no good.

Altra, BSN, RN · Mar 2, 2012

I wish I could "like" GrnTea and dishes' posts 100 times.

Our definition of what is an acceptable respose to stressors is vastly different than it was a generation ago. As a personal example I offer the following: it was suggested to me by multiple people (not nurses or even working in the healthcare industry, BTW) that I might want a med to cope with my oldest child leaving home.

???

Yes, it is a major life change, and it has been and continues to be stressful on several levels. But that does not mean it requires a med.

DO NOT assume that I am saying that prescribed psych meds are always inappropriate -- I am simply offering one personal experience that I feel typifies our culture's current approach to the ebbs and flows of life.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Mar 2, 2012

We are a society of quick fixes. Why try to eat a better diet and exercise more when a pill will help control your cholesterol or blood pressure? Why exercise to get your endorphins flowing when you can take a pill. Of course some people need the pills, but really??? Do you think it's safe for your patients if you are altered from taking XANAX?My doctor used to reach for her prescription pad as soon as I walked in the office. After a while and an understanding that I think medications are the LAST resort, she now throws the pad in the desk drawer when I come in and we try to find non chemical ways to 'fix' me.

zorabanks · Mar 2, 2012

people, listen to yourselves. is popping a pill preferable to getting a handle on things? is this like tv, where every time you turn it on you hear some variation on, "i had a pain, i took a pill, my pain went away!"? are we so captivated by this marketing of urgency and convenience and entitlement that we can't slow the heck down and do something that's better for us? be bold. think about it.

why must it be looked upon as "popping a pill". you wouldn't tell that to someone with htn, or cancer patient would you???? anxiety and depression are illnesses just like cancer and htn. have you ever been depressed? i have and it feels horrible, not just mentally, but physically also...to the point that it is a major effort just to get out of bed! if you need to take a medication to not have panic attacks or lessen the effects of depression so that you can get out of bed and be productive, then by all means take your medication and please don't come to work without taking it first! lol

i never thought that i would ever take a medication for anxiety or depression to help me handle the stress at work. but, things changed, and i totally considered getting on a medicaion to help me deal with the stress. it is horrible to hate to go to work or to have knots in your stmoach when you pull into the parking lot. i have not been on medicaion at this point. i was able to change jobs and my stress level is much better now without any medication and i am very thankful for that.

it is not always easy to change jobs or go walking or sit down to talk with someone about your problems. i am sure that there are many nurses who would love to deal with stess without medication, please don't make those of "us" who have to feel bad.

DemonWings · Mar 2, 2012

Seriously, I had no idea nurses were able to work while on benzos, isnt this illegal??

79Tango · Mar 2, 2012

You guys have left out the latest & greatest trend for the busy and overworked Nurse & Nursing Student.... A.D.D Meds! Ive worked at some places where it seemed like EVERYONE was on adderall. Seriously, I was like... Oh, you too?

VioletKaliLPN, LPN · Mar 2, 2012

I am Bi polar, I was diagnosed at age 13. Thanks to medications I can lead a normal, productive life. Beginning meds changed my life for the better, it felt like this cloud of haze was lifted and I could think clearly. Racing thoughts were gone, mood swings were eliminated, and I no longer felt compelled to harm myself.

Psych medications are vital to treat illnesses, but like antibiotics they can be overused.

Old.Timer · Mar 2, 2012

I think it is misleading to lump SSRI's, which are the majority of anti-depressants prescribed, and benzos together. Apples and oranges.

I believe if someone's anxiety is significant enough to require benzos to get through the shift then they are not well suited for the role.

In the past, you were not accepted into a nursing program without a face to face interview. Right, wrong, agree or disagree, the face to face was also an opportunity to assess suitability for nursing based on more than GPA and completion of pre-req.

Applicants were accepted based on a number of criteria. Being able to perform to the highest standard was where the bar was set. There were no allowances made. They did not admit someone who they anticipated would do fine in an outpatient primary care setting but not acute. They had to believe you could successfully perform in a high stress, acute care setting.

Now it seems that fewer and fewer programs require interviews and hence, more individuals are admitted now with no regard to their suitability. By the time the student realizes it, they are so far in that they continue and try anything to make it work.

Not everyone is suited for every profession at every point in their life. I am not putting anyone down. When I was younger, I absolutely thrived on the intense, fast paced, high acuity setting - give me the most challenging patients and I was happy. I am 54 years old now and I can promise you that there are not enough benzos in the world to enable me to do that kind of stress day after day after day.

Again, it is not my intention to put anyone down. It's just the way I see it. Others may disagree and that is fine.

nuffkids · Mar 2, 2012

Benzos arr not illegal but if taken as directed of course you can take them at work.

33762FL · Mar 2, 2012

I don't know, but as for myself, I do not take any prescription medications.

Despareux · Mar 3, 2012

I'm really not trying to be insensitive; I simply don't understand. I know time can be a factor for some people, and maybe that's why some choose medications; but if you're feeling anxious or stressed, why don't you take steps to learn to get a handle on those emotions and then take steps to prevent them without the use of medications. What's wrong with learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable?