Florida Med Question

[TheNurseIsIn]

Hello,

I posted this in Health & Stress Mgmt Forum, but did not get any replies yet. I am not in IPN, but I thought that maybe some of you all might be able to help me. If anyone knows the real answer to my question, will you please tell me your source and where I might find it?

My friend says as long as your doctor says it is ok and it does not impair your practice it is fine to take it, but I am not so sure about that.

Also, does anyone have an actual list of "banned" meds for nurses in Florida?

Please help! I have been freaking out over this.

Hello Everyone,

Does anyone know for sure the Florida BON view on nurses who are prescribed and take Adderall XR as well as Straterra? I have been trying to get a clear cut answer on this for about a week. The Nurse Practice Act here is confusing.

I have heard it is ok to take them while working if they are prescribed to you. On the other hand, I have also heard yes you can take them if they are prescribed to you, but not while you are working. Well, now that does not make any sense because it is my best interest, the pts best interest, etc to take them when I am working,etc. If there is anytime I should take them it is when I am working. Plus, XR stays around for awhile.

In my view, I should be allowed to take these meds on a regular schedule as long as I am not impaired. I have to take my meds. It makes me nervous and concerns me to be working without my Adderall XR and Straterra.

I am looking for a new job and I know drug screening will be required. If I take a drug test I know it will show positive for amphetamines. Will this be reported to the board? If so, how will they react?

I hope someone knows the real deal on this issue.

Thank you.

:)

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

The best way to find out the Florida BON's point of view is to drop an anonymous e-mail to the Florida BON and ask them.

If you're worried about them determining your identity through your e-mail address, you can get a free e-mail account (Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.) to write them with. Just don't use the same username that you have for your regular e-mail account

Good luck.

[SouthernPoint]

I know for a 100% fact that you can be on Adderall XR while in the IPN program. Before the contract is signed your prescribing doctor will need to let your temp-caseworker know that you need to be on Adderall. You will be required to have a different form to be filled out for your medical management that is due every 3 months. Once everything is signed on the dotted line. You should give your new case worker along with the person in charge of the USD's a call and make sure they know that the Adderall has been written into your contract.

I only has a problem like the 1st two times I had to go for my USD's. It wasn't nothing major. All I did was called my caseworker and reminded her about the Adderall and everything was cleared up.

Your caseworker will keep a check on your amount of amphetamines your USD is coming back positive on, but as long as there is never a major change all should be ok.

Hope this helps.

[SouthernPoint]

Also.. If you know you are going to come back positive for amphetamines and you are taking Adderall with a prescription. You shouldn't sweat it. You are legal. But you should be honest with the place you are looking for employment with and let them know that you had ADD and you take Adderall.