Future Nurse With a Neurological Disorder?

[pavlovnurse]

Hi there!

New to this site, so still figuring things out. I was hoping that some of the fellow nurses or nursing students could address this issue for me. I am from California and I applied to nursing school (in Sacramento, CA) and will be hearing back on November 27. It is a point based system, so I suspect that I will get into the program. However, I am really concerned about the drug screening.

I have epilepsy and I have been prescribed multiple medications for it. One of the medications is Klonopin, which falls into the benzodiazepine category. For now, I take up to 1mg per day, PRN; however, I am allowed to take 1mg up to 4 times in one day. In the future, Klonopin may become a medication that I take for seizure disorder daily.

I have valid RXs for every medication that I take. The reason I am worried is that I have read so much conflicting information on whether or not nurses are allowed to take medications like this, and if they're allowed to work while dealing with a psychological/neurological disorder. I don't want to jeopardize my future career, I tried so hard to get to where I am at right now, but I can't just drop the medications :/ Please let me know your experiences, and hopefully, make me feel better :)

Thanks so much for your input.

[guest17]

Hello.

I was diagnosed epilepsy in my last year of nursing school that resulted in anti-epilepsy medication.

As long as you have a prescription you're good, as others have said.

The only thing I would be careful with: the possibility of missing classes due to appointments and such. You've already stated your seizures are relatively controlled, but just be careful. I missed a good 2 weeks worth of school due to neuro appointments, and despite passing the courses, it showed in my grades. Also, let the nursing coordinator know you've been given the all clear by your doctor. It'll make them feel better about having you.

Good luck!!

[pavlovnurse]

Thank you so much! Honestly overwhelmed by the kindness and support.

[cleback]

No one is 100% all the time. We're all human with different health conditions-- diabetes, depression, . As long as your condition is reasonably controlled, go for it.

[Cat365]

Not all nurses work in situations where having a seizure would put a patient at risk. Some of my classmates went into offices, sleep labs, etc. I probably wouldn't go into NICU, ICU, type areas until I was confident my seizures were completely controlled or I had prior warning of one, but that is no reason to not become a nurse.

PS I forgot to quote, but this is directed to the person telling you to find another major.