prescription pain meds and work

chenoaspirit, ASN, RN · Oct 22, 2008

hmm, I would think that a person would be considered "under the influence" if they took them while AT work. But as far as taking them at home with a valid prescription, it would be fine. Ive drug-tested for jobs and tested positive for narcotics (had surgery) and it was fine with all of them. I just had to provide proof that i had a prescription for them.

Once I did take my pain med at work, but it was either that or go home because I as in horrific pain. It did not affect my performance or thinking in any way. But I was nervous about it. But I truely was in pain and couldnt stand it any longer. I had tried Motrin with no relief and finally just took one. But had I made any mistake related to my job, it would have been blamed on the medication and I would have faced consequences for it.

Dolce, RN · Oct 22, 2008

I think the answer probably depends upon how it affects the person. I have worked with a nurse who was on Vicoprofen for chronic pain. She was clear headed and able to work without difficulty. People who use narcotics for a long period of time usually don't deal with the same side effects as those who are taking them for a brief period of time. I don't see how your friend can be prevented from going back to work if she has a note from her doc stating she can work. What she takes and what prescriptions she is on is a personal matter.

TopazLover, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2008

My understanding is that if the MD clears for work that is clearance. I am guessing here, but I think the facility could tell the employee that they have a drug free work policy and you cannot work drug effected.

Many people are able to work while using narcs. for CHRONIC pain. I doubt that your friend would fall into this category. If this nurse can work the shift without use of narcs. I don't see a problem. If is before or during work and there is a problem the immediate response would be under the influence.

There is no reason to take that chance. Most knee surgery pain is under control within a few weeks. There will be residual pain for quite a while. It is probably better to use other treatments. It does not make sense try to return to work while needing many narcs.

I love my cat! · Oct 22, 2008

At some point if I really need an "official" answer I will consult my HR department, but right now I am just getting general info as this really doesn't pertain to me personally. If you have a prescription for pain meds and don't abuse it, can you take them at work? I have a friend who had knee surgery and was told she cannot return to work if she is actively taking narcotics. Just very curious.
thanks

Hi!

Call your state BON.

I did this here in CA because there were so many questions regarding opiates and work.

The BON here in CA told me that they have few restrictions for Nurses (in CA) as long as the meds are prescribed, that the Nurse is taking them as prescribed and is not impaired.

What the BON added, and stressed, was this: Contact the facility for what their specific regulations are regarding Opiate use while working....and get it in writing. The BON stated that each facility is different and that they can basically implement whatever they want.

Like others mentioned, Opiate use for chronic pain is much different than use with acute pain. People with chronic pain will often function better with the medications than without.

BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Oct 22, 2008

You're right,.check with the policies at your place of employment, every place is different. I personally couldn't function on Vicodin at work. I look at it this way,..when I discharge a pt with an RX for narcotics I instruct them not to drink alcohol, drive a car or operate heavy machinery while taking this med! If I'm not safe to drive I shouldn't be at work!

Trauma Columnist · Oct 22, 2008

Depends on the person, how long they have been taking narcotics. Chronic pain should not be treated with vicodin, vicoprofen - it should be treated with a transdermal or other extended release narcotic.

So...its not a question that is either yes or no - it depends.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Oct 22, 2008

I'm with the "it depends" camp: some people can take narcs without the sedative effects, some are zonked on a Tylenol. Just a guess, but the person taking them usually knows how they are affected by them. If there's any doubt, then I'd say to stay home while on them; if there's no doubt (and s/he KNOWS function is not impaired) then I don't see a problem.

mel1977 · Oct 23, 2008

I really appreciate the feedback and what you say makes sense. I am a chronic pain person (two back surgeries, knee injury, yaddyyadda-but I only take ultram) she is a unit secretary so that would almost even make it less of a big deal, unless that policy of nothing at all is part of it. Thank you again!