Having to list meds on school app

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2006

I listed my Lexapro on my physical form, which was submitted to them. I got in.

But I sure wouldn't put it right into my application. Yeah, I'd lie by omission.

Finally2008 · Mar 30, 2006

I am a little concerned!! On the application for school they want you to list all meds that you are currently on. Well, I have been on Zoloft and Hydroxyzine for 6 years. I am going to put these on here, but will that have any bearing on my admissions? Also there is a question asking if you are currently undergoing emotional treatment. Well no I'm not but I am taking a medication for depression. I don't know what to answer on that question. Do you think this will really hinder my entrance?

I was wondering the same thing, as I have been taking Buspar for anxiety. I have already applied and am waiting for "the letter", but I know there is a place on the medical form for all my medications. Has anyone out there listed anxiety or depression medication and still gone on to nursing school?

meb1118 · Mar 31, 2006

I have been so worried about this! I know that if I don't list it on my app then when they do a uds, I am screwed! I called the school today and the lady said that it shouldn't have any bearing on whether I get in or not, but she did say that they would talk to me about it in the interview. I work at a Psychiatrists office and she said to tell them that the Zoloft is for migraines! I actually do have migraines so I am thinking about that! :idea:

shock-me-sane · Mar 31, 2006

i wouldn't put it on my application. they seem to frown on any sort of issues you may have (at least where i go). it's not like they can get access to your medical records, so how would they know if you are on anything or not? i think it can leave a question mark in their head about you. i like declarative statements rather than questions.

weetziebat · Mar 31, 2006

May be just me, but I don't see why that is any of the school's business. And, although they would surely deny it, I wouldn't be surprised if it put a little question mark in their head about you, especially since she said they will ask you about it.

Personally, seems like almost everyone I speak with is on some type of anti-depressant, if it were me I would not tell the school about it.

If they do a drug screen aren't they more interested in looking for more heavy duty drugs? I had a pre-employment drug screen done a couple of months ago, while I was on Dilaudid for a nasty burn. Never showed up.

stpauligirl · Mar 31, 2006

i wouldn't put it on my application. they seem to frown on any sort of issues you may have (at least where i go). it's not like they can get access to your medical records, so how would they know if you are on anything or not? i think it can leave a question mark in their head about you. i like declarative statements rather than questions.

I am pretty sure that they have a way to get your medical records!

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2006

I am pretty sure that they have a way to get your medical records!

I feel fairly certain that HIPAA says they don't. And I'm guessing that if they did, you could sue them under HIPAA. They have no more right to your medical record than an employer has (unless you have, say, IDDM, and an insulin reaction is a possibility - in a safety capacity, yes, they would; but I can't imagine any other reason).

Medical forms don't even go to the admissions office. They are sent (at least in NC) directly to the Student Health Service, who, unlike the admissions committee, has a "need to know" under HIPAA.

I would not put any medications I'm on on my admissions application. And I would want to know the LEGAL rationale for them even asking it.

LanaBanana · Apr 1, 2006

If an issue came up about it after admission, say at a drug screen (which shouldn't be testing for anti-depressants anyway) you could always say you recently started it.

My situation is a little bit different. I was admitted to my program and last week had to take them a letter saying that vocational rehab would be paying for my tution and books. The letter said that I "have a severe disability which qualifies me for their services." Well, my disability is depression. I handed my letter to the secretary and walked away, hoping no one asks me for more information.