HELP!! I am worried about pre-employment paperwork as a CNA in training!!!

[Kiwi333]

Hello everyone, I am new to this site and need your help. I have already been hired to work at a LTC facility as a CNA in training.

My concern is this: on the paperwork for my physical, it asks what drugs or medications have you used the past 6 months.....I was using a Fentanyl patch but now I take Methadone for nerve pain as well as Lexapro. I am afraid that once they see that I take Methadone they will not want to keep me on staff any longer because it is only prescribed for serious pain. I feel confident that I can perform all duties asked of me. Should I be worried?????

Thanks for any advice I may receive.....

[casi, ASN, RN]

You'll need to report the medications as they'll probably show up on a drug test. Be honest with your employer and I would include documentation from your doctor that states you are being treated for chronic pain with XYZ medications and that you're not rendered impaired by said medications.

[Kiwi333]

Thanks for your reply....I planned on telling them the truth, I just didn't know if it would adversely affect my chances of working there. I will see what happens and let you know

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I say the same, tell them the truth and have a doctor's note in your hand stating that you can, in fact work full duty.

[Kiwi333]

I figured I would give you guys an update....I saw my Dr on Monday and told him about the CNA position, which he said was a great idea. I then told him my concerns about the methadone and mentioned getting something in writing from him okaying me for the position. He told me I would not need one, not to worry about it, and said the medication would have no impact on my performance. I persisted a little and he told me to call him if they required a note. Today was the physical. The nurse was of course concerned due to the med. I contacted my Dr.s office today....and his staff member told me he wanted to restrict me to lifting no more than 20lbs and now all of the sudden wants to tell me that I have cognitive impairment!!!!!! Forget the CNA position, almost no job would hire me with that conclusion. The nurse called me and asked if that was ok, and I said no way, I won't get hired!!!! He just told me Monday I am 100%!!!!! I am really stressed...the nurse said she would talk to him and call me back. I guess that will be tomorrow:o:uhoh3:

[bethin]

Is there a reason he would restrict your lifting? Is this dr trustworthy? It is very strange that he says you could work 110% and then later change his mind. I would definitely sit down face to face with him and talk to him about this. Ask him what or who changed his mind. Is there another drug out there besides methadone that would treat your symptoms?

Sorry this happened to you. Hope this works out to your advantage.

[Kiwi333]

I thought I would give you an update....the Dr never reconsidered his decision like he told his staff member he would. Instead, He went on vacation on Friday, thus preventing me from getting the position!!!!! Of course I am confused and really upset. I have read several articles which state that long term use of methadone in no way impairs you...only if its acute use or used with alcohol or marihuana. I don't know if I should find a new pain Dr or stick with him. He is a strange one. The first time I went to see him he was verbally abusive to me...like he has a split personality or something. His first visit I was quoted over the phone as costing $350.00. We paid the $350.00 I just got a bill in the mail saying I owe $100.00 more for that first visit because it was such a complex case!!! He saw me for 8 minutes yelled at me the whole time didn't prescribe me anything and walked out...