Just found out I was accepted - Xanax usage

mrsboots87 · Mar 21, 2016

Try not to stress about it. On the H&P you do for the prescreen, the school does not need to know about your Xanax use, just the provider doing the screen. You do not give up your HIPAA rights when you become a nursing student. For the drug test, you only have to disclose the Xanax when you take the test. Tell the person administering the test and they will either note it, or you will expect a call to verify your prescription when it is found in your urine. As long as you have a current valid prescription for Xanax, then the results will go back to the school as negative.

As long as you arent impaired while providing patient care, this will never be a problem. If you do act impaired, then that would be cause for discipline. While they have no business knowing you take XANAX, it does become their business if you are not practicing safely.

hayleyh31 · Mar 21, 2016

I had to write down the medications I was on when I was being drug tested but the school never knew what I was on. I also take Xanax PRN, though I never took it before clinical or before work now since it does make me a little foggy. I wouldn't stress- disclose it to the people at the drug testing facility and you should be fine.

charleyq · Mar 21, 2016

Thanks so much for the quick replies! I have to say, when I read the medical forms, and saw the part where it says "please list" any medications (OTC and Rx) that you take, and how often you take them, I freaked out just a bit. Are you saying that I can leave this blank because HIPAA protects me in this area? My first thought was that if I didn't list the Xanax, and they found out, it would be grounds for dismissal because it would be seen as dishonest.

I've browsed a few threads here and have seen that it's not terribly uncommon for nursing students to take Xanax. Is usage of a drug like this (as prescribed, not ABUSED) frowned upon in schools?

I apologize in advance if my questions seem repetitive. I'm sure you all know how badly you wanted to be a nurse, and I certainly feel the same way. I just don't want to jeopardize it.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Mar 22, 2016

As long as you have a script you are fine. I never told my school anything and they should not be asking those questions. It's none of their business. It's their business if you fail a drug screen by not having an accurate and current script but it's in your bloodstream.

Your doctor will have to fill out a physical form showing you are physically capable and mentally able, but they should not be putting in any medical dx or scripts.

charleyq · Mar 22, 2016

Interesting. On the portion the doctor is to fill out, it asks if the student is under treatment for any medical or emotional condition, and if the answer is yes, to "explain". Isn't asking them to "explain" a violation of HIPAA? Would that not be asking the doctor to disclose a "medical condition" (such as stress or anxiety, in this case)?

LOL, I stressed about getting into the program, now I'm stressing even more about all this mess!

Julius Seizure · Mar 22, 2016

They can't exclude you based on an anxiety diagnosis or a Xanax prescription. I would leave it blank, tell the doctor not to fill out that part, and if they ask, say it's personal. I would be surprised if they pressed the issue, because they must know that they can't force you to disclose your personal health info without reason.

(This is what I do with every job that I have ever had, and no one has ever questioned me on it)

DowntheRiver · Mar 22, 2016

1. Do not write it on the school form. It is none of their business.

2. Make sure your Xanax Rx is current and not expired. Yes, you could have been prescribed Xanax in the past and have some leftover but if the script is old it could count against you.

3. Even though you are taking a benzo, your drug screen will be reported to the school as negative. What happens is you complete the drug screen. You are not required to disclose your Rx at that time of the drug test. The specimen will be sent out and test. If it pops up positive, the MRO (Medical Review Officer) will call you and request you verify the Rx in several ways: a picture of the Rx, verification of the Rx at your pharmacy, or contacting your physician to verify the Rx. Once the Rx is verified as current, the result will be changed to negative. This all occurs before the school is given the result. Just make sure to answer your phone 2-7 days after you complete the screen. Results are usually reported within 48 to 72 hours after the screen.

My clinic does Occ Health, so I'm familiar with the process in my area. It varies where you live, but the general process is the same.

charleyq · Mar 22, 2016

1. Do not write it on the school form. It is none of their business.
2. Make sure your Xanax Rx is current and not expired. Yes, you could have been prescribed Xanax in the past and have some leftover but if the script is old it could count against you.
3. Even though you are taking a benzo, your drug screen will be reported to the school as negative. What happens is you complete the drug screen. You are not required to disclose your Rx at that time of the drug test. The specimen will be sent out and test. If it pops up positive, the MRO (Medical Review Officer) will call you and request you verify the Rx in several ways: a picture of the Rx, verification of the Rx at your pharmacy, or contacting your physician to verify the Rx. Once the Rx is verified as current, the result will be changed to negative. This all occurs before the school is given the result. Just make sure to answer your phone 2-7 days after you complete the screen. Results are usually reported within 48 to 72 hours after the screen.
My clinic does Occ Health, so I'm familiar with the process in my area. It varies where you live, but the general process is the same.

Thank you. Based on the responses, I've decided not to include it on the form. My prescription is current (just filled it last week). I thought some of the questions on the form were rather invasive. (I do realize and appreciate that the school wants to make sure their students are mentally and physically stable.). The doc filling out the form knows about my stress and anxiety, as well as the Xanax, obviously, so I hope he doesn't disclose any of that.

FREEDOM007 · Mar 22, 2016

My husband worked in admission at a college, and they ask these questions because by law, they have to accommodate you if needed. For instance, some students with anxiety got to take their tests in a private location and got extra time. Or some students that are hearing impaired might need an alternative teaching method (notes vs lectures) or an interpreter. That being said, it is completely fine to leave this blank. It is just harder to back up and say "hey, i've had this condition this whole time, and now I am just letting you know." I also had anxiety and never disclosed it, but I never used the extra services either. So you'll be fine :)

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 22, 2016

The situation described is not a HIPAA violation because OP would be volunteering the information as part of the admission process.

OP may want to research her state's NPA position on the use of mood-altering medications. In most states, it doesn't matter why the drug is prescribed .... if it affects cognition or reaction time, it is NOT OK to use while working because it is a patient safety issue. There are also penalties for "failure to disclose" - choosing not to do so is a calculated risk.

Julius Seizure · Mar 22, 2016

My husband worked in admission at a college, and they ask these questions because by law, they have to accommodate you if needed. For instance, some students with anxiety got to take their tests in a private location and got extra time. Or some students that are hearing impaired might need an alternative teaching method (notes vs lectures) or an interpreter. That being said, it is completely fine to leave this blank. It is just harder to back up and say "hey, i've had this condition this whole time, and now I am just letting you know." I also had anxiety and never disclosed it, but I never used the extra services either. So you'll be fine :)

Good point. Hadn't thought of that. Maybe it is okay but, OP, I still recommend definite not disclosing it after you graduate and get a nursing job.