Kicked out of CNA because of RX

[Shannon RN 2be]

Yesterday I started a CNA class. It is a required class to have to get into a local nursing program. During orientation the instructor starts to talk about drugs not being allowed in class then goes on to say that ANY medications are not allowed to become a CNA... She explained that because YOU wouldn’t want a CNA to care for YOU if they were on meds so we don’t allow it. Well after class I went up to her and asked her what I should do. I am on several different pain medications like the patch. She told me I would have to call this number and talk to a lady then get back to her. Well today I called and got no answer so I left a message, I called back again later and still got no answer. We were home all day and no one called. I went to class tonight and she took me outside as soon as I walked into the room and told me I wasn’t allowed to go to class because I was on medications. She also LIED and said that the lady tried to call me and could not get a hold of me. Is this really legal? Can she not allow me to take a class because of DOCTOR RX's? I am calling up to the Continuing Education department tomorrow and try to talk to her boss but I have a feeling that’s who lied today and said she tried to call me. Does anyone know if this is legal? I am freaking out because if I can’t get this CNA class done I will not be able to apply to the nursing program. Help please!

Hugs :icon_hug:

Shannon

PS We are also talking about finding a lawyer to see if this is legal or not we do not believe it is legal.

[TazziRN, RN]

Well.........nurses are not allowed to work while under the influence of certain medications, even when prescribed legally. You could take meds while off duty or not in class, but not while working or in class.

[VeryPlainJane]

It's not legal, yes go see her supervisor and tell your going to contact a lawyer. Also look in your school's handbook and find their anti discrimination policy and bring it with you.

[Shannon RN 2be]

One more thing, She did not even ask me what medications I was on just said no.

Thanks for the responces.

Hugs :icon_hug:

Shannon

[leslie :-D]

also get a note from your md stating that taking the prescribed meds should not interfere with duties performed.

and even though the handbook is not contractual, it should lead you in the right direction when you feel you've been victimized.

good luck to you!

leslie

[Nurse-To-Be-Joy]

Wow, that's awful. I don't think that is legal at all. Hopefully, something works out for you with this!

[MIA-RN1, RN]

Its common knowledge in the medical world that people develop a tolerance over time to certain pain meds--and many people who are on the meds for a prolonged time are able to function just fine. Our instructor told us of a student who was being tx for cancer and wore a continuous morphine infusion or pump or something and did just fine and is now a nurse.

you should speak to someone and get all the documentation.

However, all that said, I seriously question the instructor's integrity and you have to wonder how good a teacher she is, and what quality of CNA's she turns out. Is there another CNA training in your area? You may want to consider it.

[flashpoint]

I can honestly see why they would not allow people to take the class if they are taking medications that could have side effects that could be detrimental to the patient...sedation, lethargy, decrease in mentation, etc. Even if you have taken it for ages and have a tolerance to it, there could be a liability if anything unusual happened, even if the medication you are taking has nothing to do with the incident. It sucks, but that's how it is...I wouldn't want a nurse who was possibly impaired calculating my drug dosages. But the thing with not being on ANY medication confuses me...so, no thyroid medicine, diabetes medicine, medicine for GERD, etc??? That doesn't sound right at all.

Check into it...

[Michelle123]

This concerns me and I hope I don't face it when I start my nursing degree (in 5 weeks and 5 days but whos counting). I have Bipolar and Graves Disease which I need to take medication for. If anything these medications help me to function normally. And I would personally rather be treated by someone who was taking medications for certain conditions than being treated by someone who wasn't. Can you imagine being treated by someone who was in pain becuase they weren't able to take their medications?

[HillaryC, RN, CRNA]

Just wanted to support you. That doesn't sound legal at all. Definitely contact a lawyer.

Good luck!

[sphinx, BSN, RN]

Where I work you aren't allowed to be on narcotic pain meds-unless you have a valid perscription, then you go through employee health and they can set you up with this special program where you *can* take it, and you are simply "monitored" occasionally for impairment......ie your affect, mentation, etc. If you take pain meds without letting anyone know, you will be terminated.

[LoriAlabamaRN]

I would check into another program. I think you should call around to the nursing homes in your area; they will usually offer CNA classes and pay for you to take them and then you could maybe work weekends or something, the experience looks good on a nursing college application.