Medication disqualification

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 28, 2017

I have a question im about to have my ged i want to go into cna and work my way up but i have a problem i take medicine for bipolar and mood stabilizer the two medicines i take is triliptal for a mood stabilizer but it is use also for seizures my other is latuda but its for bipolar will it ruin my chances to become a nurse if it has to do with passing out meds or administrating ivs please help hahaha

I'll ignore the "hahaha" and presume you're being serious.

It's not so much what medications you are on that will affect your chances of a successful nursing career, as it is whether your psychiatric conditions are being well-managed. There are lots of nurses out there with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and other psychiatric disorders who are able to do well in nursing because they are staying on top of/compliant with the treatment. It's not a career killer at all...

That is, unless your psych issues are not being addressed properly.

Only YOU and your psychiatric care provider (MD, NP, etc.) can decide if you are in a good place psychiatrically to pursue nursing, and what you may need to do to get there.

Likewise, your seizure disorder also needs to be managed well. However a seizure disorder may be more of an impediment to a nursing career than having bipolar disorder, in that at any given moment, you can potentially seize and possibly lose consciousness. I don't know how severe your seizure disorder is: if it's very severe, nursing may be a no-go. Definitely discuss your seizure management with your primary care provider or neurologist.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

Vanvelzor · Nov 28, 2017

Its not for seizures its a mood stabilizer

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 28, 2017

Its not for seizures its a mood stabilizer

The way it came across, it read as though you were using it for seizures as well. Thanks for the clarification.

The advice I gave above still stands though: it's not so much what medications you are taking, as whether they are working for you :)

Vanvelzor · Nov 29, 2017

O yes their working ive been on them for years and i do get easily frustrated but its at home at work nomatter how bad things get i smile and say ok lol

Daisy Joyce · Dec 3, 2017

Just take it one step at a time.

CNAs don't pass meds. Learn your CNA skills and find a job and get some experience.

If you find health care work enjoyable and meaningful, then take the proper steps to move up the career ladder.

Best of luck!

Vanvelzor · Dec 4, 2017

Thank you one day at a time one moment at a time

EvilNurse73 · Dec 9, 2017

You'll be fine. I also have BP, Anxiety disorder, and ADHD. I take Lamictal, Seroquel, klonopin and Adderall XR. I've been an RN for almost 10 years and it has never once caused problems with being employeed. I've done everything from ICU, PACU, psych and Home Health.

If the employer does a drug test, I of course always test positive for benzos and amphetamines. They just require the prescribing Dr's name, pharmacy and prescription number to verify I'm actually prescribed these meds. My employer nor my nurse manager or co-workers know any of this. I do have FMLA to use just in case I need time off work.

My symptoms are well controlled. But that doesn't mean I don't still struggle with depression and anxiety, but I'm still able to work. MANY nurses work with psych disorders - especially anxiety and depression! Your not the only one at all.

Good luck and take care of yourself!