need advice on meds

[neuron]

Hi,

I was looking for advice on how to deal with this issue. I pass meds at a nursing home in my area, no injections, no I.V's. I feel ignored by most staff, but I know they don't mean it. All the pts. say how efficient I am, etc. and I always help out with what they need.

So what I do is pass meds and confined to the cart all shift. Sometimes it is just me at the med cart with no interaction with staff, as in friend interaction. Pts. only talk to me about the pain they're having. Sometimes I feel that nurses don't speak with me maybe because they don't have anything in common with me, nor do other staff. I plan to go to nursing school, but can't stand feeling like this for another year.

I am not here for self-pity, but need advice on any medication that would help. I don't want to feel empty on my job. I just need medication to help me get through this until nursing school. Would Prozac or any anti-depressant help? I feel like I need a 'mood-stabilizer'. Also would it be safe to take when I am passing meds? This is a very personal issue that I am not sure what to say to a psychiatrist and wouldn't feel comfortable talking to our nursing supervisor.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Julius Seizure]

We can't really advise you on medical issues like that. Maybe you should make an appointment to speak with your primary care provider. See if they think you need to see a specialist or not, and then they can recommend one to you if needed.

[Davey Do]

As Janey appropriately conveyed, a Professional needs to be consulted regarding your questions.

Psychiatrists know what to ask, so not knowing what to say will not be an issue, fibroblast.

Not feeling comfortable discussing this situation with the Nursing Supervisor is understandable. Most Employers offer confidential counseling through an Employee assistance Program.

In line with seeking professional assistance, there are other methods of dealing with stress that can be utilized with or without therapy and/or medication in dealing with stress. Some are as simple as assuring all basic physiological needs are met: food, sleep, sex. Others need to be more proactive, like exercise, prayer, meditation, yoga, pranayama, and the pursuit of fulfilling activities.

In utilizing the Problem-Solving Process, you've identified the problem and sought information. Brainstorming ideas comes next, and then the best solution is chosen.

Good work! The very best in your endeavor, fibroblast!

[neuron]

As Janey appropriately conveyed, a Professional needs to be consulted regarding your questions.

Psychiatrists know what to ask, so not knowing what to say will not be an issue, fibroblast.

Not feeling comfortable discussing this situation with the Nursing Supervisor is understandable. Most Employers offer confidential counseling through an Employee assistance Program.

In line with seeking professional assistance, there are other methods of dealing with stress that can be utilized with or without therapy and/or medication in dealing with stress. Some are as simple as assuring all basic physiological needs are met: food, sleep, sex. Others need to be more proactive, like exercise, prayer, meditation, yoga, pranayama, and the pursuit of fulfilling activities.

In utilizing the Problem-Solving Process, you've identified the problem and sought information. Brainstorming ideas comes next, and then the best solution is chosen.

Good work! The very best in your endeavor, fibroblast!

The only issue is that I find myself eating more (out of stress) because of this, and because it's one looong job. I know I can't be advised, but I have learned not to trust a psychiatrist. I pass meds, so that might turn the light bulb on in some drs.

Talking to a specialist might be the only option, I believe I have depression. Sometimes on my days off, I stay in bed all day.

Our supervisor doesn't care about the effect this has on us, she just wants our jobs done.

[Nursemiriben, LPN, EMT-P]

There are other things to try before jumping to the most invasive solution. It sounds like you're bored with your job and medication won't change that. See about getting a different assignment that's more hands on or reach out to nurses, cna's, or patients and YOU try to talk to THEM. Ask them about their weekend, current events. Most patients in a long term care love to have someone to talk to because they get bored also!

[heron, ASN, RN]

If your primary job responsibility is to pass meds and the majority of your time is spent at the med cart, then of course people will avoid talking to you. Interrupting a med nurse or tech during med pass is a guaranteed med error. It's no time for social small talk.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

If your primary job responsibility is to pass meds and the majority of your time is spent at the med cart, then of course people will avoid talking to you. Interrupting a med nurse or tech during med pass is a guaranteed med error. It's no time for social small talk.

Exactly. The staff passing medications is not to be disturbed or interrupted

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

If your craving social connection and this is your issue, there are social sites like Meetup.com that help-I used the site to connect with others at a time in my life, and have connected and met with people outside of the Meetup setting; I also have nursing friends from previous and current job.

If you think you have depression, then perhaps you choose the RIGHT specialist, not the first; I say this as someone who is currently under the care of a medication management psychiatrist, as well as sees a therapist-this is the only combination that helps me stay my normal; dropping one works for a while, then I have to add the psychiatrist-I'm glad I found the right combination, it will be up to you to do what works for you.

Best wishes.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

We cannot provide the medical advice you need about medications.

You have been given great information. Please speak to your Healthcare Provider.

Good luck and we hope you get the medical advice necessary to help you.