Offered a position, worried about drug test and legitimately prescribed ADD meds

Nurses Job Hunt

Published

Hello all! I was recently offered a new grad position at a hospital that I really wanted to work at- I'm very happy about it. I'm a little worried though, because I received all of my paperwork this week and there is a VERY extensive medical questionnaire that I have to fill out. I was diagnosed with ADD a few years ago as an adult, and I take Vyvanse 40mg daily. It makes a world of a difference for me. Truly. I take my medication exactly as prescribed. I'm still worried because of the way the drug test disclosure is worded in my paperwork. This is what it says:

In this policy/procedure, the term Drug” means any narcotic, controlled substance, behavior-affecting or mind-altering substance, including prescription medications that are not taken in accordance with the prescription and prescription medications used during work hours (even when taken in accordance with the prescription) that could make an individual unsafe at performing his/her job.

I don't think my medications make me unsafe at performing my job- if anything they help me. But I'm still worried that this will be a problem for them. What should I do? My MD told me that they shouldn't have a problem with it and told me to just bring my prescription information with me to the drug test. Do I keep taking my medication and do this? Should I stop my medication so that I don't test positive at all? (I wouldn't lie about my ADD on the forms either way). Am I way overthinking this? I don't use any other drugs at all, so this is my only issue. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

How about listen to your prescribing physician?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
How about listen to your prescribing physician?

I'm inclined to, but I just got nervous with how things were worded in the disclosure from the hospital. Was just looking to see if anyone had any personal experience with this or any insight that I might not have thought of. This is my first time being drug tested lol. Thanks for your comment!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think they are more referring to someone who walks in and says, "I take a bunch of pain meds for my chronic back pain. They're all prescribed to me." And the person is falling asleep in front of them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

You have a legitimate prescription for a legitimate medical condition. You need to breathe and relax. And above ALL, continue taking your meds and be HONEST

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

You have a prescription from your doctor, you're not buying drugs off the street. You'll be fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

Yes, you will absolutely be fine. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.

Read the question.

In this policy/procedure, the term Drug” means any narcotic, controlled substance, behavior-affecting or mind-altering substance, including prescription medications that are not taken in accordance with the prescription and prescription medications used during work hours (even when taken in accordance with the prescription) that could
make an individual unsafe at performing his/her job
.

Answer the question.

I don't think my medications make me unsafe at performing my job.

Oh, wait, you already did!

You are good to go. Congratulations, New Grad.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

I used to work at a hospital that has this ridiculous drug policy, especially in regards to prescription meds. Bedside staff were not allowed to use any prescribed controlled substances within 24hrs of working, even if it was legally prescribed. They didn't have this policy for non-controlled. So by their policy you could take 300 mg Elavil (honking dose) every day and the standard was is you appeared safe to work. But don't think about taking 1 tablet of lomotil (schedule V anti-diarrheal), or 5mg ambien before bedtime. Then you would be in violation. Took forever to get people back from LOA for surgery cause they had to be off narcs pretty much completely.

Stupid.

OP, you should be fine. If not, then you wouldn't want to work for them anyway.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.

Lol. Like what everyone said dont worry. I showed up positive for amphetamines r/t Adderall I also have ADD. You tell them what you take. They see that you are legally prescribed it. Its ok.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ORTHO, PCU, ED.

Definitely continue to be honest. However, I agree that you should be fine with a valid prescription as many nurses may be on such prescribed medications as listed in the paperwork. Nurses need medications just like any other person!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment