PLEASE HELP - May be kicked out.

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I'm a 2nd semester student in a competitive CC program. I just started my OB rotation. First day went fine, but the second day another student reported me for seeing "glassy-eyed" and otherwise "weird. I hadn't eaten all day and asked if I could have a sandwich, no one brought be one, so I asked again, Eventually, they took my down to the ER where they did an UA and put me on an EKG. MY HR was 130-150. My UA was negative except for benzodiazapines, and I am legally prescribed Xanax. There is now talk about kicking me out of school and I am heartbroken. :crying2: I think if anything, I was "glassy-eyed" because my HR was going crazy, and I probably had low BS. I have a meeting tomorrow with the head of the program. I have a 1-year-old son and no back up plan if nursing doesn't work out. I am a good student; an A student; and I just don't understand why this is happening. I am absolutely inconsolable right now and just really need some help. What should I say at that meeting tomorrow?

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Specializes in CVSICU, Cardiac Cath Lab.

If your U/A was negative, but for the Xanax, I'd recommend bringing your prescription bottle in and showing it to them. Low blood sugar can cause tachycardia and we all know nursing students eat like crap or don't eat at all!

Just take a deep breath and relax! Don't get defensive or apologetic--keep it to the facts.

Good luck!

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I'm just nervous as hell. My parents will absolutely kill me if I get kicked out of school... I'm not sure I'll be able to deal with this on a mental level.

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I agree with the other poster...bring your prescription bottle in and maybe get a note from your MD. Good luck!

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Do bring proof of your prescription with you. Though I do hope for you that they are just wanting to discuss things and find out what is going on with you.

As a nurse (and nursing student) you do have to remeber to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. If the issue was simply not eating, and you have had issues like that before and know it is an issue, you need to be sure to not skip breakfast, and carry something with you that you can eat quickly (like a cereal bar or such) if having an actual break doesnt happen when your body decides it needs some food. If there are other issues that caused your HR to be so high, you need to identify them, and address them. And if it is stress that causes your HR to shoot so high, you maybe need to evaluate if it is something you can manage and if nursing really is a field you should go into. You are no good to your patients if they have to take you to the ER for those kind of issues.

I honestly wonder if the issue they were bringing you to the ER for was suspecting drugs, or being worried about your health, as it sounds like they may have been worried about your health, and that may be what the discussion will be about. If you have anxiety issues that are going to have you with a hr that high, a discussion about wheather you should continue in the program is a valid discussion.....and it really is worth a self evaluation if anxiety/stress may have been cause and if you can control it if they were.

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Definitely show proof of your prescription!

Like the others have stated, get some sort of energy in your body. You won't be performing at your full potential and could be putting the patients in danger. You def. Don't want to be doing, especially as you being a nursing student! Hopefully everything will be fine for you =].

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

Peanut butter crackers can be your best friend in clinicals! Good luck with it all and let us know how it works out.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

legal RX or not, if you are "impaired" you are dangerous to yourself and others. A LOT of nurses are on anti-depressants, benzo's etc but it comes down to whether or not they can function. If you are functioning fine then a note from MD may be sufficient. Put snacks in a bag and keep in your pocket. I would think your grades and previous clinical experiences should be in your favor. GOOD LUCK

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

as others have suggested, bring proof of your prescription. there have been students who have been legally prescribed Xanax or other meds and they have been fine. also, just be honest about what happened. chances are you were the way you were because of a low blood sugar. in the future, pack snacks that are readily available! I have to do this and eat something or else I get very shaky and can't function (I'm not diabetic!)

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