Prescription pain meds and working

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Specializes in Na.

Correct me if I'm wrong but it is my understanding that most hospitals will not let you work if your are taking oxycodone and Valium for chronic pain right? There is a post on in general nursing forum about this. The OP is a nursing student applying for her first job and thinks because she has a prescription she will be hired and employed by a hospital. Maybe I'm wrong but I thought this would be problematic.

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Ive never heard of that as a rule.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Med/Surg.

I have read many, many accounts over the years regarding this subject. Overall, I frankly can't remember anyone being allowed to take controlled substances while delivering patient care, even if there is a legal prescription for the medication(s).

That doesn't mean that nurses don't take all kinds of meds while working, but once the "Powers that Be" find out, the stuff hits the fan. It isn't fair in all cases, but this has been my impression of the reports I have read here at allnurses and at other nurse recovery websites concerning controlled substance use while working.

Maybe some folks with first hand experience will weigh in here.

To the OP, RNMSN51, you might try doing a search of this forum because I am pretty sure I have seen threads here that address this issue.

Catmom :paw:

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Specializes in Maternity.

Wrong post

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