Seizures?

nrsang97, BSN, RN · May 16, 2008

Anyone who has seizures can be a nurse or nurse aide as long as their seizures are under control.

As far as the part about not taking his meds then he could be dangerous if he is helping a pt to the bathroom and then he has a seizure and drops them, or something.

What is a STNA if I may ask? Is it like a nurses aide?

hollya5334, LPN · May 16, 2008

Sorry, yeah, a STNA is a state tested nurses aide.. some parts of the country call them CNA's (certified nurses aides)

Thanks for the reply!! Yeah. I'm worried b/c he DOESN'T take his meds.. and the whole aspect of dropping somone. I mean, its an assisted living facility, but there are still people who need help, and even some people who need lifted (as long as they are no more than a 1 assist.)

cursenurse · May 16, 2008

Okay, I was talking to my DH's friends boyfriend (who we really don't know all that well) , and he mentioned he was a STNA, and wanted to get back into the field. I am an LPN, and just got a new job that I LOVE after mat. leave, and was talking it up. So, I mentioned they were looking for midnight shift STNA's and he said he would love to put in an app, so I encouraged him. When DH and I got home, DH told me this guy has a history of seizures!! Now, my question is, can STNA's legally practice if they have a known hx of seizures? I can't see that being safe w/ res. care and so forth. Oh yeah, he claims to not be able to afford his medication, so he doesn't take it. Should I warn my DON about hiring this guy? What do I do?! Thanks in advance!!!

First of all, I don't see where it's anybody's business if he is on meds. Secondly, if I were you, I wouldn't even entertain the idea of telling a person's potential employer the person's medical hx. I think that is a violation of his privacy, and a misuse of your relationship.

And why must you say "he claims" to not be able to afford his meds. That comes off as very judgmental. It is not a sin to not be able to afford your meds. Some meds are very expensive, and for pete's sake how are you supposed to be able to get your meds if you don't have a job? Being poor is not a character flaw.

Why don't you encourage him to look into some of the programs that offer low cost meds like Meijer, Target, Kmart.

vashtee, RN · May 16, 2008

Oh my gosh! I just looked up the cost of the Lamictal my daughter takes for seizures... thank god we have insurance! They charge $669.00 for 180 25mg tablets, of which she is taking 6 per day. That is over $22.00 per day.

That poor guy! No wonder he isn't buying his medication! No one who is unemployed could afford them!

butterflies135 · May 16, 2008

my daughter also takes lamictal she takes 8 pills a day and without insurance it is $1049 a month that is just crazy.. i would leave it up to him to tell your don about his medical hx, i am sure he will inform her her is epileptic

hollya5334, LPN · May 16, 2008

Okay, I did not post this question to be attacked. Maybe I should clarify. This guy HAS a job. With insurance. He just doesn't like his job, and wants to change jobs. I don't want to be held liable, because his girlfriend has told my husband that this guy is NOT upfront w/ his employers about his disorder. If he uses me as a reference, has a seizure, god forbid hurts a resident and then tells somebody he knows he has epilpesy and I know it, what can that mean for my job? I just freakin' started!! He has had seizures a couple times since my husband has worked w/ him in a couple months! My husband works at a warehouse on afternoons and has only worked there for about 6 months! I'm just looking out for the residents saftey.

cursenurse · May 16, 2008

well don't be a reference if you can't vouch for him. you said you don't know him well anyway. problem solved. :zzzzz

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · May 16, 2008

I would stay as far out of it as I could, personally.

A hx of seizures may mean a dx of epilepsy, or it could mean that someone had a febrile seizure as a child and has had none since. If you don't know him well, and/or don't know the ins & outs of his particular situation, you'd do best to just stay out of it. JMHO.