Student prescribed xanax for anxiety...

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 22, 2011

I have no feedback because we don't even have to report any medications we are on to our program. But just wanted to say I hope everything is OK and keep us updated.

Maybe they just want to make sure you won't be taking it during clinicals or patient care in case it makes you zoned out??

symphie · Mar 23, 2011

At my school you have to report new meds so that they can make sure they won't interfere with your ability to perform in clinicals, and also so that they have record of your prescriptions for your annual drug test while in the program.

Certifiable, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2011

Holy invasion of privacy Batman!

I thought the title of your post was a joke or something.

Does that mean that all those 20 year olds on Ritalin also have to face a committee?

I understand random drug testing for hospital staff... but this... it's way over the line!

sandi1743 · Mar 23, 2011

we have to let our school know of any medication that could show up on a drug test if we are rx'ed at any point of the semester/any medication that we are rx'ed that could effect us with things such as dizziness, sleepiness, etc. This is in addition to all of our regular medications on our health intake form at the start of every semester. it is done for their safety, pt's safety and most importantly - OUR safety!

they prob just want to see how you are doing overall and how the meds are working- did they even know that you had this medical condition?

*hugs*

just breathe deeply and hope the meds work well for you!

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Mar 23, 2011

This is appalling !!! This is a HIPAA violation. I take Ativan and I felt the need to tell my school because of drug testing. Our administrator told us that the school does NOT need that information due to HIPAA and all I needed to do was to give the rx info. to the doctor reviewing my drug results because benzos may show up. Wow.

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2011

so if u had a rx for viagra or valtrex you would have to report it as well?

i think thats a huge invasion of privacy. i think if they do random drug tests and a person tests positive(benzo's/opioids etc) & they have an issue, only then i think they should furnish their rx...

murseNtraining · Apr 2, 2011

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Basically, I went in on monday, they made a copy of my prescription for my "file," and then set me up an appointment next week to speak with the head of the program. Apparently, it's to go over professionalism and taking prescribed drugs.

:eek:

I'll let you know how it goes... :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Torbian · Apr 2, 2011

Well I am glad to hear that it went alright. But I do agree with others, that is such an invasion of privacy.

manchmal · Apr 2, 2011

I would seriously throw a fit if I had to spend my time meeting with faculty about my prescription meds. I was annoyed enough when I had to have "elevated BMI" on a physical my doc did sent to the school before I was fully accepted (I'm not THAT overweight, and in fine shape), but whatever, it makes sense that they want that. If they asked for what meds I'm on, I'm sure I didn't tell them.

It is not the school's business what medications I take -- if there is a performance problem, it's MY problem, not theirs, and either I need to fix the problem or be failed/leave the program, regardless of whether it is related to my prescribed meds or related to my laziness. It's the same difference to the school: if I'm not performing well, I don't get to continue, end of story. I do not see ANY reason for a school to need to know my medications. My doctor said there are no conditions that make it dangerous for me to practice nursing on my physical that I turned in. End of story.

We aren't drug tested in my program, but if we were, and if they tested for a benzo and I was taking a benzo for anxiety, that would be between me and the hospital/lab that tested me -- I could show them the script, they could clear it, and report an "all clear" to the school. There should be a 3rd party that does that so that all the faculty at some small-town school don't know what medications all the students are on. I get real annoyed about medical privacy violations that are forced on people so that they can get a job, get into school, etc.

I'm sorry you have to go through that stress -- it's not right.

PS - It isn't their business how you're doing, if the meds are working, etc. like the poster above has written. They aren't your nurse/parent/psychologist/doctor/family member. They're a school you're paying to attend and -- if you want to share that info with them, that should be your choice.

FrazzledButBlessed · Apr 9, 2011

We have to report medications as well. I was placed on Ambien PRN and had to notify the dean of the program. A meeting was set up and I was asked to consider dropping out for a term until I was 'better'. They were 'concerned about drug abuse and effects' etc. Even though that's the only medication I take...and it's 2.5mg!

I refused to do so and since then, I feel like I have a target on me. It's embarrassing to know those over you are aware of your conditions/medications.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Apr 9, 2011

We have to report medications as well. I was placed on Ambien PRN and had to notify the dean of the program. A meeting was set up and I was asked to consider dropping out for a term until I was 'better'. They were 'concerned about drug abuse and effects' etc. Even though that's the only medication I take...and it's 2.5mg!
I refused to do so and since then, I feel like I have a target on me. It's embarrassing to know those over you are aware of your conditions/medications.

That is so absurd. I have a script for 10mg ambien, (which even than half the time I still lay there for hours before I fall asleep. Lunesta worked well for me but insurance wanted ambien unless a pre auth was done :|) My school doesn't know I have a script for this. I also have a script monthly for percocet. I don't take it at the hospital. It's none of their business IMO. Our school never asked personal questions like this. We had to pass a drug test and it was said that when we went if we were on anything that would set the test off to bring the Rx for the labs knowledge, they only told the school if we passed or not.