Suboxone

Nurses Recovery

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Hi. I have a question I have researched and never found a direct answer. Has any one here heard of a nurse obtaining employment while being prescribed Suboxone. I know many take the drug and practice. I was wondering if anyone has ever taken pre employment screening , presented their legal Rx and been hired. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

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Specializes in EMS, LTC, Sub-acute Rehab.

Check the Nurse Practice Act in your state before proceeding any further. Most Peer Assistance Program are 'cold turkey' but I don't know your situation and have never been in it myself.

I know that some Home Health Companies do not drug test prior to employment but it depends on the company. None of my home health Pts receive opioids but random testing is always possible. Again, review the nurse practice act for clarification.

Any accident occurring on any job, that requires an ER hospital visit, will also include a drug test/tox screen.

Best of luck with recovery.

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I'm wondering though, if an accident occurs and I have a valid rx can I be fired for not informing my employer?

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Also, I purchase my medication using my insurance obtained through the hospital that employs me. Can they see that and use that knowledge to question or fire me?

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My state board says that they have no rule about Suboxone use, however I am obliged to report myself if I feel I need help. I guess I'm really just looking for any experiences where employers became aware that a nurse was taking Suboxone and how it played out.. thanks for any input guys, I'm just a little freaked out. I was completely off all meds for a while but stress caused me to begin thinking hard about relapse and I feel Suboxone is a safe place for me right now.. I'm trying to determine if it's safe for my employment tho or if I should wein off again quickly.

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Specializes in EMS, LTC, Sub-acute Rehab.

If your employer states Rx information is grounds for employment and you do not report it, yes you can be fired.

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Specializes in EMS, LTC, Sub-acute Rehab.

The meds you purchase, through your company insurance health benefits, cannot be disclosed to anyone other than the provider or someone you release the information to. It would be a violation of HIPAA to do so.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, LTC, Internal Medicine, FP.

HI. I used to take suboxone, however I now am back on Methadone after my last relapse.

I have been back on methadone since april of 2015. Not only does my BON know about my RX, but I was hired after a pre employment drug screen showed it in my system. I provided documentation and there I went. Been working ever since :)

good luck!

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

As you know the hallmark of healthy recovery is rigorous honesty in all our affairs. With this in mind I believe it would be far better to disclose that you take suboxone and why when you are offered the position rather than have to "explain why you lied about it" if it shows up on a pre-employment test or later test during actual employment. Some may say just don't mention it if you are not asked but a lie by omission is still a lie. When I talk a bout my recovery to future employers I am almost always met with congratulations and support. It has never kept me from getting any position.

Hppy

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It depends on organization to organization some have very strict policies and never allow

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Specializes in Operating room nurse/educator - Neurosurgery.

I have not been able to find work after a 10 year drug free recovery. No one wants to take a risk on an at risk nurse. Any tips on getting past the prejudice and finding a nursing job.

Chena

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I was on it for 2 years, and when I had my drug test they never even called me to ask about it...

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