Taking prescribed narcotics

TazziRN, RN · Mar 9, 2008

The board would look at it and laugh.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2008

Recovery programs are for addicts. If your MD/therapist and self-assessment is that you aren't an addict then everyone is wasting their time.

If your employer wants you to report to the board simply because you are on prescribed medication, then there's no need and they are in the wrong in my opinion. The BON doesn't keep a record of everyone on prescribed narcotics in my opinion.

If however, they suspect it is affecting your job performance in any way, they must report.

valkyria, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2008

well,

i have a really bad back. i mentioned before that i have 2 pinched nerves in the upper and 2 in the lower back with herniated discs and all. secondary to multiple mvas and an abusive, now ex, husband. all of this is documented. as a result of this, i take a narcotic based pain medicine. it is the only thing that helps. i have tried everything else from celebrex to ultram and all meds in between. i have to carry with me a letter from my md and the script just to make sure that i do not get any static because my "condition" was called into question when i was drug tested for my last position and back when i was a teacher too. i do not understand how people do not grasp the fact that not all people on narcotic based meds are "addicts". there is such a stigma attached to that label. i would follow what you are being told but, first, consult a labor lawyer, and second, file a grievance on unfair treatment. i have been to meetings of the board in my state and there are nurses walking around with licenses, practicing, that have killed a patient due to a medication error, and come to work high on street narcotics and they got probation. so while i know justice is blind, you have to be your own strongest advocate and defender, just like you do for your patients. :uhoh3:

PsychNurseWannaBe, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2008

I really don't understand why some people have a problem with others taking narcotics that are prescribed. And the stigma that is attached with it. If you need it, you need it. I have been taking Percocet for many years. I don't get the high or the euphoria... I just get pain relief. It allows me to function. I would understand the concern if someone just started taking narcs because it may initially impair someone, but over time, that is gone.

I do not believe you need to contact the BON. Your MD says your fine and if you are not making mistakes...then I think you are good to go. If your employer has a problem with it, it is up to them.

Good luck and I am glad to hear that you are able to get pain relief!!

V51707 · Mar 18, 2008

Hello, I too have recently had to start taking narcotics for a back injury. I do not take more than prescribed and ONLY take them when needed. Nurses that need to be reported to the board of nursing are those taking street drugs/narcs at work or elsewhere, appearing "high" at work. I would recommend carrying a letter with you from you physician stating you have a medical reason requiring that you take the medication as needed while not at work and perhaps mention what you take at work for pain (such as ibuprofen, toradol, naprosyn, diclofenec or other anti-inflammatory) If you don't have a prescription for anything else they may believe you are taking the medication at work. They also now have diclofenec in the patch (just released) my doctor was one of the first in the US to get them. I'm not sure what your pain issue is (back etc.) but I know I feel guilty about having to take Vicodin for my pain as well. But its the only thing that helps when the pain gets really severe. You do not need to report this to the board of nursing. There are millions of people/nurses that take prescribed medications for pain and should not be harrassed for it. I would just make sure you have adequate documentation. Just for curious reasons, How did they find out that you were on this medication? My injury occured at work (lifting a pt that stopped breating) Workers comp was denied because I did not stop right then and there and tell everyone my back hurt. Its been a mess! I recently joined this forum in hopes to get some support. What type of work do you do and what type of injury do you have? Maybe you should consider a different type of nursing to help with your pain. Just a thought:nuke:....trying to help! You are doing nothing wrong. The person telling you to do this obviously has never had pain before.

time4meRN · Mar 19, 2008

Only you know if there is a problem. If you're truley on narcs for a legitimant reason then so be it. But I also know that as addicts we are sooooo goooood at the BS ! I could pass by as "well" to almost anyone if I wanted to. Only you know if there is a problem. Although, I also know that most places of employement don't suggest that a nurse go to the BON, because of medication being taken for a medical condition. Are you positive that your employer isn't seeing things that your not. Most employers don't want to deal with the boards unless there is an issue. It means a lot of documentation, paper work and communication with HR etc. It's not something most places do on a whim.

exnursie · Mar 19, 2008

Review your state nursing regs.laws, practice act. Some states don't allow the use of narcs if working. FL is one.

ecnav · Apr 3, 2008

Just wondering if anyone has had to go into the recovery program for taking narcotics prescribed for legitmate reasons per my physician. 0 positive drug screen at work. Had to take them for several months due to medical condition. All medicine was taken with a dr order and physician states that I did not show signs of addiction as well as my therapist that I am currently seeing. My place of employment wants me to report it to the board. Any thoughts......

Let them report it if they are so concerned. Then you can assert false/malicious reporting.

PLTSGT · Apr 5, 2008

I would absolutely get a lawyer if they won't get off your back. Being reported to the Board for that is ludicrous. If things get worse and the Board get a hold of you, you will get stuck in years of monitoring program. My analogy is it's like going to prison for a crime you didn't commit. Get someone to represent you ASAP!