Will being on anxiety medication hinder me from becoming a RN?

[Amdecl6]

Hello everyone!

I wanted to start this topic and get some opinions on whether or not being on medication for anxiety will hinder me from becoming an RN? I am currently working on all of my pre-reqs and I intend to apply for a nursing program in Sept. 2013.

I have been on Prozac 10mg for the last two years. Prior to being prescribed Prozac I had never had any sort of anxiety, panic, or depression in my life. I had a series of extremely stressful and traumatic events happen within a 3 month period and it caused me start having anxiety attacks which led to panic attacks. After dealing with it for several months, and it getting progressively worse, I went to my doctor and was prescribed Prozac. I take it once a day and have had no side effects since being on it. I do feel as though I may need to up my dosage though. It just seems like the anxiety is starting to crawl back in and I would like to go see my doctor to see what we can do for it.

Obviously at some point, I will have to disclose that I am on medication, so will the nursing program reject me for being on Prozac, or for having anxiety? Will employers look down on me for it?

Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!

[smoup]

Some BONs require disclosure of behavioral health problems that have necessitated treatment - for initial or renewal of licensure. Tx is one of those states.

When you're accepted into the program I'm looking into, you have to state any hospitalizations you have had and why. Not exactly the same, but I'm surprised they are legally allowed to ask for medical information like that.

[George C.]

good question. In TX and assuming in most states you will have through drug screening if not by the state , by the employer, and anti anxiety meds like benzodiazepines show on the screening. But this is not law enforcement or military where taking bezodiazepins or antidepressants will DQ you for sure. Just letting them know that you ve ever had symptoms indicating possible depression or anxiety WILL make them "forget about you" and there is a reason behind that.