will I have a problem getting work?

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Just wondering, if I have a adrenal problems and have been taking xanax for at least 8 years to control the palps and anxiety, will I have a problem when I go to apply for a job as a new nurse and I have to take a blood test?

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Just wondering, if I have a adrenal problems and have been taking xanax for at least 8 years to control the palps and anxiety, will I have a problem when I go to apply for a job as a new nurse and I have to take a blood test?

I know someone who just went through something similar. She had to take in her prescriptions and show them to the nurse doing the test. She also had to get a note from her doctor saying she was fit for the job. She did all that and got hired.

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Thank you, I feel better. I was starting to get concerned. I heard they don't like to hire people who are ill, but I can function fine as long as I take my meds. I made it through nursing school, so I have to be functioning {{grin}}

Just wondering, do you have to disclose every med you are on or just something that would show up on a drug test ...do they care about thyroid meds, etc.?

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Thank you, I feel better. I was starting to get concerned. I heard they don't like to hire people who are ill, but I can function fine as long as I take my meds. I made it through nursing school, so I have to be functioning {{grin}}

Just wondering, do you have to disclose every med you are on or just something that would show up on a drug test ...do they care about thyroid meds, etc.?

You need to list everything.

You don't do this until after you have an offer. Your offer will be contingent on the physical which includes drug testing. It's handled by employee health and it's confidential.

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Specializes in Gyn Onc, OB, L&D, HH/Hospice/Palliative.
:smokin: No if you have an Rx, your'e fine, LOTS of nurses are on antidepressants, anxiolitics and pain meds, nurses are people ( and pts) too!!!
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I had a test positive for my rx. the testing co. called me & asked if I was taking yada,yada & I said I was.they wanted to know what pharm I had the script with,said they would confirm,that it wouldn't be mentioned to hiring agency, If I indeed had a rx for it. I got the job! I don't think you can be refused a job if your on a rx med,don't think prospective hiring co. can deny you the job(legally) I may be wrong.

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

As long as you have a legal prescription in your name, you're fine.

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From my understanding, having to disclose everything is a HIPAA violation.

They don't automatically disclose it to your employer just because you take it and it shows up on a drug screen.

A good drug testing company should call you only if something comes up and asks you to provide a valid prescription after-the-fact.

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Ahhh, so I don't disclose it until after I take the test, or will they ask me first about my health?

Thanks so much to everyone for all your help :heartbeat

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Different place probably handle it different ways, but there's no way they will ask you this stuff before making a job offer.

After that, you will have to fill out tons of paperwork, mine included a health history where I was asked ALL of my prescriptions.

The bottom line is, as others have said, you won't be denied the job if you have a valid prescription and (possibly) your own doctor says you have no work restrictions as a result of your condition and/or meds.

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Ahhh, so I don't disclose it until after I take the test, or will they ask me first about my health?

Thanks so much to everyone for all your help :heartbeat

They will usually tell you what their policy is. There should be a distinct difference in what is disclosed to the drug testing agency vs what is disclosed to an employer.

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