Healthcare professionals in pain

[lee73010]

Are any of you health care professionals and take pain killers for chronic pain conditions?  Specifically RNs and Paramedics?

[nurseaudrea]

Yeah week out possible w/c claims, but I already had one thank you that will take care of me for the rest of my life. I told her that in case she was scared of that after I found out they took the employment offer back. If she had never seen the scar she would of never know I had had a spinal fusion before I ever went to nursing school, and a month after nursing school.

[Tuckamore]

Unfortunately there is discrimination against us...regardless of the laws. The nurse that made the decision for you was doing as she was instructed.... weed out possible W/C claims.

Employers "protect" their W/C rates and do so, (in part) by screening out anyone that may make a claim. It's sad but true. However not all facilities/companies are as discriminating. I am sorry this happened to you nurseaudrea.

~Tuck

[nurseaudrea]

By the way don't just throw it out there that you do have herniated discs. That happened with me. I was offered job employment at a huge hospital system in Fort Worth and then when they asked if I take any meds I said yes and they asked what for I was very forth coming. Well they decided to take the job offer back even though it would not effect the way I do my job and never has and never will. That was the first time I was descriminated against. And this happened when I had to go down and do a physical with the hospital nurse for pre-employment screening. It went fine but she saw a scar and asked about it so I told her and then she was uh-ho, spinal surgery, no no. That will not be okay. You will be on your feet too much and you may not be able to handle it.

She already decided for me I would fail although I was just fine and had been for two years before that. Just reveal the least amount you can about yourself concerning any injuries or medications.

[nurseaudrea]

I have to agree with Tuck here. That is why the HIPPA laws were put in place. As long as you are able to function and do your work properly then really who may be the wiser? It really depends on the policy of the place you work for. Some of them require you let them know of any old or current injuries, but if it is one being treated currently by a doctor , that really is a tough one. It depends on what your job duty demands are. If you are able to function and do them just fine and if you have to take meds and be ok then the least you would have to do is report the meds you take. I have never been fired for the meds that I have taken unless it has shown to happer my ability to do my job, which it never has. And the person you report that to is the nurse healthcare liazon. She keeps everything confidential and does not even tell your nurse manager that you are taking meds. Unless something happens.....then you have to wonder of course.......

There are many healthcare workers on this board that take pain meds and are still able to work. Why do you ask?

[Tuckamore]

Hi Lee,

The law protects your medical records and conditions. An employer has no right to know either of these unless it will effect your ability to perform your job.  HIPPA is one of the laws that protects you.

There are many nurses and medical professionals that have chronic conditions and are still able to perform their job. I can't offer you legal advice as it's against our TOS.

I have an appointment today but feel free to contact me through a PM.

Best of Luck to You,
~Tuck

[lee73010]

Because I am one of them and was looking for some support and someone to talk to about pain and work.  For example, a friend of mine who I went to nursing school with advised me never to let any one know about my herniated discs because I would never get a job nursing.  

[Tuckamore]

Hi Lee,

There are. Why do you ask?

~Tuck