Can I become a nurse if I am taking anxiety medication?

Question

I would like to go back to school and have a strong desire for a mid-life career change. I would like to get another bachelors degree and become an RN. I found out that it is much easier to do than I thought since I already have a bachelors degree. My concern is, I am taking lexapro and recently started taking klonopin for panic attacks (which thankfully I haven't had any more in the past 6 weeks). Would me taking medication prevent me from becoming an RN? Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, you can become a nurse.  You're suffering from common and minor emotional problems that are surely shared by many nurses.  Good for you for treating them, and good luck in your nursing career!

Answer 2

I think you can because isn't it against the law to turn down someone because of medical conditions?  It's not like you're not taking care of yourself, maybe you could go to therapy too so that they could see that you're bettering yourself but I think that of any place (especially a hospital or doctors office) that they'd understand your condition really isn't going to affect you that much on your job as long as you're on medication.

Answer 3

It will not affect you in any way as long as you are taking the drugs as they are prescribed.  There are lots of nurses out there that have different types of problems, and none of the legal medications they take prevent them from working.  As long as you take it like it is prescribed, and as long as you don't try any illegal drugs, you will be just fine.

Answer 4

It doesn't matter as long as its prescribed and doesn't interfere with your job.Ive been in the Medical Field since 97,and I take anxiety meds.