As a nurse, I am always searching for ways to improve my overall well-being and manage the stress and anxiety that comes with my job. That's why I was immediately intrigued when I first learned about CBD oil and its potential benefits. However, as with any supplement or medication, I wanted to make sure that it was safe for me to use as a nurse. One of the main concerns for nurses when it comes to using CBD oil is the lack of regulation by the federal government. This means that it is crucial for us to carefully check the label of any CBD product we use to ensure that it does not contain THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
While most CBD products contain very small amounts of THC, it can still show up in drug tests and potentially put our jobs at risk. But the bigger question is how and when we can use CBD oil as nurses. It is important to note that while we can use CBD outside of work, we cannot use it while on duty or right before starting a shift. This is because as healthcare professionals, we are responsible for providing safe and effective care to our patients, and anything that impairs our judgment or interferes with our ability to do so is not allowed. In fact, according to California law, disciplinary action can be taken against a nurse who commits serious negligence or repeated acts of negligence. This means that if we make a mistake while under the influence of CBD oil and it results in harm to a patient, we could potentially lose our license or face other penalties. However, this does not mean that CBD oil cannot be a beneficial supplement for nurses.
In fact, many of us are constantly looking for ways to manage pain and anxiety without relying on prescription or over-the-counter medications, which often come with unwanted side effects. For example, too much ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and damage to the kidneys, while opioids can cause sedation, constipation, and even respiratory depression. And while anxiety medications can be effective, they can also lead to a decrease in sexual desire and sedation. The great thing about CBD oil is that it has very few potential side effects, making it a low-risk supplement for nurses. The only thing we need to be cautious about is using it in combination with other medications, as it may interact with them and cause unwanted effects.
