Drug Testing for Newly Graduated RN

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I just graduated in May 2014 from nursing school and I am starting to apply for RN positions in Louisiana. After graduation I took a much deserved month off from school and studying for NCLEX to enjoy myself before i start the real world. I smoked marijuana countless times throughout the month and I know it is still in my system. My question is when I apply for a job and take a drug test, if i fail the drug screen will i lose my license even though i have never worked as a licensed RN? Please do not judge, I know it wasn't the smartest thing to do, thank you.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
Is being high on pot harder to notice then say being drunk? There are other things out there more dangerous then pot I am sure, including alcohol. but pot is still danerous to be on and at the same time doing an important job of looking after someones well being. Also am I wrong to assume that if you smoke pot and then drive you are just as dangerous as a drunk driver?

I don't think anyone here is advocating driving or working while under the influence of anything, including marijuana.

And no, I don't believe it's been proven that marijuana and driving is as dangerous as driving while drunk. Not saying it's not dangerous, just that I don't believe it's proven to be AS dangerous. But I could be wrong.

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Specializes in ICU, Geriatrics, Float Pool.
While I agree with the statements about other drugs are maybe more dangerous. I don't think there is circular logic here. It's someone's opinion if they think pot is bad and they are entitled to that opinion. It's still against federal law in all states. Using pot is breaking the law whether you agree with this law is irrelevant. Many people may and often do feel that breaking the law is either a sign poor judgement or is a sign that this person may not follow rules or respect authority. The debate about whether pot is less dangerous than other chemicals is moot in this thread. It's currently illegal and as a nurse it means you get fired and possibly will lose your license. If people want to smoke pot, go right ahead, it's your life but if you want to practice as a nurse there are standards, rules and yes..being free of of all potential mind altering chemicals is a requirement. We owe that to our profession and our patients.

Oh, I agree with not breaking the law, and if you do disagree with a law that harms no one else, for reasons related to logic and evidence: covering it up/hiding it effectively and intelligently. Not to mention, I don't condone using any mind-altering substance whilst having other people's lives in your hands. I simply was expressing my dissatisfaction with the argument that law = morality. The way bad laws get changed is by people refusing to accept them as valid, a la racial segregation, prohibition, etc. (Not that all those things are equal by any means, but they have the similar quality of being bad laws that were overturned by citizens refusing to accept them.)

tl;dr: Don't be drunk or high when at work or where you can get caught/judged. And be smart and responsible about it, so you don't harm yourself or others.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
I'm glad to be Canadian! I've never had to submit to the indignity of a drug test, nor am I aware of any clinicians at hospitals here being required to do so routinely (unless reported for a specific drug-related issue).

I think if I was registered with the Louisiana BON I would advocate for changes in those rules, which seem unusually harsh. Do MDs or PTs have to send in a urine routinely? Do they have their practice and reputation jeopardized over a bit of weed? And honestly, if Louisiana is a place which such an awful drug problem that people have to be constantly tested then I would consider moving to another state.

Actually, you will find that most healthcare facilities/clinics in the US require drug screening, and most of the BONs have the same treatment of nurses that test positive. At least one state that I am licensed in, prohibits the use of any mood modifying drugs in healthcare professionals, which can be construed as barring use of common antidepressants. It is rare to see that enforced unless there are other serious issues with the professional's performance .

And if an MD or PT are employed by a healthcare facility, they too will be asked to pee in a cup. The drug testing policy is with regards to all employees, from janitors and dietary on up the ranks.

However, many MDs are private or group practice and not directly employed by facilities that test.

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actually there have been less vehicular accidents in Colorado since legalizing pot.....

Is being high on pot harder to notice then say being drunk? There are other things out there more dangerous then pot I am sure, including alcohol. but pot is still danerous to be on and at the same time doing an important job of looking after someones well being. Also am I wrong to assume that if you smoke pot and then drive you are just as dangerous as a drunk driver?
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Specializes in Critical care.
actually there have been less vehicular accidents in Colorado since legalizing pot.....

AND a 25% decrease in spousal abuse and 25% decrease in overdoses since cannabis legalized. Probably less police work, court time etc. it's a win win situation. Hope the east coast catches on soon.

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Specializes in hospice.

Post hoc ergo propter hoc anyone? :rolleyes:

Do you have any evidence that those decreases are in any way related? I could just as easily claim they are related to the employment recovery.

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absolutely, and the author of the article pretty said he wasn't making a claim so much as making an observation. but that observation was of a continuing down ward trend over time.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2014/08/05/since-marijuana-legalization-highway-fatalities-in-colorado-are-at-near-historic-lows/

Post hoc ergo propter hoc anyone? :rolleyes:

Do you have any evidence that those decreases are in any way related? I could just as easily claim they are related to the employment recovery.

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Specializes in Critical care.
AND a 25% decrease in spousal abuse and 25% decrease in overdoses since cannabis legalized. Probably less police work, court time etc. it's a win win situation. Hope the east coast catches on soon.

My bad. I saw the headline last week in the wash post. Apparently there has been an addendum that disputes the original findings. Sorry for the bad info.

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What state are you in?

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