[jawa530]

Hello all,

I just recently got a job for an LPN position in my county jail and passed my background check, of course. But I have to fill out a more in depth background check for the actual jail (work for a company that has a jail contract) and one of the questions is ... Have you ever used an illegal drug before?

I have used marijuana before and it has been a very long time ago(I am 31 and last time I did I was 19 or 20), do you think it is prudent to be honest or would "what they don't know wont hurt them". I would hate to be disqualified for being honest but really don't wish to not answer the question honestly

any suggestions?

thanks

[caliotter3]

We had special baqkground checks in the military every five years to obtain and maintain higher security clearances. One time my boss, the security officer, told me that if we were required to take a polygraph test (the current rumor at the time), that he knew he wouldn't pass. He had been using the "don't ask, don't tell" advice for years. If you know that you will have a mandatory polygraph test as part of the process, then, you should be honest. But otherwise, weigh the consequences. People in the military were able to explain away youthful indiscretions, but only up to a point. Is there someone who has gone through this, that you could possibly ask? Since it is more than ten years ago, when you were young, I would think it could be explained away, however, my gut tells me you would be disqualified.

[jawa530]

thanks for the reply, I went ahead and disclosed all information and hopefully it doesn't disqualify me. I will repost if it does DQ me from the employment

[iwanna]

jawa530,

Congratulations on getting the job! I screwed up my interview for county jail.

But, I think that it would be ridiculous to disqualify you for something that you did over 10 years ago. Whatever happened to "second chances" and people changing their lives around for the better. If I ever came across that question I would certainly be disqualified. I am 51, but I went through a "party phase" in my younger years after I graduated from High school. Fortunately, I wised up early enough and did not become an addict. I hope this does not disqualify you. They should appreciate your honesty and maturity.

The best of luck to you!

[RNinCentralFL]

Just be honest. I had to take a polygraph test for my job and that question was asked several times, several ways. I thought I would be disqualified, but I wasn't. I don't think they're concerned with what you've done in the past... they just want to make sure you're not coming to work under the influence or someone that would smuggle drugs into the facility. I was told when I took my test that there are gang members that are nurses that have never been arrested that apply for jail jobs so that there is a gang member "on the inside". That's a scary thought, working side by side with a gang member and not knowing it. The background check I went through was pretty disclosing and comprehensive. I'm sure those instances are few and far between, but it holds true, just as no matter how many locks you put on your doors, if some one wants to break in, they find a way.

[VegRN]

Originally Posted by RNinCentralFL

they just want to make sure you're not coming to work under the influence or someone that would smuggle drugs into the facility. I was told when I took my test that there are gang members that are nurses that have never been arrested that apply for jail jobs so that there is a gang member "on the inside". That's a scary thought, working side by side with a gang member and not knowing it.

That is quite a scary thought. I wonder if they were gang members first then nurses or if they were nurses and were "compromised'. Scenario 2 seems more likely.

[RN Randy]

Jawa,

YES... indeed you did the right thing. Sermons notwithstanding, the truth will always set you free... haha.

Having had a Top Secret clearance myself, I can guarantee they will ultimately get you if you don't disclose the tiniest detail.

The problem is classic; as seen in your OP... the concern of what you disclose causing a problem. And that is the exact test of those type questions... they don't care if you smoked pot in high school; what they want to know is if you are willing to lie about it.
That makes you a security risk.
They want to know if you are a "little white lies are ok" type or not.

For instance, if you see a question that asks, "Have you ever stolen anything?"

Most folks will laugh and quickly mark "NO".

Well... unfortunately that makes most folks liars, and they get disqualified for some stupid something... [remember that time you grabbed a package of copy paper at work for your printer at home when the charge nurse said it was ok? Yep, you stole it.
Remember that pen you found in your purse, then realized you picked up from the bank by accident? Did you take it back? Nope, you stole it. LOL... that kind of thing.]

It's about simple truths and simple facts. Clearance checks are half info gathering and half personality test. There are no metaphors or 'close enoughs' in a clearance check. Always come clean as a whistle and you'll never have a problem!

Glad ya got the job!
rb