Drug testing in the work force

[rebeccarcook]

Nurse friends I have a question for all of you, and would appreciate your input.

How important do you think drug testing is in the work place?...and how often should random drug tests be given?

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I have no objection to drug testing. Then again, I'm not doing anything that I shouldn't be. And you will find that usually (but NOT always) the ones that scream the loudest about drug testing in the workplace are the ones that are often doing things that they shouldn't be.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

I have had to take a urine drug screen prior to employment for every hospital job I have had. However, only once in 25 years have I had to give a random urine drug screen. After 8 years with that same hospital, my number just came up, in a random draw. They have their place, like if an employee falls or hurts themselves while "on the job," or a sentinel event, or some certain incident reports may require them. That just protects the employer and the patient. If you have a legitimate prescription, nothing illegal, and aren't impaired, then what's the problem.

[richardgecko]

I think drug testing is necessary, pre employment, upon injury and random. However I find it troubling that we're so lax with people who are prescribed narcotics like its fine for them to take opiates and work. Not talking about people who have a procedure done and need some relief until they heal, but chronic pain patients who use pain meds on the job. Why aren't they considered impaired?

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Because they aren't abusing the medication.

[richardgecko]

Because they aren't abusing the medication.

But the medication still causes impairment to some degree.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

But the medication still causes impairment to some degree.

The research on this isn't as clear on that topic; there are a number of conflicting studies. There is lots to read and you can make you own decision.

Really if the scripts are legal it becomes an issue of job performance and safety. The same is true for other professions; each facility would need to address that. Provided the nurse (or bus driver, etc) is practicing safely then it is difficult to determine if they are "impaired". And then there is a debate if person A slightly "impaired" may still be safer than person B not impaired....

[duskyjewel]

And then there is a debate if person A slightly "impaired" may still be safer than person B not impaired....

So, so true. I've worked with people stone cold sober who will handle a Hep C patient's bed linens ungloved, then get into the med cart without washing their hands.

I hate to think if there was a bodily fluid in that underpad we just pulled them up with, and then she draws up meds for someone else.... *shudder*

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

It appears that Rebecca has finished her homework assignment based on the answers posted, and has now checked out of the thread.