Pre-hire drug screen question

[ljds]

Okay, I am probably waaaay to sensitive and nervous about this, but here goes.

I just took my pre-hire drug screen for a new job. I've taken them in the past, but have never had even the most remote of reasons not to pass.

This time, I am currently on two medications; an anti-depressant, and a weight loss med. I have never been on medications before. I realize that everyone and their dog seems to be on anti-depressants, and they aren't probably going to screen for it; but I am worried about the weight loss med.

I guess maybe some of it is that I am touchy about the fact that I am using the med at all, even though it is working great for me. Maybe that is why I am touchy about it, because I feel like I shouldn't need a med to lose weight, but after years of exercise and diet and failure, I finally talked to my doc about it.

It is a med that is probably going to show up in my drug screen. I have a script for it, I use it appropriately (as in, as directed), and I disclosed it on my drug screen form. So everything's going to be okay, right? I won't "fail" the drug screen if the only drug in my system is the prescribed med, right?

I don't know why it is bothering me so much; I guess I'm a bit of a goody two-shoes in some respects, and just hate the idea of "failing" a drug screen, even if it is for a valid and documented reason.

Can someone please tell me that I am just goofy and a worry-wart, and that everything is going to be alright? :icon_roll

Thanks!

Lori

[SmilingBluEyes]

everything WILL be alright, based on what you say here.

I hear you about wanting a "clean" screen.But legit meds, properly claimed, you have no shame to feel over. Just press on.

[ljds]

Thank you. I just needed to hear someone say it!

I don't know why I am fretting so much about it. I guess everything else is going so well in my life right now, I just have to find something to worry about.

Thanks again.

Lori

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

I was using a codeine based cough med during one drug screen and they still cleared me with the prescription.

Antidepressants are generally no problem...many nurses use them.

[nurse_wannabe]

I was once on Fasten when I had to go in for a pre-employment drug screening. I just took the script bottle to the clinic with me, and it was no problem whatsoever. Relax... you did exactly what you should have, so you'll be fine. Good luck with the new job!

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

I have said this in another post before. A legal drug screen always, always, always gets reviewed by a medical review officer. This person has to be certified in toxicology. If you look at your copy of the drug screen paperwork, they should have given you a copy. That persons name is listed on the form. This person must contact you prior to certifying the result as positve. There is only a couple of rare instances that they would not- ie testing positve for THC, cocaine or PCP, for obvious reasons. If this contact does not occur I personally would be very suspect of the drug screen, almost to the point I personally would speak to a lawyer.

Rj

[CseMgr1, ASN, RN]

Don't worry about it. I've been on prescription Hydrocodone for the past two years for my ailing back. Just last week, I had to submit to a pre-employment drug screen. As per protocol, I listed the meds I was taking on the form. Today I got a call from HR, requesting that I report for work this Friday. Remember, prospective employers are looking for ilicit drug use, and mine emphasized that they don't have a problem with the use of prescription drugs as long as it doesn't impair one's ability to safely function on the job.

[ljds]

Thank you, thank you.

I appreciate your input and reassurances!

Lori

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

I don't think you have anything to worry, you will be fine. Good luck to you.

[mattsmom81]

Don't worry about it. I've been on prescription Hydrocodone for the past two years for my ailing back. Just last week, I had to submit to a pre-employment drug screen. As per protocol, I listed the meds I was taking on the form. Today I got a call from HR, requesting that I report for work this Friday. Remember, prospective employers are looking for ilicit drug use, and mine emphasized that they don't have a problem with the use of prescription drugs as long as it doesn't impair one's ability to safely function on the job.

Wow...I'm amazed and glad to hear you were hired. In my experience, facilities steer clear of back injuries and nurses who take RX painkillers. Glad to hear this is not the rule everywhere!

Congrats and good luck in your new job! I take Tramadol for pain and you have given me hope...LOL!! :) :chuckle

[CseMgr1, ASN, RN]

Wow...I'm amazed and glad to hear you were hired. In my experience, facilities steer clear of back injuries and nurses who take RX painkillers. Glad to hear this is not the rule everywhere!

Congrats and good luck in your new job! I take Tramadol for pain and you have given me hope...LOL!! :) :chuckle

Thanks. I documented on my pre-employment H&P that I have been undergoing treatment for DDD for several years. I will be working in Risk Management, and I think they would have been more concerned if I had been applying for a position in the Clinical area. I only take the Hydrocodone at night and NSAIDS during the day. If I ever get to the point where I have to take Hydrocodone more than 1x/day, I will give it up and go on permanent disability.