URGENT question about pot smoking please read!

[DMR1]

Hey everyone

I am starting nursing school in two weeks, and I was wondering if they do drug tests before or during the courses.

On occasion, some of my friends and I may smoke up for a bit. harmless, we BARELY do it, maybe a few times a year. BUT, I'm worried that perhaps I'll get screened and be denied into the program or something....

I don't have a criminal record, or anything like that. I'm just wondering if smoking pot could get you a denial into the course.

[EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by DMR1

I'm responsible, reliable, a very good person (or so I've been told lol) and smoking pot in no way 'describes' a person or their habits.

It's just like drinking. They shouldn't kick you out if you drink....

So...I'm rather undecided about whether I should do it or not tonight.

DMR1, I agree with you-- I have read studies comparing the safety of pot with alcohol. Many people die each year from alcohol overdoses, however I don't know of anyone who has died from a pot overdose. I also believe that a person's personal life is just that-- personal, and feel that in most cases drug tests are an invasion of privacy (except for when you have a job that entails being responsible for the lives of others, like a nurse). However, even though I think pot should be legalized (you may want to do a search, there was a thread on this awhile back), the fact of the matter is it is NOT legal yet. Is having some fun with your friends worth possibly getting kicked out of your nursing school and ruining your career? I think not.....

[iliel]

Originally posted by EmeraldNYL

DMR1, I agree with you-- I have read studies comparing the safety of pot with alcohol. Many people die each year from alcohol overdoses, however I don't know of anyone who has died from a pot overdose. I also believe that a person's personal life is just that-- personal, and feel that in most cases drug tests are an invasion of privacy (except for when you have a job that entails being responsible for the lives of others, like a nurse). However, even though I think pot should be legalized (you may want to do a search, there was a thread on this awhile back), the fact of the matter is it is NOT legal yet. Is having some fun with your friends worth possibly getting kicked out of your nursing school and ruining your career? I think not.....

ITA, my school states that it drug tests as part of app process. I've worked at a hospital as a CNA and they tested, even as a dental assistant I was tested.

I know you think your a good person, but rules are rules, I wouldn't chance it.

[moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS]

http://www.doer.state.mn.us/lr-mna/artcl-28.htm

http://www.cna-nurses.ca/pages/policies/substance_misuse.html

[Shed13911]

I understand what you said about using the "pot" for recreational purposes. However, would you feel comfortable as the patient of a doctor who does the same thing and he is doing surgery on you? Or a nurse who did some the night before and now she is calculating your IV meds? How much is safe? We are talking about peoples lives here!! I don't care if they make it legal or not. The same would go for any medical person under the influence of any substance. I have been a nurse for 26 years. You may want to rethink what is more important to you in your life? Being a nurse or your "recreational drug use?"

[bagladyrn, RN]

I know this is not the answer you want, but both schools and employers can test you. There is also the possibility of being busted for it outside of school/work. If this happens, you will have wasted both your time and your money in getting an education which you will not be able to use.

Now is the time to decide which is more important to you and drop one or the other. Harsh, maybe, but that's it. No moral judgement, just facts.

[Jen2]

Yes, my school tests. Had to pay $50.00 for it. Also any hospital where you are doing your clinicals in has the right to test the students.

IMO smoking pot does not make you a bad person. However, it is illegal, and it is a bad decision. Would you want a person who makes bad decisions responsible for your life?

[OnMyWay]

We were surprise drug tested at our orientation and told that we can be tested anytime by either the school or the hospital where we do our clinicals.

As our nursing director stated: "nursing is a drug free career". While I personally have nothing against pot, the fact remains that it is illegal. Would you want to fly in a plane in which the pilot smoked the night before? Sure, he may not be feeling the effects but if it's still in his system - can you be absolutely sure that he is at his most attentive and that there are no lingering affects?

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Whether or not you think pot ought to be legal, it is not. Schools can test you, employers will and future employers are requiring drug tests as well. If you're worried about what will happen if/when you get caught, don't do it.

[jenac]

DMR1- in my program, the hospital where we did clinicals was a drug-free workplace. It was policy to have every employee and student take a drug test before they could even start. We had no warning. The school it's self had a no-notice policy-they could demand a drug test at any time, comply or be expelled. Period. No questions asked.

My advise-avoid it. Stay far, far away- not even in the same house, area, etc. Even the second-hand smoke can put enough in your system to come up in a sesitive test. If you value your education, don't even think about it.

Besides- you'll need all the brain cells you have! (sorry-couldn't help it :)

[Rustyhammer]

Yeah, yeah, yeah!

It's illegal and they might test you.

One time a employer told me they were going to test me for drugs and I told them, "I smoke pot!" They waived the test and hired me anyway.

What I didn't tell them was that it had been 2 years since my last toke.

Once an employer sent out a memo with checks stating that signing this memo would give the administration the right to drug test employees at anytime and also the right to search their cars in the parking lot. I refused to sign stating I felt this was illegal as it was not a condition of my hire. They threatened to terminate me but a majority of the staff also refused to sign and rather than risk having no staff they dropped it.

As to would you want a pilot or MD or nurse treating you after smoking the night before....chances are that has already happened. Pot has become the acceptable drug of choice for most professionals, even above drinking. Yes you are impaired while you are partaking but there is no "hangover" or the same residual effects as alcohol.

I very rarely smoke anymore but if the mood strikes I may choose to do so. My time, my choice.

-Russell

[Rustyhammer]

Oh, as long as there is a chance that you will be tested...

Just say no.

-Russell

[Chrislynn2003]

If you cared about your nursing carreer, you would probably stop smoking pot. Most likely if they detected drugs in your system, they probably wouldn't even accept you. In my state they did various screenings, one was a drug test, well you had to have a physical. Just be careful and think about your decisions.