URGENT question about pot smoking please read!

Nurses General Nursing

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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.

Specializes in CICu, ICU, med-surg.

Well, I would suggest that you stop smoking it. It is supposedly detectable in your urine for up to 5 weeks. If you haven't smoked in awhile, then don't worry. If you do smoke and then you have to take a test shortly after, there are many products available that help to flush out your system. They work really well.

As for this causing your dismissal from the program...I would say that if they're giving you a drug test than they don't want you doing drugs. A positive test would not be a good thing. I don't believe my program does drug tests (at least they haven't told us they do). Perhaps some other folks could give you an idea on how frequent this sort of thing comes up.

thanks for the reply.

I'm just wondering because we're suppose to get together tonight and do some, but I'm a little freaked that I'll get in trouble for it while in the program.

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. I haven't heard anything about drug tests, and I'm sure if there were any, we students would probably be made aware of it.

Thanks to anyone else who can contribute :p

Specializes in Med-Surg.

The fact is it's illegal to smoke pot whether anyone thinks it should be or not. My school would kick you out in a heartbeat.

Don't use it if you are really interested in being in nursing school or being a nurse.

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

All schools around here would permanently bar a positive tester permanently, for use of an illegal substance.

Reality Check!

Don't you think that if you are concerned about "getting caught" that you shouldn't be doing it?

It is not like drinking. Last time I checked drinking was legal and smoking pot is still an illegal substance.

I wouldn't stake your career on not getting caught. Nursing school and/ or future employers can make your life very hard for you if you are ever caught.

Hope that you make the best choice for you and your priorities.

well thanks for posting your opinions on this matter, but it still doesnt' answer my question.

Do any schools test for this? I've never heard of schools doing this.

and also, I live in Canada, and pot will be decriminalized soon, which means you will only recieve a small fine. it won't be a criminal offense.

We did drug screens on each other during school as practice collecting specimens..it wasn't anounced, just good morning..today we will be drug testing each other...Pretty much any nursing job you may take in the future requires a drug screen...so, it'd be a good idea to go ahead and dump the dope.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

When I was in undergrad from 87-91, they did not do it and they didn't do it when I started graduate school either. Most of the nursing jobs that I have had did not do it either, although some do.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.
Originally posted by DMR1

and also, I live in Canada, and pot will be decriminalized soon, which means you will only recieve a small fine. it won't be a criminal offense.

If it's going to be decriminalized, then what is the fine for? Just curious.

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

My school, you sign a consent form to "have the bag thrown" at anytime.

This means:

1) They reserve the right to hand you the cup and say "now, please"

2) They are permitted to get hair samples to test as well

Since i will also be doing my clinicals at the same hospital i work at now, they reserve the right to random test me as a student, and as an employee, by hair or urine.

Not to mention the LTC place i do part-time work at random tests as well.

Even if i weren't tested at the rate i am (hey i'm GOOD at hitting that cup now!!:D ) i still wouldn't even attempt it. The consequences aren't even worth the risk. :stone

Originally posted by SharonMH31

If it's going to be decriminalized, then what is the fine for? Just curious.

The government of Canada is taking a 'new' approach at 'fighting' drug use, but it's not going to work.

Pot is going to be decriminalized, meaning it's not a criminal offense to smoke pot. As I understand it, you won't even have a criminal record if you're caught smoking it.

They are fining people to 'discourage' use, but it seems like the government is taking one step forward and two steps back with this new policy.

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