Waiting for the Results of a Drug Test. I'm Freaking Out!

I don't do drugs but I was in a room of people smoking marijuana. I am freaking out that I may fail the drug test because of it. Help! Nurses General Nursing Article

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I'm a recent nursing grad and had an interview at a great hospital about a month ago. I was offered the position and went in on January 22nd for a physical and drug testing at a facility called Concentra (I believe they have many locations around the country). Three days prior to this test, I had been around a group of people who were smoking marijuana 2 days in a row (common excuse, I know... But I have never done drugs)... Enough smoke was in the room. I was very nervous that I might not pass because I have heard second hand smoke can cause you to fail. So I took an at home drug test for marijuana and I passed it fine.

So... Back to my drug testing at Concentra. The physical went great. The MA asked me to give a urine sample to test for glucose.. I told her it may not be much because I really didn't have to use the restroom, and she said this was fine, however, I could not leave the facility until I gave a urine sample for the drug testing, otherwise it would be considered a refusal to test and I would fail. So, after the glucose test... I sat in the waiting room, and so was nervous that I wouldn't be able to provide a sample... I drank 40 ounces of juice in about 10 minutes! 45 minutes later I let the MA know I was ready. So I give my sample and it was practically water... Very clear with very little yellow. I left.

Now I know Concentra express ships samples to a place in Memphis to be analyzed... But I took the test on January 22nd and it is now February 1st and I haven't heard anything from my soon to be employer (hopefully). I am nervous about 2 things and maybe some of you can offer me some of your insight on the situation:

1. I tested positive for THC? Even though I passed the at home drug test.

2. The sample was so clear that they thought I was trying to fool the test?

3. The hospital has not called me back yet. So I am wondering how long urine drug testing usually takes.

I'm just very nervous and making myself absolutely sick over it. I don't do drugs!

Thank you everyone!

Specializes in Geriatric, Hospice, LTC.

I would def. call.....

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I called on Friday, and the secretary told me that HR would call me. It just seems strange that its been this long and I haven't heard a yes or a no. Hopefully, I will hear something soon. I assumed that either way I would hear back. There is orientation on February 9th... so I need to hear something asap!

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I had a psych md say that it is impossible to test positive from being in the same room. Unless it was a hair test. Just be more careful if there is a next time. I personally don't see anything wrong with marajuana but its the perception of that is out there. I mean it is a naturally grown herb. But that is another discussion

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litbitblack said:
I had a psych md say that it is impossible to test positive from being in the same room. Unless it was a hair test. Just be more careful if there is a next time. I personally don't see anything wrong with marajuana but its the perception of that is out there. I mean it is a naturally grown herb. But that is another discussion

I have heard the same thing. I don't remember ever covering this subject in school, so I'm left with all these questions. Plus, when one does paranoid searches on the internet, it leaves you with these crazy ideas! People say different things.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Progressive Care.

OP - Sorry you have had to deal with this. What a nightmare!

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Specializes in Hospice/Palliative Nursing.
GilaRN said:
Good luck; however, hanging out with pot smoking friends is going to eventually cause you problems. Perhaps it is time to leave that kind of influence behind as you head into a professional career?

Exactly what I was thinking! Good Luck

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Specializes in LTC, MDS, Education.

Well, 2nd hand smoke probably won't show up in a urine test. but I agree with the other posters. Time to find new friends! Just suppose you were sitting there, listening to music and drinking a beer, and the police showed up. You would be charged too, and it would be HELL for you. I'm sure you will get the job, but let this be a lesson. Just not worth it! urwlcm:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health.

Please let us know once you find out something. I went through the same thing and I never tested positive for it. I was around it in a dense fog of the smoke and was just SURE I would test positve because I breathed in so much second-hand smoke. It was right after nursing school with friends who were celebrating graduation (nice way to celebrate, huh). I tested negative with an at-home test, tested negative with the company drug test also. I think you will be fine, but please let us know how it turns out.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
mllrmp said:
Yep, that whole clearinghouse thing on drug test results. Very true. Sometimes its sad to think that they can hold one "honest mistake or wrong diagnosis" against someone for a long period of time but its true.

Like some of the other posts mentioned, your making a career change into a very positive and rewarding career. By continuing to hang around those who are doing illegal drugs, you are setting yourself up for a greater fall yourself. Again, it is 100% your choice, but just think of all the time and money you have invested in this career.. Do you think those "friends" will cut you a check for all that money when you get fired?

Why are failed drug tests always "honest mistakes or wrong diagnosis", and never "I have poor judgment" or "I really just wanted to smoke that weed"?

It's amazing to me how many weed smokers are making these "honest mistakes" on this forum.

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chenoaspirit said:
Please let us know once you find out something. I went through the same thing and I never tested positive for it. I was around it in a dense fog of the smoke and was just SURE I would test positve because I breathed in so much second-hand smoke. It was right after nursing school with friends who were celebrating graduation (nice way to celebrate, huh). I tested negative with an at-home test, tested negative with the company drug test also. I think you will be fine, but please let us know how it turns out.

I am a little relieved someone else has been in the same situation. I will definitely let everyone know. see, sometimes its hard to avoid those situations. I love my friends and hanging out, but for the future, if there is smoking I am in the other room.

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BortaZinTx said:
Why are failed drug tests always "honest mistakes or wrong diagnosis", and never "I have poor judgment" or "I really just wanted to smoke that weed"?

It's amazing to me how many weed smokers are making these "honest mistakes" on this forum.

I didn't smoke anything, I was around a group of people who were. That's their choice. My choice was to NOT smoke.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
lepspn said:
I didn't smoke anything, I was around a group of people who were. That's their choice. My choice was to NOT smoke.

Yeah, I saw that. I was addressing my comment to the point which I quoted.

I do realize that not everyone who is in your situation is guilty of drug use. We've just had what seems like a lot of posts regarding drug use/drug testing recently, and nary a one of the posters have admitted to smoking the weed.

Good luck in your new job.

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