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

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!

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lorenwithano

About lorenwithano

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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?

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I agree 100%

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It sounds to me like there is nothing to worry about. You are innocent so you have no reason to be nervous. Secondly, I wouldn't worry about your employer not contacting you to say, "Great news! You passed the drug test!!" :wink2: I think they would contact you if there was a problem. I vote everything is fine and you can proceed assuming you passed. Congratulations on your new job!

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momster said:
It sounds to me like there is nothing to worry about. You are innocent so you have no reason to be nervous. Secondly, I wouldn't worry about your employer not contacting you to say, "Great news! You passed the drug test!!" ? I think they would contact you if there was a problem. I vote everything is fine and you can proceed assuming you passed. Congratulations on your new job!

Thank you! ? I'm a constant worrier, so sometimes I cant help myself. I'm just mad I even let myself get into this situation. but again, thank you!

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

Urine drug tests are completed in 24 to 48 hours.

All drug tests are not created equal and they vary in sensitivity and what concentration is needed to get a "positive" result.

Easy way to find out. Call your HR contact...if you haven't heard from them in a week, then unfortunately you'll have your answer. Companies usually only drug test those candidates whom they have already decided to hire.

I also hate to tell you...this can follow you outside the hospital system. Some drug testing companies participate to reporting to a centralized clearinghouse (think 'credit report' concept for drug tests) and employers can actually do a search to see if you have failed a drug test for another employer...the employer doesn't report it, the drug companies do...and it's 100% legal.

I don't know how common it is for hospitals to partipate but this is very, very common in higher security positions and in jobs that are extremely dangerous.

I have a neighbor that "smokes" (she is frequently in quite a bit of pain..long list of health issues), but I refuse to be in her home when she does...for this very reason.

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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?

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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?

I agree 100%... unfortunately there is nothing I can do now but wait until my hopeful employer calls me or doesn't.

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Specializes in Psych, ER, Resp/Med, LTC, Education.

yup time to grow up and move on to a different group of friends. You could be tested at any time even if you pass this time. The fact that you have to even worry about this should be a big red flag to you that it is time for a change.

But hopefully you have learned something from this and will get the job and love nursing! Good luck.

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Specializes in ER.

I truly don't think you have anything to worry about except hanging around with those friends while they're using.

The employer would have the results within a day or two and wouldn't contact you unless it was positive. Clear urine, no big deal, it doesn't negate the results.

Call the hospital to see what your next step in the hiring process is. Perhaps they forgot or your file got laid aside.

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Specializes in ER.

Call HR to see what's going on. Also, I agree that they wouldn't inform you if you passed, only if you failed.

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I definitely agree with everyone who feels like staying away from these friends is a good idea. what can I really say? I never thought I would have to worry about second hand smoke until the drug test came up. its an awful feeling!

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