Hello I am starting a nursing program this coming Fall. I use marijuana every day and find nothing wrong with that but at the same time I understand there are consequences and sacrifices that come with the lifestyle.
My primary goal is to make it through nursing school and later on find work that is suitable for the lifestyle I find appropriate. I have my bachelor's degree in another field in case nursing does not work out for me.
I recently attended my school's nursing program orientation and have a blood test I have to schedule. I looked over the paperwork and found the typical comprehensive blood panel spaces for the results, as well as a remark to attach the actual paperwork to the program's sheet. The blood work is to be done at the school's clinic. There is no mention of drug testing, no consent forms to drug testing (very common in California), and no mention in the school's guidelines about drug testing. Of course, they state a strong stance of zero-tolerance for attending classes and school-related activities under the influence of any drug. I do not know if nursing falls under a federal regulation that allows for drug testing without consent. But my job for example, must obtain prior consent for future random drug tests, and will do so only in the event of negligence or an accident.
So I have a few questions: Does it look like I will be tested for drugs? Marijuana is mostly a recreational drug for me so I am willing to stop using it if I have to. I also may be able to obtain a state marijuana card for a condition I have. Or am I just asking for trouble if I don't remain 100% clean while attending the program? Acceptance of Marijuana use is changing in California, but professionally I've seen standards that range from legal tolerance to immediate grounds for dismissal or termination. And sometimes it is hard to tell from the outside.
Please don't lecture me about my past. I just need some realistic advice suitable for a hippy going into a 2-year RN program.