Positve Urine Drug Screen

[catkaminski]

I have been in the nursing field for ten years. I recently was off work on a medical leave. When I returned to work I had to submit to a mandatory urine drug screen, which I willingly did of course. I recieved a phone call around 2 weeks later from the MRO (Medical Review Officer) who informed me that my test results were in and that I had a positive urine drug screen. I was shocked!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He then went on to inform me that it was benzodiazipines and that I neede to provide legal proof for the positve test. He said he needed a letter from a physician that I had been prescribed a medication with this classification. I could not account for any med that I would have taken in this category. I then remembered that I had went for a colonoscopy on March 27th and I was given Versed/Midazalom, I quickly had my physician fax the proof to them (Occupational Health). A couple days later the MRO called me back and told me that the medications I recieved during the colonoscopy could not be the culprit for my positive test, as it had been too long since the colonoscopy was performed (27 days). He reported my positive drug screen to my employer, who now wants to have a formal meeting with me tomorrow (May 20th at noon). I am so worried and I am totally inicent. I guess from what my boss says I may end up suspended for three days or more without pay pending there investigation into this and I will be retested. Anyone ever been through anything similar? Is there any kind of legal advice out there for me???????????????

[baservant]

Just wondering how the meeting went with your employer? Hope all is well!

[nole123]

Hello. If you have not taken anything ,then you need to get some answers from someone that can protect your reputation. People are so quick to judge and some just want to "bust" you and if you're innocent, then its a real shame people are out there in this type of power,,,but in any event,,,, I, first would really think back and try and remember if you took ANYTHING that contained Benzo's in the drug. Perhaps theres a prescribed medication that you took and w/out you realizing it you didnt know it had the content in it, so really try and reflect on that....Then if nothing you can think of, then of course you need protection for yourself, your license, your future. I would contact a lawyer not associated with your place of employment that is familiar with these issues. please feel free to pm me if you have any further questions. Also, I would have someone be with you in terms of legal aspect for this "meeting". You have to look out for yourself because nobody else will. That is just life. Especially when you are innocent. Best of luck to you.

Thanks, Michelle...

[MsPiggy]

I had a nurse come into my facility for a HPRP referral, she had a legal RX for Ultram, which metabolizes and shows a + for morphine in the urine. Her employer randomly tested, she dropped +, was fired, had to go to U of M for a specific blood test that showed it was actual Ultram not morphine. Needless to say she was reported needlessly to HPRP, is stuck in that sytem getting drug tested, lost her job, reputation etc and was totally innocent. She was only taking 50 mg bid per the RX. I see this ALL THE TIME, it's scary. Are you taking ambien or vistaril for itchiness or any sleep aids that may test as a benzo?

I wish you the best of luck, it's really unfair. Needless to say she is suing her former employer and I hope she wins! A RN of thirty yr.s, it's just not right.

HugsXXX

MsP