Pre-employment drug screening

U.S.A. New Jersey

Published

Hi I recently was offered an RN job and i am a bit worried about the drug test. I have ADHD and take aderral, I am afraid that they will consult the employer and for that reason will withdraw the offer. I have a perscription so thts not the problem. I

was let go in my probational period a year back from a dream job at a hospital. I confided to a supervisor about MY adhd and then was let go for no viable reason shortly after. For this reason i am now very concern.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN

13,952 Posts

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Generally speaking the medical control officer receives your positive results and asks for verification of your prescription (assuming the positive is for one of your prescribed medications) usually from your pharmacist or treating physician. If all is verified then the result is returned as negative for drugs of abuse. No details of positive results etc

Thank you for the reply... Its been a tough year I appreciate the quotes also thank you. Should I be upfront and tell the examiner about my prescription?

JustBeachyNurse, LPN

13,952 Posts

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Thank you for the reply... Its been a tough year I appreciate the quotes also thank you. Should I be upfront and tell the examiner about my prescription?

Id wait unless asked at time of test (usually they don't ask to remove bias) They may not test for that drug. Often it's heroin, cocaine, etc.

Ok I'm supposed to go in tommorow so i will take your advice. thank you again!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

4 Articles; 7,907 Posts

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

If you are asked before the test what medications you are on, I would disclose it at that time.

I was on a scheduled medication at the time I took my UDS for my new job. On the form they gave me, I disclosed everything I took and when I last took it including that med. I knew I'd come back positive for that drug, but I didn't have a single problem--they never questioned why I was taking it, nor did they ask for verification of my prescription. I started the job two weeks later.

If they are not asking upfront...I hesitate to tell you to not mention it unless the test comes back positive because you may not be given the chance to explain. But it's up to you.

Good luck tomorrow!

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