No opinions please just facts

Nurses Professionalism

Updated:   Published

First off, I've seen a TON of curious posters get flamed like crazy on these boards about asking questions related to marijuana use. I am not asking for your opinion, I am asking for facts. I am currently a nursing student, and just got a job in anesthesia in a hospital. I have a variety of questions because I am really upset over the fact that, and especially as marijuana becomes legalized in several states, it is still tested for and criminalized. I have a few questions just regarding people with experience, and again, I dont want people to say to lay off smoking. I havent because of this. And its making life less enjoyable.

First:

As a CNA, if you have to take a random drug test and fail for marijuana, what are the consequences? (I get that you can get fired or suspended, I'm asking in certification regards) and will this carry over to your nursing license? Nebraska if that helps.

Second: What states or facilities arent currently drug testing?

Third: What is the process of random drug testing like?

I have zero interest in other drugs. I would also never come to work under the influence. So I dont need flaming or trolling for people wanting to tell me I'm a bad person for what I do solely in the privacy of my own home. Are there positions in healthcare that I can get with this degree and not be subject to RANDOM drug tests? I will be getting a BSN if that helps. (Pre-employments are fine, if you can't hold off on the grass long enough to pass that at least then I consider that a problem)

Thank you so much for honest answers.

Specializes in family practice and school nursing.

While I totally agree that "pot" and nursing due not mix and I agree with everything Esme wrote, I have to say I have been employed as an RN for 30 yrs and have never been drug tested! I have never used canabis or any other illegal substance either so it wouldn't have mattered if I was tested.. but I just find it interesting that throughout my emplyment I never have been.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

First off I wanted to give a big thank you to Esme. That is the kind of helpful and non opinionated response I was looking for that was full of great information. I also appreciate the personal touch that maybe it would be something to consider getting help for if it was making me unhappy, I guess I'm mostly unhappy about the loss of independence and freedom I expected to be able to retain while at least a fresh out of high school and only beginning junior year of college. Possibly in the next few years by the time I graduate these laws will change, or maybe I can consider moving somewhere out of the United States and to a place where personal privacy and trust in the employees mean something. Regardless, I appreciate the information from esme, and to all the people who have provided some insight to answering the questions asked instead of giving opinions.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
wheresmyrights said:
First off I wanted to give a big thank you to Esme. That is the kind of helpful and non opinionated response I was looking for that was full of great information. I also appreciate the personal touch that maybe it would be something to consider getting help for if it was making me unhappy, I guess I'm mostly unhappy about the loss of independence and freedom I expected to be able to retain while at least a fresh out of high school and only beginning junior year of college. Possibly in the next few years by the time I graduate these laws will change, or maybe I can consider moving somewhere out of the United States and to a place where personal privacy and trust in the employees mean something. Regardless, I appreciate the information from esme, and to all the people who have provided some insight to answering the questions asked instead of giving opinions.

You are welcome....the illusion of independence is just that an illusion. While you may no longer have a curfew from your parents...you will inherit a whole new set of rules set by people you do not even know. "Freedom" is seldom really free...it is a concept and when you consider other countries we have a great deal of freedom in the US.

You just happen to want a profession that demands something more from its members in the workforce...a higher standard so that the "public" is safe and cared for. Nurses, doctors. policemen are held in a higher scrutiny with a different standard and if you wish to be employed as a nurse you will need to abide by the standard. If that is something that doesn't work for you...chose something else. Find another area you might be interested in. I think the medical community in general internationally have similar views of the usage of intoxicating substances.

It is about choices....Back in the day...I liked pot...but I wanted to be a nurse more.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
bell1962 said:
While I totally agree that "pot" and nursing due not mix and I agree with everything Esme wrote, I have to say I have been employed as an RN for 30 yrs and have never been drug tested! I have never used canabis or any other illegal substance either so it wouldn't have mattered if I was tested.. but I just find it interesting that throughout my emplyment I never have been.

Hospitals didn't test for years...I have noticed that the last 8 years or so it is increasingly more common as the drug laws weaken and the usage of cannabis becomes legal.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
wheresmyrights said:

As a CNA, if you have to take a random drug test and fail for marijuana, what are the consequences? (I get that you can get fired or suspended, I'm asking in certification regards) and will this carry over to your nursing license? Nebraska if that helps.

Depends on your employer's P&P regarding positive drug tests. They may or may not report you to the BON.

wheresmyrights said:
Second: What states or facilities arent currently drug testing?

Good luck finding one...I'm not being facetious. I've encountered very few jobs--and almost none in healthcare--where drug screens weren't part of the employment process, either in getting the job or keeping it. The odds of finding a healthcare job that doesn't ever test really are not in your favor. The poster who hasn't been tested in 30-odd years happens to be one of the very rare exceptions--don't think there's tons of healthcare jobs like that around.

And yes, this includes California, Colorado and other marijuana-friendly states.

wheresmyrights said:

Third: What is the process of random drug testing like?

They tell you you need to test. It may or may not be a witnessed test. You provide the required sample(s) of urine, blood, hair, whatever they want. You have X hours (usually 24) in which to take the test--fail to take it in that time, and it's considered a positive test. Refuse to take the test, and it's considered a positive test.

And no, the BSN won't help at all in this situation.

I don't pass judgment: if you prefer life with the wacky backy, that's fine by me. However, you will find that marijuana use is not compatible with a successful nursing career. You will need to decide which one is more important to you.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

One more question, the drug facilities that don't test wasn't a reference to pre-employment. I would honestly be concerned if I was offered a job at a hospital that did not do a pre-employment drug screen. As I may or may not have said, if you're a pot smoker (or any kind of drug user for that matter) and can't hold off the month or so guaranteed it takes to be clean, then you're an addict and should definitely not be employed in healthcare. It was moreso about the facilities randomly drug testing and the commonality of it. My school tests their employees about 2x every 6 months. Its mostly a question of whether I can once a month or so as a little treat to myself when I don't have to go to work for a few days. Thanks for all the great feedback, I appreciate the non-judgmental attitudes. I can definitely lay off except for on the most special of occasions, I guess my perception was just blurred as I have met SO many people in health care who smoke occasionally. Thanks guys, this information is not only helpful its very motivating.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

While I take no issue with marijuana, and I am absolutely not saying you just have to "grow up and quit", even if you aren't randomly tested...if there is suspicion, and you live in an at-will employment state, they can fire you for no specific reason. Don't give your employer a reason to hide behind that.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

So in Nebraska, would the possession of weed be considered a criminal act? Or the purchasing of said product? Forget about what consequences you could face with your CNA certificate, doesn't the idea of a criminal record concern you at all?

EVERYBODY needs to have an outlet for relaxation, I will straight up tell you that I prefer that anyone attending to my anesthsia needs during a surgical procedure have the common sense and professionalism to not resort to an (where you live anyway) illegal drug to accomplish this.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

My facility tests upon hire, and that seems to be it. Just this week we had a pipe freeze and burst and I slipped and fell, landing on my back and smashing my head against the tile floor. My boss insisted I be seen in ER, where I had a CT scan of my head and ended up with a Dx of a concussion. I mentioned to my husband that I was surprised that they didn't draw blood or ask for urine for a drug screen and when the nurse came back, he asked her about it. She said only if the employer required it and she knew that mine did not. When HR called the next day to make sure I was OK and to be sure to bring any bill to them that I may receive, I asked about the lack of drug screen and she confirmed it was not company policy, but she was aware that SOME companies do require a tox screen in the event of a workplace accident. Something to keep in mind as well!

wheresmyrights said:
One more question, the drug facilities that don't test wasn't a reference to pre-employment. I would honestly be concerned if I was offered a job at a hospital that did not do a pre-employment drug screen. As I may or may not have said, if you're a pot smoker (or any kind of drug user for that matter) and can't hold off the month or so guaranteed it takes to be clean, then you're an addict and should definitely not be employed in healthcare. It was moreso about the facilities randomly drug testing and the commonality of it. My school tests their employees about 2x every 6 months. Its mostly a question of whether I can once a month or so as a little treat to myself when I don't have to go to work for a few days. Thanks for all the great feedback, I appreciate the non-judgmental attitudes. I can definitely lay off except for on the most special of occasions, I guess my perception was just blurred as I have met SO many people in health care who smoke occasionally. Thanks guys, this information is not only helpful its very motivating.
1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Mine drug screens any time there is a workplace injury and makes their substance abuse policy very clear a couple of times a year. It definitely would be a gamble to do recreational drugs with a decent chance of coming up hot on a urine or hair test.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok, I have a question of eveyone here... Would you want your family member or friend under the care of this nurse who's baked on marijuana?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Oh hayle no. I'd like to think that even those responders who feel weed should just be straight up legal feel that way too...

VANurse2010 said:
Ok, I have a question of eveyone here... Would you want your family member or friend under the care of this nurse who's baked on marijuana?
1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment