No opinions please just facts

[wheresmyrights]

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.

[remotefuse]

I have worked at two different facilities with similar random drug testing. What was enough for me to realize that it was not worth it was the random testing. If you were to injure yourself in ANY way, the first thing they would do is a drug test and breathalyzer. Serious, you trip over yourself in the hall? Drug test and breathalyzer. Needle stick? Drug test and breathalyzer. So you never know when you're going to need one. I did know an aid a couple of years back when i was a volunteer that kept fake urine in his locker.

[VANurse2010]

MadisonG said:

I am so sick and tired of America and their stupid politics and war on drugs. I am considering moving to Canada or going into home health or case management so that I will not have to worry about this on a random basis. Drug testing is a violation of privacy ! If I want to go to Jamaica with my husband and smoke then that is MY business. I should not have to have my career on the line because a crackhead RN is diverting drugs and the entire unit has to be tested. Cocaine and other dugs have half lives that go away in about 2-3 days, if that. Yet someone who occasionally smokes has to wait 30 days. It is not fair. There needs to be a testing system that can tell if drugs are in the system at the time of a workplace accident. I have never been to work impaired and I don't plan to as a nurse. What I do on my off days is not my employers business !!!! Also people know your rights, you can not be watched unless it is court ordered or you are on probation. You also have a right to know what reason the "suspicion" to test falls under. It is a violation of your 4th amendment constitutional right ! The government can never get rid of cannabis. I agree, tax it, sell it, and move on ! If drug diverting is such an issue then how about employers test for THOSE substances. The last time I checked marijuana was not in the pyxis.

Oh please. Go to Canada, then. Life's not fair. If you're so concerned about it, run for office or actively work for candidates who want to change the rules, but I can guarantee you that if this came up for a vote, the majority of people would vote against pot-smoking nurses.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

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.

Potentially could go as a negative mark on your file. Mark you as ineligible for rehire. If they are certified or any license in Nebraska, it could be reported to the body. Then most nursing applications ask about other healthcare licenses or certifications. My paramedic license is linked to my nursing license in at least one state in the sense of you search for my nursing license and a link pops up for my medic license. I was never a licensed CNA in my state.

Second: What states or facilities arent currently drug testing? Most drug test. Many do not do randoms unless there is a need for it or suspicion.

Third: What is the process of random drug testing like? They call you or tell you to show up at occupational health services with 24 or 48 hours depending on the company. If you do not show up with the proper ID, then you are assumed to have failed it.

At the end of the day, they can fire nicotine users. That is a completely legal substance. They drug test for it. My company doesn't do randoms but they reserve for the right to do the randoms for nicotine. This counts those who chew or smoke.

Once you are licensed, you will potentially be a world of hurt of license monitoring if you are caught smoking weed. Some states do not look fondly on medical marijuana. Take a peek at the recovery forms and decide if weed is worth it.

[toomuchbaloney]

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?

This is a silly question that has little relationship to the OPs question.

Of course no one wants an impaired health professional taking care of them and it matters not which substance is causing the impairment.

Is there some assumption that a cannabis user would be more likely to work impaired than any other substance abuser?

[toomuchbaloney]

VANurse2010 said:

A lot of potheads can't handle their stuff and don't exercise good judgment themselves, so that was not an unreasonable question to pose. Also, people judge - get used to it or you'll never survive in the adult world.

Your personal anecdotal experience is interesting but not necessarily the same as fact.

I happen to know a number of professionals with excellent judgement who also prefer cannabis to alcohol for their recreational activities off work.

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

Plain as I can put it:

Marijuana can become legal in all 50 states , at the state plus federal level...... BUT

It STILL does not permit you to hold a nursing license, and smoke it. And this includes having even a MEDICAL pot card , if you hold a license, you cannot partake!!!

pot and a nursing license ___ DO NOT GO TOGETHER UNDER ANY Circumstances!!!!