Afraid of Job Offer Being Revoked

Nurses Disabilities

Published

I was offered a job at a hospital close to my home last week, after working at one for ten years. About 4 years ago, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety, and began taking Alprazolam 1mg/day as needed, and, recently, Trazodone 100mg as needed for sleep.

I am terrified of the Alprazolam showing up as a benzo on my pre-employment drug screen and the job offer being revoked, even though I take it as prescribed, and not every day. I told the HR recruiter at the initial interview that I take a medication that will probably show up on the drug test. She told me that the MD's and RN's in employee health will work with me, but I feel that statement could mean any number of things. I am very nervous, because this is the first time I have to take a drug screen while using prescribed medication, and this is a dream job that almost seems too good to be true.

If I bring in all my documentation and prescription bottles, can they still refuse to hire me if I test positive?

Employers refuse to fully consider, make an offer of employment, or follow through on an offer, all the time, for any reason, or no reason at all. The job posting might be removed because management decided they no longer want to hire into such a position at that time. There is absolutely nothing to be done about this by your everyday applicant. In your case, for the future, if you do not want to worry about medications on drug screens, you have the option to see your physician about stopping the medication. If you are not taking the medication, it won't show up on the drug screen, and then you don't have to be wondering whether or not it will cost you a job.

I did talk to my doctor about stopping, and she told me that I could for a little while if I wanted to, but she feels it's in my best interest to continue taking it as prescribed because of the severity of my anxiety. I've temporarily stopped taking it, and by the time my screening rolls around, I'll be off of it for 9 days. I just hope that's good enough.

Ask your doctor, or look up the information, about how long the drug stays in your system, so that you know. I have read on this site many times that people plan to be "off" their meds (whether or not they should is another story), when they know that they will be facing a drug screen for employment purposes.

Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

Drug testing depends on your state. However, in most states, the employer will never know what you take as long as you have a valid prescription. It shows up positive. You talk to the lab's physician. They look at your prescription. The lab notifies the company you passed. It may be worth talking to National Organization for Nurses with Disabilities (nond.org) to see if they have advice.

I am not a nurse but I had to take a drug test just recently, the lab wanted a note from my psychiatrist on the meds I was taking then they also wanted my pharmacy but I passed the test. I have ADHD and C-PTSD so I'm on quite the cocktail of meds.

I worried about the drug test too but really if you are taking it as prescribed you shouldn't worry you'll pass just fine.

I understand your fear however, many employers are now conducting hair follicle drug tests on nurses as they tell about drug use over several months. Whatever the case may be, be honest because, if you aren't, you could find yourself before your Board of Nursing.

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