Can I be rejected for a job over the meds I am prescribed???

Nurses General Nursing

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I am assuming I was just offered a job, pending background check and drug screening. That's what a background and urine usually mean, I hear.

Both checks will be fine, but two of the meds I take are going to show up on my drug screen. I am prescribed Adderall QAM and Klonopin QHS, as it shows on my prescription bottles. I'm also embarrased to have to show them my "weaknesses".

What I'm worried about is, what if when they see that I take those medications, they call me and say they don't need me after all?

I really want this job, so should I tell the lady collecting my urine that I take those meds? How do I go about that? It's being collected at the place of employment, I dont know if it's sent out or what.

But mostly, can they just decide not to hire me afterall, because I take Adderall and Klonopin??? I was excited over this job until I thought of that......

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Specializes in psych,maternity, ltc, clinic.

If you have actual written RX for these meds, you should be fine. Most places just do a basic 5 panel screen which would show the Adderal (amphetemines) but not the benzo. However, you have legit prescriptions for both of these. I would not say anything to the person doing the drug test as it is probably a lab tech, who would not be involved in your hiring. You may want to call the person who interviewed you and let her know you take some Doctor prescribed meds that may show up on the drug screen and you will be happy to provide documentation to show their legitimacy.

Good luck. THey should not be able to deny you employment solely on the basis of you taking some legitimately prescribed medication. And think of your strengths. You finished nursing school! That takes lots of concentration, stamina etc. If asked about being positive for amphetamines simply say you take x-ammount of Adderall a day for (insert your diagnosis). Dont act as tho it is a shameful thing . It is not. And I think we would all me surprised as to how many people are on meds of some kind.

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If you have actual written RX for these meds, you should be fine. Most places just do a basic 5 panel screen which would show the Adderal (amphetemines) but not the benzo. However, you have legit prescriptions for both of these. I would not say anything to the person doing the drug test as it is probably a lab tech, who would not be involved in your hiring. You may want to call the person who interviewed you and let her know you take some Doctor prescribed meds that may show up on the drug screen and you will be happy to provide documentation to show their legitimacy.

Good luck. THey should not be able to deny you employment solely on the basis of you taking some legitimately prescribed medication. And think of your strengths. You finished nursing school! That takes lots of concentration, stamina etc. If asked about being positive for amphetamines simply say you take x-ammount of Adderall a day for (insert your diagnosis). Dont act as tho it is a shameful thing . It is not. And I think we would all me surprised as to how many people are on meds of some kind.

Well, the person who hired me actually IS the person doing the urine collecting.

I don't know why I'm embarrased, I guess because it's proof I'm not as awesome as I appear to be. :bugeyes: hahaha

But I really AM worried that the person hiring me/collecting the urine, might change their mind.

So, do I tell them when they collect the urine, or do I wait until the test comes back? Take in the actual bottles, right?

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Forewarned is forearmed...........I just did a UDS yesterday myself and brought my Rx Ativan to show the human resources lady that I do have a valid prescription for it in case the benzo shows up. I take it only once a day @ HS for sleep, not anxiety, but it doesn't matter to most people (it sure didn't change my mind when I was hiring employees). Be upfront when necessary, but otherwise, please don't worry too much about it---if they hold your medical history against you, you don't want to work for them anyway!

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Take your rx with u so they can have the list when doing the test. they shouldn't discriminate. I took concerta and didn't have a problem

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You make have some protection under the American with Disabilities Act as a mental illness. Check into it if you need to. Nothing to be embarassed about...most of us have mental illness issues that we hide well. :bugeyes:

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I've never had a problem with Lexapro and Xanax. I just tell them and they don't question me. The screen does show benzos I think, but they're legit, and the levels aren't scary ones.

Good luck! I would just tell them what you're on and if they want proof that they're legitimate prescriptions show them the bottles.

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Specializes in psych,maternity, ltc, clinic.

Definitely take in the bottles. The fact that you take meds doesnt make you any less awesome:) You should be no more embarrased than if you were taking cholesterol or BP meds.

What kind of job is it? :nurse:

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Specializes in Mental Health, Surgical-Ortho.

I take adderall, 10mg BID, and when I was hired, and even when I had a OTJ accident I was screened again. The first time I didn't even think about it and did not bring in my script. I was called a week later with a job offer. When I had my visit with employee health she just stated... your UA came back clean with therapeutic levels of amphetamine's, and just told me to bring in my bottle some she can copy the lable and put it in my file.

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Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.

Find me a nurse who's NOT on something for anxiety or depression.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

When i went to have a drug test for one of my jobs i was told that if anything showed up the medical review officer for the lab would call and ask what meds i was taking and then verify i had a valid prescription. (I was given cough syrup with codiene for bronchitis to take at bedtime and was still pretty sick) you just have to tell the lab what you have prescriptions for. Its really none of your employers business what you take and why. They just want to make sure you are not abusing drugs

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You should be ok. If they ask, show them your perscription and you should be fine. They shouldn't discriminate. Good Luck

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