Cannabis nurse certification?

[Harley Rn]

I have been exploring the possibilities of becoming a cannabis nurse, or aka medical marijuana nurse. There are some programs that claim to certify RNs. I approach cautiously because I am considering the actual possibilities within an emerging field.

My question is what is the career path? Would this just be a sideline? Is there any money to be made (sorry but that's important).

I recently started asking around at the local PA dispensary, spoke to pharmacist. She was confused as to what an RN role would look like.

I am both excited and confused when examining the options. Is there anyone here who has any actual experience as a cannabis RN?

[HandsOffMySteth]

Very interesting topic. I found a website that shows some of the courses offered on this.

https://www.msnedu.org/cannabis-nursing/

I would be concerned about testing positive though. I don't know if you would be exposed to second-hand smoke or other means of picking up trace amounts in your system.

[Harley Rn]

That's an informative website. My concern is after getting certified, what can we do with it?

[Nunya, BSN]

6 hours ago, Harley RN said:

That's an informative website. My concern is after getting certified, what can we do with it?

Why don't you contact the ACNA and ask them? One thought would be in working at the office of doctors who prescribe it.

[CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN]

On 3/9/2020 at 7:53 PM, juniper222 said:

Very interesting topic. I found a website that shows some of the courses offered on this.

https://www.msnedu.org/cannabis-nursing/

I would be concerned about testing positive though. I don't know if you would be exposed to second-hand smoke or other means of picking up trace amounts in your system.

In my State, you drop positive for any reason you might as well surrender your license. I cant see this as being a really viable occupational choice.

[Harley Rn]

My question is related to what can be done with certification. I was not referring to using the medicine for oneself. I medicate many diabetics with insulin, so am I exposing myself to insulin? What if an RN tests positive for insulin!?

No, my question relates to RN certification as cannabis nurse.

[Guest219794]

5 hours ago, Harley RN said:

My question is related to what can be done with certification. I was not referring to using the medicine for oneself. I medicate many diabetics with insulin, so am I exposing myself to insulin? What if an RN tests positive for insulin!?

No, my question relates to RN certification as cannabis nurse.

You would have no problem testing positive for insulin. Unless the DEA changes it to a schedule 1 drug- that could be an issue.

[TheLastUnicorn]

You don't have to "take" the medication yourself to test for it. You can absorb it through your skin, and can breathe it in second hand. There's a reason for the whole USP 800. As nurses we are exposed to drugs, those drugs affect us. So yes.. You would total test positive for insulin, no need to ever even be exposed to it! (just gonna let you think on that one there).

Keep in mind, this is still a federally illegal substance.

You can anything a certification now. What can you do with it? No idea. I don't see where an RN is needed in this field. We can't prescribe it. And a dispenser would have no need for us. Not even medically dispensed from a pharmacy would need an RN. Sure you could work in the office of a Dr that handles cases for medical MJ but what purpose would a certification be in that setting? What is the cert even educating you on? I think you would start there. What are the specifics of the education, and how you can apply that to the field of nursing.

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

BON/legality/testing issues aside...

If you can't identify an actual role for theses nurses, then the programs probably exist to take nurses' money and turn a profit; just because some programs are out there doesn't mean that they're useful. It speaks volumes to me that an actual dispensary employee was confused about what role a cannabis nurse would play.

It seems like dispensaries function similarly to pharmacies; generally speaking, pharmacies don't hire nurses. I wouldn't pay a dime until you identify an actual place that would be willing to hire you as a nurse. If you do find such a position, presumably the employer should cover whatever education/certifications you need.

[CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN]

You keep insisting that people need to tell you “what can be done with this certification.” But multiple nurses here, plus a local pharmacist, have already answered that. Nobody has any idea. That’s not a good sign.

Most outpatient nursing jobs want a competent nurse, and they train you in the details. Some of my work involves suboxone and methadone. I imagine there are certifications for “suboxone nurse” but in reality, you just get hired and then learn the details then. I wouldn’t pay for any course unless employers have told you they specifically look for it.

[sleepwalker, MSN, NP]

sounds like a program accredited by Cheech & Chong

I know some people that could probably get certified just based on life-experience?

[Harley Rn]

Thanks for the replies. I guess it's mostly a cash grab. If I find out more information, it will be updated here. Next call is to doctor that does the patient certification. Hopefully I won't be exposed to cannabis via the telephone.