Do employers ever drug test on the spot at interviews?

[Nursey916]

So I haven't practiced in the last few months, I took some time off to travel and relax. I spent a lot of my time with my sister who lives in Portland though where marijuana is recreationally legal and I smoked quite a bit while I was there. I set up 5 interviews this week starting tomorrow as I'm needing to get back to work. I'm a bit paranoid to go to them though because I've read and heard that sometimes they will drug test u on the spot. Has anyone had this happen or heard of it happening? If they do can I tell them I'm not submitting to any drug test until I've formally accepted an offer? I figured I would go to the interview and if they offered me the job I would tell them I can't orientate for another week (I know ill test negative by then and plan on taking a store bought drug test before I go to make sure). Any advice would be helpful and anyone who wants to reply with the annoying lectures about how nurses shouldn't smoke pot, please spare me. I know to never smoke marijuana while I'm practicing and take my license very seriously.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

I've only heard of drug testing once you are given the offer, but there is only a short time limit you have to do the drug test. I don't think you could wait a week, that alone would be suspicious.

Also as previously mentioned, you could be drug tested as a nurse if you have a work accident/injury. Some places reserve the right to do random drug testing like the military.

I understand many people don't think pot is a serious drug, but unfortunately if you get busted you would regret it and find it difficult to work as a nurse and be under the board's rules. It is very expensive I know someone who went to rehab and the urine drug test was $200 and it would be coming out of your own pocket for a long time. Plus there would be stipulations on your license making it really hard to get a job!

It doesn't matter whether you truly had a drug problem or not you would be treated as guilty. Sadly even some nurses with simple mental health issues have been treated as if they were drug addicts and/or alcoholics and put thru the same thing even though they were drug free!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Nursey916 said:

I have a hard time understanding why people jump on other peoples post to say rude things. Like get a life. You don't know me or my background, so why dont you take your judgemental rhetoric elsewhere. (in response to Zyprexa)

I don't understand why people post to a public forum if they're determined to take any response they don't like as "rude" and as justification for being nasty to the poster.

[Nursey916]

Ruby Vee said:

I don't understand why people post to a public forum if they're determined to take any response they don't like as "rude" and as justification for being nasty to the poster.

Well jumping on my post telling me I deserve to get busted for smoking pot is rude. I stated very clearly that I have stopped and would never smoke while practicing so why are the extra comments necessary?

[allnurses Admin Team]

Thread closed for Staff review.