Do nurses, DR's, health care workers get randomly drug tested?

Nurses General Nursing

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For the record..I don't use drugs. I was wondering though if health care workers get tested? I was surprised recently to find out that teachers don't get drug tested. I don't know why I was surprised I just thought they would be subject to it. I guess I find it sort of weird that some places do and some don't.

What is your opinion>?:uhoh3:

Specializes in ER.

As a travel nurse, I am tested before every new assignment.

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Specializes in ltc.

i am a brand new nurse... not even 3 mths old yet... lol but i never had to do a drug test all through school... even though i knew they could if they had reason to believe we were under the influence.....

now at my frist job there was NOT a preemployment one... **btw my DON was also a nursing teacher of mine** but they do random if they hear rumors of anyone doing drugs and if there is any injury you are drug tested....

come to think of it i have no had a drug test in almost 6 years...... bring it on i got nothing to hide!!!! except for my pain killers my doc just got me for my back and the flu lol

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Specializes in Gyn Onc, OB, L&D, HH/Hospice/Palliative.

I have never been drug tested, not even pre-employment. I've seen several nurses get escorted out from their shift early, clean out locker, and then it takes a few days thru the grapevine to realize they were terminated for stealing drugs. Not sure if they had to give a sample at the time tho..

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funny a few of us just had this conversation at school. We had to pass a screening when we started school. But a lot of us feel they should do random tests on the students. We have at least 2 that come in high all the time and a lot of them drink during lunch break. Just so frustrating to sit and see this happen.

The end is almost here is what I keep saying.

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Specializes in CCRN, Med-Surg, ED, Geri, Psych.

I've been drug tested a LOT...!!!!

Randomly tested for 8 years in the military... and Pre-employment tested for various EMT, Nursing and FNP/PA jobs over the last 20 years.

In the military (I was a medic, so one of my responsibilities was to administer the UA) there were people who I knew were snorting/smoking cocaine (because I witnessed it) who passed EVERY pee test... but the "occassional" pot smokers were doomed!!!

Most places I have worked (Post Military)... do Pre-employment testing. After that... they only test "for Cause."

If you do something dumb and/or get injured on the job... then I think you should be tested... otherwise...

What you do on YOUR OWN TIME... should be YOUR business... and NOT subject to the perview of those that only pay you for 8-12 hours of your time and expertise. (If you come to work "high"... you SHOULD suffer the wrath...!!!)

A problem I see is...

Even if the nursing unit is trying to find out who stole the vicodin/oxy/fentanyl patch...

A unit wide urinalysis drug screen will likely, only illuminate the pot smokers... which will likely lead to them (the nursing unit/admin) having to discipline/sanction/trash several very good patient centered nurses.

The simple fact is... a recreational cocaine/crack, narcotic or ecstasy user can use on friday... and be "good to go" for a urine test on monday. The Alcoholic (with 4 DUIs) is safe... but the occasional pot smoker will be in jeopardy for weeks.

These occasional pot smokers may have NEVER been "high" on the job, but they are in danger of losing their career... simply because during a "random" 8 hr shift... a narcotic thief diverted some oxy... then the unit decides to do a unit wide UA and because THC is detectable for 30-45 days (longer if they are testing your hair) from that day... while you were on "vacation" (your time) "chillin"... in Jamaica... you took a few puffs ...

A tragedy...

Just some thoughts and experiences...

Lannister

btw... I'm currently studying for a Drug and Alcohol Counselor test so this has been something I have had to think about and deal with...

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As a traveler, I'm tested before every assignment. My old hospital tested pre-employment and randomly. Also with every injury report. If you refused, it was automatic termination.

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I used to sell cars. Not your most ethical industry, and a lot of wierd stuff goes on at dealerships, but this one was owned by a very large conglomerate so they were pretty "corporate".

One of our detailers was helping put the decorations from the staff Christmas party in the storage attic, and the person on top of the ladder lost their grip on the artificial Christmas tree, which then fell on the detailer's head and briefly knocked her out. She was taken to the clinic as a precaution, and was drug tested because it was an on the job injury, tested positive for pot and fired. Bummer.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Cardiac.

My employer in my previous life (a paint manufacturer) instituted mandatory random drug testing for all its employees. We never did figure out why. The other problem was that instead of UA, they tested hair samples, so if you used something 2 months ago you could still be caught. They also stressed that you'd better have a prescription for any meds found, i.e., you couldn't take one of your wife's vicodin for a toothache etc.

I thought that was digging into peoples personal behavior for no good reason.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

I've never been drug tested.

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My employer in my previous life (a paint manufacturer) instituted mandatory random drug testing for all its employees. We never did figure out why. The other problem was that instead of UA, they tested hair samples, so if you used something 2 months ago you could still be caught. They also stressed that you'd better have a prescription for any meds found, i.e., you couldn't take one of your wife's vicodin for a toothache etc.

I thought that was digging into peoples personal behavior for no good reason.

The other problem is that some companies find themselves in the position of having to fire a good percentage of their workforce, especially if they try to institute the policy at a later date. This is why a lot of companies backed off on the testing, or did not test for marijuana, during the 90s when employees were a lot harder to come by than they are now.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

I was pre-employment screened at one job. At my current job there is no drug testing done. I think they'll do it if someone appears intoxicated, but I haven't heard of it being done.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

When they take blood for a needle stick injury, do they also screen for drugs? I've had a couple of needlesticks at my current job, I didn't know they were secretly checking for drug use. Do they inform you that they are doing this?

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