Drug screen for new job

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I just accepted a new RN job in another state. They are asking that I complete a urine drug screen within 24 hours of receiving the paperwork for such. I have to drive 45 minutes to go to a facility that does these screenings. I have no problem doing a urine drug screen but the requirement to do it within 24 hrs of receiving the paperwork seems very odd to me. Has anyone else ever heard of this? I am still working at my current job & I don't want to miss work just to go do a urine drug screen but I have no control over when I receive this paperwork. I asked them to send it this week so I could receive it yesterday & get the drug screen done today, my one day off this week. However, they apparently did not send it or it is lost in the mail because I have not received the papers. I am just really frustrated because they told me they would rescind the job offer if I do not complete the drug screen within 24 hrs of receiving the papers. That just seems really stringent to me & very unrealistic when I am still working full-time at another facility that is not even in the same state. I also cannot get anyone at HR to answer the phone or respond to my emails regarding this. This is a fairly prestigious hospital and I am just really surprised at how odd this all is. Any suggestions? Anyone else every had to deal with such a situation?

Specializes in CCRN, ED, Unit Manager.

what's the point of saying "do the test w/i 24 hours of receiving the papers" so they can't prepare for the test... if you already know the papers are coming you can already be preparing, lol

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Specializes in ICU.

Since when can you just "look" at a person and tell they don't use illicit drugs? Some of the people you least expect are users. I have had to provide a UDS during interviews, whether I was actually offered the job or not. The last one, where I currently work, said they could not even begin the hiring process without it.

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Well, how badly do you want the job?? If this is too much of an inconvenience for you, I'm sure they have plenty of other applicants for the position ...

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Sadly, it's pretty much status quo ante these days. Irritating? Yep. Demeaning? Yep. Degrading? Yep.

Probably the weirdest one I've had was where they actually had a tech at the employer doing the tests during new employee orientation. Fill out your W-4, I-9, and, oh by the way...pee in this cup & wait for the tech to give you an official "okee doke". Yeah. Right. Needless to say I wasn't there very long.

----- Dave

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
unless it comes return receipt or some other special delivery, how do they know when you get it? I am a complete novice, never had to do a drug test in 30 years...though i can see it in the near future.

One company sent the drug testing paperwork by Fed Ex signature required for exactly this reason. Lots of fun when they tried to send Fed Ex to my PO Box....

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Maybe there is a closer facility where you could get the UDS done, if not, you will just have to do it. I am sure there are a lot of people who want that job!

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I just applied to a company that is more interested in urine drug testing applicants than in getting them to work. Their lack of enthusiasm in responding concerning the problem at hand tells me a lot about how they intend to provide work for me.

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Specializes in Cath lab, acute, community.

Perhaps another centre can do it? A related centre or something? I mean, all labs do drug screens

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

There are a lot of annoying regulations and rules in this profession. You have to do what you gotta do...just do what they say and do not wate any more energy on it..it is just the way it is!

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I dunno, I kind of tend to agree that a 24h window seems a bit excessive.

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I've had interviews where they handed you the paperwork after the interview and wanted you to go THAT day before the place closed at 5. Annoying? Yes. But hey, you gotta do what you gotta do.

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As several others have posted, the purpose is so you don't "prepare" for the drug screen and it is a COMMON practice. I have taken tons of drug tests, not once was I ever given more than 48 hours to take it.

You are the one that was looking for another job, calling in ONE day (assuming your attendance is good at your current job) shouldn't be that big of a deal.

If you keep questioning it, they'll withdraw the job offer because most people don't question it.

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