Drug screening policy in your area

[Luke79AU]

In Australia, only a nurse who'd been brought under a charge or genuine suspicion has to undergo drug screens.

Is drug screening for nurses everywhere in the USA? How long has it been that way?

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

Most employers in the USA advertise drug free work places and this is true for hospitals and nursing facilities. Typically a nurse will have a UDS prior to starting on the job. Most facilities retain the right to conduct Radom urine tests. I don't know about Australia but in the US it is estimated that as many as 1 out 10 nurses has a substance use problem.

Hppy

 

 

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

Many workplaces require drug tests as a condition of employment. It is not a screen, it's not legal to base an employment decision off a screen. A full test with chain of custody has to be done. I have taken a drug test prior to most jobs, but have never been asked for a random test. At one company I worked for, one was required if you had an accident with the company car. Drug tests might be required if the narcotic count is off. You could refuse it, but you will likely be fired.

There are some community mental health and addiction tx organizations that don't test as a condition of employment. This is common in companies that value harm reduction.

[Wuzzie]

Everywhere I've worked has an option to random drug test but I've never seen it happen in nearly 40 years. We DO get tested if we get hurt at work, there are missing narcotics or we're acting as if we're under the influence. My poor SIL (not a nurse) works for a company that tests upon return from any vacation. 

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

Wuzzie said:

Everywhere I've worked has an option to random drug test but I've never seen it happen in nearly 40 years. We DO get tested if we get hurt at work, there are missing narcotics or we're acting as if we're under the influence. My poor SIL (not a nurse) works for a company that tests upon return from any vacation. 

Wow upon return from vacation? That is really terrible. 

[Wuzzie]

FolksBtrippin said:

Wow upon return from vacation? That is really terrible. 

Tell me about it. They receive federal funding so follow federal law. My sister partakes and my SIL would like to be able to as well but nope. I think it's a bit draconian. Can you imagine if they did that to nurses? Fairly certain more than a few would lose their jobs. 

[EKUGRAD, BSN, MSN, RN, CNS]

I am all for random urine drug screens for all staff. In my 22 years working psych, SUD and dual diagnosis, I have worked units that had using addicts working. One inpatient unit at a prestigious hospital had a psych tech who sold speed and oxy's to the patients, families and other staff. Many years ago, when I was working high stress environments (Trauma ICU, ER, Flight Nurse, Paramedic instructor), I dealt with my anxiety and low self-worth by stealing and using morphine. I always made sure my patients got the dose they needed before taking my part. I was caught in a random UDS, and it was the best thing that ever happened in my career. I received extended treatment and became a member of a world-wide community of recovering people. I have not used any illicit drug since June 29, 1989. Random screens, as much as they are a pain in the butt, are very useful at several levels for nurses.

 

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

Congrats on your sobriety 🎉

[Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP]

FolksBtrippin said:

Wow upon return from vacation? That is really terrible. 

What happens in Vegas, doesn't stay in Vegas! 😂