Drug Testing At Hospitals

NYCRN16 · Aug 7, 2006

max1x said:
When was the last time anyone saw employers random drug testing doctors or pharmacists? Drug abuse among those professions is just as common as with nurses. Most MDs and pharmacists would likely never tolerate such an insult as random drug testing. As nurses, we are expected to take what ever crap comes our way.

I agree with this. I heard somewhere that some hospital locally decided to randomly test a lot of the residents and when most of the doctors came up with something or other they decided to throw the test out rather than investigate further because there were so many people :uhoh3:

From my understanding, the rx has to be one month old or less according to some places.

FYI, its not just enough to have a prescription for a medication that can show up on the test, the prescription has to be CURRENT in some cases in order for it to be acceptable. Lets say you have a 6 month old bottle of ambien and test positive for benzos, they can easily say that its not current enough and you are "abusing" it. Now I have a legal rx for this and RARELY take it, but I would hardly classify myself an "addict" for taking one ambien every few months and holding the bottle for a year. :angryfire

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Aug 7, 2006

Mississippi_RN said:
...no way. He didn't.
LOL

It actually happened. And I was young and stupid enough to date him for a couple of months. He was a real loser.

Mayprosper · Aug 12, 2006

I recently was drug tested at my work, and terminated due to the presence of illegal drugs. The hospital has a policy that states, it could be grounds for termination, but on the other hand they state in their policy that a nurse mayundergo a Substance abuse program, and be monitored for 2 years while continuing to work. I feel I was pressured into the drug test, I never signed a consent, but do to a pre-hire application stating I could be drug tested at anytime, that gave them the upper hand. This has ruined my prospects of ever getting a job, and now I have been enrolled into a drug diversion program. I never witnessed the chain of custody (initialing the specimen bottles, ect......... Does this still give the employer the right for drug testing. I don't think we due to the HIPPA regulations should have to submit all our medications we are taking. This is one way for the employer to fire anyone they don't like just for testing for prescription, or illegal drugs. I feel we should not be drug tested, only if there is a definite Reaonable Suspicion, also in my case, my urine may have been tainted due to me never observing the specimen bottles sealed! I wish there were an attorney out there that could be in our favor (some nurses) who are against drug testing. With my employer getting away with this, I feel, anytime the nurse manager wants to fire someone, just drug test them. It's a very humilitaing ordeal to undergo. I was already terminated 1 week before the 2nd confirmation test came back. I know I was guilty, but where is the care and concern if there is a drug addicted nurse? We are thrown to the wolves, and rarely have a chance to redeem ourselves, like an addict physcian, they are praised, and still able to maintain their practice and drive their fancy cars, am I bitter, yes a little, but it's not fair, that's how I feel.

EmergencyRN-05 · Aug 12, 2006

Oddly enough my hospital does not drug test after you'r hired. Scarey, isn't it????? :uhoh3:

Ann RN · Aug 12, 2006

Mayprosper said:
I recently was drug tested at my work, and terminated due to the presence of illegal drugs. The hospital has a policy that states, it could be grounds for termination, but on the other hand they state in their policy that a nurse mayundergo a Substance abuse program, and be monitored for 2 years while continuing to work. I feel I was pressured into the drug test, I never signed a consent, but do to a pre-hire application stating I could be drug tested at anytime, that gave them the upper hand. This has ruined my prospects of ever getting a job, and now I have been enrolled into a drug diversion program. I never witnessed the chain of custody (initialing the specimen bottles, ect......... Does this still give the employer the right for drug testing. I don't think we due to the HIPAA regulations should have to submit all our medications we are taking. This is one way for the employer to fire anyone they don't like just for testing for prescription, or illegal drugs. I feel we should not be drug tested, only if there is a definite Reaonable Suspicion, also in my case, my urine may have been tainted due to me never observing the specimen bottles sealed! I wish there were an attorney out there that could be in our favor (some nurses) who are against drug testing. With my employer getting away with this, I feel, anytime the nurse manager wants to fire someone, just drug test them. It's a very humilitaing ordeal to undergo. I was already terminated 1 week before the 2nd confirmation test came back. I know I was guilty, but where is the care and concern if there is a drug addicted nurse? We are thrown to the wolves, and rarely have a chance to redeem ourselves, like an addict physcian, they are praised, and still able to maintain their practice and drive their fancy cars, am I bitter, yes a little, but it's not fair, that's how I feel.

The whole purpose behind drug testing is PATIENT SAFETY! That comes first. That is the priority of the employer. That should be the priority.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Aug 13, 2006

Adderall would pop positive for amphetamine....

hogan4736, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2006

HM2Viking said:
Adderall would pop positive for amphetamine....

Good point...We're worried about a positive UDS for a nurse, but we give speed to our children...

YAAAAYYYY

Lacie, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2006

I may get bashed for this one but I also disagree with random screens based on my experience for "employer abuse". I am a survivor of Domestic Violence and was brutually assaulted in 1990. A fractured ulna, broken nose, ribs and tympanic membrane. The ulna required an open reduction/internal fixation. Surprisingly I missed very little work returning the 5th day post-op to my Burn ICU position at my managers request due to severe short staffing. Fortunately I had no cast and had assistance for lifiting. Here lies the issue. I informed my manager of the entire situation and also that in seeking mental health counseling I was placed on Prozac and Dyserel besides leaving the abusive situation. I informed "him" that if he or anyone else noticed any affect on my nursing abilities due to the medication that I would be happy to take medical leave at any time. I couldnt afford to be off work as I was suddenly became the sole income and leaving a bad situation at home. Instead 2 weeks after informing him of the medications I was accused of "Impairment" and "misappropriation of medication" and fired. No drug test was ordered although I demanded one and it did come back NEG yet was never used in my battle to redeem myself as the hospital conveniently "lost the results". The misapproriation of medication accusation derived from as the only RN and only staff on midnight shift I had a patient who requested his antacid ordered for indigestion. There was no Maalox in the drawers and it was 3am in the morning. No supervisor available to get the Maalox either so the patient indicated he took Mylanta normally at home so I substituted for the Maalox. No I didnt call the Plastic surgeon at "3 am" to do this substitution. Patient had no medical contraindications for Mylanta. Guess I should have pissed the surgeon off at 3 am with a phone call. Anyway this is exactly what showed up on my "disciplinary action" of which I got 4 months licensure suspension and 2 years probation. The board investigator was clear to tell me since complaint had been made by my manager then it had to be followed through no differently than if it had been a narcotic. Well it's over 16 years later and ever job I apply for etc this is always hanging over my head. It was easier for the manager to make an accusation and fire me then to deal with domestic violence under thier nose although I was doing just what I needed to do. Instead of helping they caused me to loose everything. After this experience I would never let an employer know of any medications prescribed to me or any other personal information for that matter as the information can be used against you if they desire to. I dont nor have I ever used anything illegally yet it still bit me in the orifice. Employers have no business knowing your business. It's taken me years to even trust the system again and I'm still very cautious.

southern_rn_brat · Aug 14, 2006

Mayprosper said:
I recently was drug tested at my work, and terminated due to the presence of illegal drugs. The hospital has a policy that states, it could be grounds for termination, but on the other hand they state in their policy that a nurse mayundergo a Substance abuse program, and be monitored for 2 years while continuing to work. I feel I was pressured into the drug test, I never signed a consent, but do to a pre-hire application stating I could be drug tested at anytime, that gave them the upper hand. This has ruined my prospects of ever getting a job, and now I have been enrolled into a drug diversion program. I never witnessed the chain of custody (initialing the specimen bottles, ect......... Does this still give the employer the right for drug testing. I don't think we due to the HIPAA regulations should have to submit all our medications we are taking. This is one way for the employer to fire anyone they don't like just for testing for prescription, or illegal drugs. I feel we should not be drug tested, only if there is a definite Reaonable Suspicion, also in my case, my urine may have been tainted due to me never observing the specimen bottles sealed! I wish there were an attorney out there that could be in our favor (some nurses) who are against drug testing. With my employer getting away with this, I feel, anytime the nurse manager wants to fire someone, just drug test them. It's a very humilitaing ordeal to undergo. I was already terminated 1 week before the 2nd confirmation test came back. I know I was guilty, but where is the care and concern if there is a drug addicted nurse? We are thrown to the wolves, and rarely have a chance to redeem ourselves, like an addict physcian, they are praised, and still able to maintain their practice and drive their fancy cars, am I bitter, yes a little, but it's not fair, that's how I feel.

girl, you need to quit blaming your employer. you were the one taking the drugs, were you not? and that is illegal is it not? accept your consequences and move on. hopefully you will get in a good rehab and then in a good aftercare program and you can get your life back. I did.

as addicts we naturally want to blame others, nothing is ever our fault! thats part of the addict personality.

what exactly would you want a lawyer to say? Yes my client is an addict and was taking illegal drugs but you shouldnt have fired her for it? girl, get a grip! I dont mean to sound harsh but you need to face reality.

and your career is not over!! I thought mine was too. if you search my name you will probably find alot of posts about how I thought my career was over and what was I going to do?

your employers job is to protect the patients, the state board of nursings job is to protect the patient and make sure we are safe to practice. until you get in recovery you are not safe to practice.

as I said, I dont mean to sound harsh and I believe you need to hear the truth, not some sugar coated version of ohhhhh I'm so sorry this happened to you bs.

good luck to you!

cad4296 · Aug 14, 2006

I am still in the corporate world currently (in school) and last week we had random drug testing across the board. Every single last employee was lined up and tested, and if a family emergency came up and someone had to leave, they were fired for "refusal". I can understand testing for new hire or probable cause, but in our situation I highly doubt all 280 employees were "probable cause" as was stated on our drug screen paperwork. We were also given a breathalyzer (sp?) test as well. I have never even smoked a perfectly legal cigarette so I have nothing to hide. (Actually I was raised in a crack house-literally, so why in the world after seeing this stuff ruin so many lives would I go anywhere near it!!!) But I'm sorry when I am herded up like cattle, lined up standing next to officers with guns, patted down, going into a room with the toilet chained up and my personal items locked up, then having someone sit there and WATCH me pee, yes I feel violated! It was a RANDOM drug test, they patted me down and locked up my stuff, so why in the world do I now have to EXPOSE myself to a complete stranger and made to feel like a criminal? For my desk job?! Even if I were on drugs, who would I hurt sitting here typing on a computer all day?! I'm sorry but YES I do feel this is a complete violation of my right for privacy. When I have to drop my pants and expose my private area to some stranger to watch me pee in a cup yes I feel incredibly violated. Only my husband and my gyno should see that, and even then I still have my right to refuse! It was rumored that our company is struggling so they did this to get rid of some people without having to do layoffs and pay for unemployment. And there was no place on our paperwork to disclose medications so everyone that did have prescriptions were sent home (unpaid) until they could prove it. So through this and office gossip now every person in the company knows what meds and medical conditions certain people have. If this isn't a violation of privacy and medical rights, well then I don't know what is! I never really thought one way or another about drug testing, but after this experience, I can definately say I am against it! I still don't mind new hire or probable cause testing, but this across the board testing is ridiculous!

mystcnurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 18, 2006

bonesrn said:
If you have a prescription for the Xanax or Percocet then it is a non-issue. The screen would not be reported as positive to your employer so again, why refuse unless you have something to hide. Would you want a nurse who refused a drug test taking care of you or your family?

I was recently hired for a job, pending a drug test. I take a prescription medication on a somewhat regular basis, for what I considered to be a private health matter that is between myself and my physician.

When I went for the test, I was sent to a "collection facility". No questions were asked about what medications I take. The girl who took my sample was lax, she made me wait about 25 minutes for the test, there was only one other person waiting, while she watched the rest of some soap opera. Then, she left the sample given by the person before me, the actual collection container, on the counter and it was there when she poured my sample into the collection tube. I can honestly say I'm not even sure it was my sample she poured into my collection tube, because I didn't realize that there was another sample on the counter until after I had signed the form.

The water was turned off in the bathroom, and there were no paper towels or germ killer - and the man before me must have touched his member, and then the door knob, without washing his hands, since there was no way he could have. So much for hand hygene.

Then, my prospective employer called me 4 days later and asked me to fax my copy of the chain of custody to her, because they had not recieved my results. I can't help but think that she thought I didn't go.

Then, the third party administrator told my prospective employer, today, 6 days later, that there was a problem with my test. Which I knew there would be, because I take a prescription medication that I was never allowed to disclose. SO, I was forced, instead, to disclose this information to my prospective employer. THEN, I called the company myself. They made me fax the chain of custody to them three times, stating that they hadn't recieved it, then, finally told me that they HAD recieved all three of them, but couldn't read because it was too light, COULD I make another copy and darken it. By now, it is almost 5:30, when they close. I was SUPPOSED to start my new job, tomorrow. But instead, my boss and other superiors think that I am a possible drug fiend. I am still waiting for the medical review officer to call me and clarify that I have a prescription. Oh, and BTW, I also had to make a copy of the RX BOTTLE and fax it to them.

I am questioning everything about this entire procedure now. Including the methodologies used to perform the test. If it took them six days to get the results to the MRO, and three faxes before they finally realized that they did have my fax, but it was too light (their crappy duplicates), then how are they at handling the chain of custody???? Also, I probably tee'd off the lady in the MRO office, because I was very irritated. Wondering if THAT will affect my results? Drug testing does not save anybody anything including money. It doesn't catch drug abusers, because they know how to work the system. It simply humiliates people, causes undue stress, wastes time, and costs money. It is GREAT for the drug testing industry tho.

Still, I agree with whoever posted that Congress and Wubya should be drug tested. Don't they work for US??? and if job performance is a reason for drug testing, I would say it is TIME!!

MN

busyernurse, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2006

Reply to Lacie - I am a nurse, RNC, with 16 years of experience. I am also a recovering addict with 6 years of clean time. It sounds to me you got the shaft! My husband is also an RNC, he is one of my supervisors at the hospital where I work. And, he always tells me, "baby, what gets you in trouble is that you talk to much." Your post along with my husband's advice will help me learn to shut my mouth! I wish you had had some recourse. Your story is a nightmare, because you should feel like you can trust your employer!! Kudos to you, I wouldn't have been very nice if I'd been in your shoes. I was guilty of drug diversion, I deserved it. You didn't!:trout: