Drug Testing for Newly Graduated RN

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I just graduated in May 2014 from nursing school and I am starting to apply for RN positions in Louisiana. After graduation I took a much deserved month off from school and studying for NCLEX to enjoy myself before i start the real world. I smoked marijuana countless times throughout the month and I know it is still in my system. My question is when I apply for a job and take a drug test, if i fail the drug screen will i lose my license even though i have never worked as a licensed RN? Please do not judge, I know it wasn't the smartest thing to do, thank you.

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Specializes in Maternity.

I would not apply for a job until you can test negative. If you test positive, you will most likely be reported to the BON. Regardless of whether you were licensed when you actually smoked, your licensed now and applying for a job. This is a very serious situation. As requested, I won't state the obvious. I hope you learned something. Your career and license are way to valuable to risk. I wish you luck.

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If you fail a pre-employment drug screen your job offer is likely to be rescinded and your + results reported to your BON. The BON will likely place you into a monitoring program for 3-5 years depending on state regulations.

I think that you were very naive/borderline foolish for smoking MJ "several times" during your month off, knowing that you would soon be taking boards and applying for jobs that would require a pre-employment UDS! If you fail the UDS, you must live with whatever consequences come to you.

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Specializes in Primary Care, OR.

Lucky for you new grads have a hard time finding jobs so you have the luxury of time to stay clean.

And then continue to stay clean.

good luck!

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Specializes in Critical care.

Just wait 30 days, get a drug test from the drug store and make sure you are clean. Good luck.

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Uhhh.. I would wait quite some time before applying. If you fail that drug screen you WILL be reported to the BON who will place you in a monitoring program that not only limits where you can work, but is very costly. Don't blow something you have worked hard for because you had fun for a month.. It's not worth it.. Look at the recovery page.. You will see the trials people have to go through..

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Specializes in Anesthesia, ICU, PCU.
Just wait 30 days, get a drug test from the drug store and make sure you are clean. Good luck.

I agree with Muser69. How far away is your drug test?

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I agree with Muser69. How far away is your drug test?

I actually understand the sentiment that marijuana causes far fewer problems than alcohol. However, as medical professionals, we are subject to drug testing, even after employment. My hospital didn't do random testing as far as I know, but once I hurt my back while drawing blood and could barely walk to the nurses station. All I wanted to do was go home and lie down, but my nurse manager was required by policy to send me to employee health first, where I had to go get tested. I don't take any banned drugs, for this reason as well as several others, so I was good. Others might not be so lucky.

Any nurse who wants to work needs to abstain from illegal drugs, as well as other drugs which might be legal, but banned by the facility. It only takes that one random screening or incident described above to end your career. We work too hard for our licenses. The laws may seem stupid or unfair, but they are what they are.

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Specializes in Anesthesia, ICU, PCU.

I advise the person to "exercise and drink lots of water" and it's a TOS violation? You sure you're a nurse traumarus? Or are you just mad because I followed that up with an opinionated statement you might not have agreed with?

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Specializes in Maternity.
I advise the person to "exercise and drink lots of water" and it's a TOS violation? You sure you're a nurse traumarus? Or are you just mad because I followed that up with an opinionated statement you might not have agreed with?

Whaat? Did I miss something?

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Hey OP - I live in Louisiana also. I can tell u from experience that our BON and the RNP program is nutty strict! If you test positive, u will most likely have to do an evaluation at a rehab facility/addictionogist. They can and have placed strict stipulations on a new grad or a nursing student that hasn't taken boards.

Like PPs said, it wouldn't hurt to gets drugs screw test from Walgreens or wherever if u wanted to check at home first. Good luck!!

Anne, RNC

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Some places take hair samples which can check you for months! You are lucky if it is only a urine drug screen. Stay clean and sober. Good luck!

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