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.

Ah, cognitive dissonance. Once someone gets it in their head that something is "bad", facts don't phase them. They continue to justify their false belief.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

"Recreational booze, recreational pot.. what would be the difference?"

One is legal, the other not so much (in most states and at the Federal level).

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One is legal, the other not so much (in most states and at the Federal level).

I wonder how many people have died from marijuana? Oh, wait...

Now I wonder how many people have died from alcohol...

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Specializes in Maternity.

I'm really not taking a side. I don't smoke or drink but I just stumbled on this story....it did surprise me

Survey Says: Alcohol Still the Deadliest Drug

http://news360.com/article/253795429

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I'm suggesting that I would not want a recreational pot user as my nurse.

Per Muser...

There is an american cannabis nurses association. They were created to dispel most of the inaccurate information that the general public has about MJ. Even talk of a specialty. The day I retire I am planning to join and take online courses so that I can be certified for the cannabusiness that will be booming nationwide in a few years. It is much safer than more than half the drugs we give to our patients. Sorry I know this is not a debate. I just get frustrated when I see how many people were bamboozled by the government in the 1940's.

Please use that advice and educate yourself.

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Specializes in Anesthesia, ICU, PCU.
I'm suggesting that I would not want a recreational pot user as my nurse.

I suggest you better start swimming or you'll sink like a stone cuz the times they are a-changin'

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Specializes in Anesthesia, ICU, PCU.
And what are your thoughts on nurses who are social drinkers?

Just look at the residual day-after side effects of both substances.

Alcohol: headache, generalized aches, lack of focus, dizziness, diarrhea.

Cannabis: circle with a line through it

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Specializes in ER/Emergency Behavioral Health....

I think regardless of whether or not MJ is that bad of a drug compared to others, it is still illegal in most states and on a federal level. It is wise not to engage in such behavior, especially considering with a career like nursing, they don't want to risk you coming to work with a lingering high.

When I started working as a CNA, they did a random drug screening as well as a swab for alcohol. Now they even test for tobacco. They are really getting strict.

For nursing school, they are going to randomly test us at some unknown time. This has some of my fellow students worried. Perhaps if it worries you that you may lose your job/license/career over it; maybe you shouldn't be doing it.

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Specializes in L&D, Women's Health.
Where? Louisiana? Dh and I live here and it's not legal here.

Anne, RNC

No, Washington and/or Colorado.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Even in states where it's legal, every facility can choose its own guidelines and can fire if a nurse is using.

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Specializes in L&D, Women's Health.
There is an american cannabis nurses association. They were created to dispel most of the inaccurate information that the general public has about MJ. Even talk of a specialty. The day I retire I am planning to join and take online courses so that I can be certified for the cannabusiness that will be booming nationwide in a few years. It is much safer than more than half the drugs we give to our patients. Sorry I know this is not a debate. I just get frustrated when I see how many people were bamboozled by the government in the 1940's.

Thanks for the reference. Went to the website and joined, not so much for the cannabusiness but just to keep my education rounded, especially since more and more states are legalizing MJ and FDA is considering reclassification its reclassification.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

I think this thread has gone way off topic.

OP, you've already been lectured enough. You know what you have to do...all you need is to do it.

Best of luck!

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