Drug Testing for NS

Published

How many of you were required you to take a drug test for NS? I'm assuming not many, if any.

Yes. We absolutely have to submit to a drug screen before we start classes. I will be peeing in a cup on January 4th to start class on the 10th. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yep we had to do one before we started the program. We pay out of pocket for it, I got it for 25 bucks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

All three of the programs I applied to here in Houston, Texas required a drug screening and background check if you got accepted into the program. It's all out of pocket.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It does state that we have to be able to pass a drug screen, but the upperclassmen and my class has yet to be subjected to one.

It certainly does make sense to screen for clinicals.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I did. I think almost every school does drug testing. It's not for the school, per se, it's for the clinical institutions where you'll be working. Ours was just a urine test and we got the results in about 48 hours. We also had to have a background check. We did have to pay out of pocket for both, and all together it was about $80.

If you're on a prescription drug (several classmates I know are for pain/anxiety/whatever) just tell the drug testing facility and they will call the pharmacy to verify your prescription. I don't believe that they can discriminate against you in any way if you have a legal prescription. As long as you aren't impaired when you're on the floor, you should be okay.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatry, Forensics, Addictions.

I have been in nursing school for 3 semesters and have never been required to submit to a urine toxicology screen. None of the facilities I have had clinicals have required it either. Also, I have worked for 11 years in a hospital without ever being asked to be tested.

Although, policies on drug testing may vary by employer, many employers have one of two approaches: (1) Drug test all new applicants/hires or (2) Only drug test those employees who are suspected of abusing substances because of substantial evidence of poor work performance, absenteeism, etc.

Throughout the years, the US Supreme Court has made several important rulings on the drug testing of students. I would refer all interested to New Jersey v. TLO (1985), Skinner v. Labor Railway Labor Executives Association (1989), and Vernonia School District v. Acton (1995). Mostly the court emphasizes the importance of suspicion leading to testing and the random nature of the testing.

I personally believe that unless whatever one is doing outside of school/work is negatively affecting their ability to function, it is nobody's business what one does in their free time. Also, urine toxicology screens are notoriously unreliable and do not give the whole picture. For example, I work on a psychiatric unit, and I have seen patients overdose on benzodiazepines or opiates that do not show up in a UTOX. Or, many MDs/RNs are completely unaware that many opiate medications (i.e. Percocet, OxyContin, Vicodin) will not be picked up by a traditional drug test. Those drugs have to be ordered for in a separate test. Finally, an individual can be taking medications for a legitimate medical or psychiatric condition (i.e. Adderall, Ritalin, pain medication, anxiety), and they would be positive on a drug screen. Those people are not substance abusers and need the medications to function. Should they be barred from nursing school or employment? I would hope not.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatry, Forensics, Addictions.

I'm not sure what kind of drug screen your state uses, but the most common one tests 7 categories: amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, cannabinoids, opiates, and PCP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.

It was required at my school. We were sitting in class when it was announced. We had to drive immediately to the lab and arrive within a certain time frame.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Yep, drug and criminal background check.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Some in the Houston area require it but some don't. Just depends on the school

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

We had drug and background tests we had to pay for and we agree to be randomly tested at anytime at our expense after the initial one.

If you are on prescriptions and are worried than bring proof to your test so they can verify what you are on and that you have a prescription of it. Some prescriptions can interfere with results.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, I took one a few weeks ago, and we are required to take another one in June.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion