drug testing

Nurses General Nursing

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I have a job where I work one day a week giving people injections. I don't really care about the job, I just do it one day a week for extra money. The other day I had a needle stick injury and was told that I had to take a drug test for workers compensation. I do smoke marijuana on occasion,and I'm not positive if i will pass the test. If i fail the test I am not concerned about getting fired from the job, but I am worried about any other repercussions. Can they contacted the BON. What does the BON do about a positive tox screen for marijuana? does anyone know? Will they maybe investigate me? Does my employer have to disclose the information to the BON? If i test positive should I get a lawyer? Is there anything a lawyer can even do? I have so many questions and don't know where to get answers. I live in Ohio, does that mean anything?

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Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.

This kind of sounds like a legal question to me, which we really aren't qualified to answer. I think you should contact your state board of nursing.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I don't understand why do you have to take a drug test for a needle stick? Are they trying to make sure you weren't high on the job?

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Specializes in LTC, Home Health.

My work would require a drug test in order to get workers comp and same with my MILs hospital. I hate these questions because peoples uses of marijuana seem to get in the way alot. Why not stop smoking it? The cons seem to outweigh the pros.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I can't really answer the questions, as I don't use marijuana. I don't see how anyone is willing to put their jobs in jeopardy to do it, either, sorry.

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My work would require a drug test in order to get workers comp and same with my MILs hospital. I hate these questions because peoples uses of marijuana seem to get in the way alot. Why not stop smoking it? The cons seem to outweigh the pros.

Most people smoke marijuana to self medicate, similar to why most people drink alcohol, even if it is just the occ. evening glass of wine or cocktail. One is legal, the other is not. Why not just legalize pot for medicinal use? Studies had shown it is an effective, inexpensive way to tx a variety of medical/psych issues. Would it be better to be on Prozac or Zoloft or use marijuana occ when needed?

As for me, I never use maijuana and could pass a urine test at any time! But why deny someone the use of an inexpensive, effective medication?

Good luck littlez1, as I don't have any answers for you, just comments!

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Specializes in Critical care nursing.

I'm confused on why someone would need workers comp for a needle stick?? Was the patient positive for something that you need to take meds for? I also don't understand why a drug screen is needed for a needle stick?

Jennifer

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I'm confused on why someone would need workers comp for a needle stick?? Was the patient positive for something that you need to take meds for? I also don't understand why a drug screen is needed for a needle stick?

Jennifer

You need to get some bloodborne pathogens inservice training quickly! A protocol is set up by the CDC relating to needlesticks or other bodily fluid exposures. Hep B, HIV and other disease are transmitted by needlesticks as well as a bodily fluid exposure. Depending on the circumstances, blood needs to be drawn and meds given. Workers comp pays for this protocol to be followed. Followup for many mths, sometimes years needs to be done. ALL needle sticks/bodily fluid exposures need to be reported, even if the pt is HBV and HIV negative. Worker's comp pays for this as it is a work related incident.

Many companies do drug screens when an employee is injured--sometimes to try and place blame on the employee!

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Specializes in Case Management.

Drug testing is not something nurses have a lot of experience with. Since you are in a nursing forum online, I suggest you google drug testing and marijuana and you will get a lot more and better help.

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Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.

Pretty much every employer requires a drug test for any worker related injury. The insurance companies require it. Presumably so that if the owrker tests positive they can state that may have caused the error that led to the injury.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
You need to get some bloodborne pathogens inservice training quickly! A protocol is set up by the CDC relating to needlesticks or other bodily fluid exposures. Hep B, HIV and other disease are transmitted by needlesticks as well as a bodily fluid exposure. Depending on the circumstances, blood needs to be drawn and meds given. Workers comp pays for this protocol to be followed. Followup for many mths, sometimes years needs to be done. ALL needle sticks/bodily fluid exposures need to be reported, even if the pt is HBV and HIV negative. Worker's comp pays for this as it is a work related incident.

Many companies do drug screens when an employee is injured--sometimes to try and place blame on the employee!

And rightfully so, if they find the employee was under the influence of anything when the accident occurred. No different than working in a warehouse and driving a forklift and hitting something with it, you'll get a drug test then, too.

I am surprised that anyone is going to use this thread as an argument whether or not it SHOULD be legal? Do you really think the OP is going to be able to get the law changed in her favor in time to affect her outcome? (sorry, sarcasm) Either way, if nothing else I hope it serves as a good lesson for anyone who chooses to indulge in illegal behavior.

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Just because she may test positive does not mean she was under the influence at the time of the needle stick. You can test positive of drugs and medications many days even weeks after the the affect is gone. Maybe they need to come up with a ETOH test that can detect the use of it 2 weeks after it is used then blame needle sticks on ETOH use. Marijuana is a drug, and has medicinal properties that evidently the poster is using it for. Make it legal and a safe, effective, inexpensive drug with minimal side effects will become available. Something the large pharmacutical companies fear.

Good luck to you...hope everything works out.

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