drug tests???

How many of you have to take a drug screen at the start of nursing school? We haven't - but I expect we will at some point - isn't it standard? I was suprised that my pre-entrence physical only included a standard UA - no tox screens. While I don't use illegal substances, pee tests always make me nervous becuase you hear the horror stories of people testing positive for things because of poppy seed muffins, cold meds, etc. I wish I knew when this will occur, but asking seems odd, so I am not going to.

[ocb_dave_ocb, LPN]

They said we would have one at my school.... Never had one... we may have during the physical exam b 4 school.. Cant Remember....

P.S. I heard that if you lay in the tanning bed with a lotion that contains hemp seed.. you may test + for marijauna

[mandrews]

How many of you have to take a drug screen at the start of nursing school? We haven't - but I expect we will at some point - isn't it standard? I was suprised that my pre-entrence physical only included a standard UA - no tox screens. While I don't use illegal substances, pee tests always make me nervous becuase you hear the horror stories of people testing positive for things because of poppy seed muffins, cold meds, etc. I wish I knew when this will occur, but asking seems odd, so I am not going to.

I asked one of my instructors because I never had to take a test and I didn't know anyone who did. She told me they did random drug test all through the program and several had to take it. She said in most cases it was because an instructor thought the student might be under the influence.

BEWARE OF THE STUDENT WITH THE FLOATING BAND-AID! :chuckle

melissa

[z's playa]

We dont. Sounds stupid to me. Especially in NS. But you guys in the States seem more prone to these than we are.

I feel bad for you all.

Z

[MIA-RN1, RN]

How many of you have to take a drug screen at the start of nursing school? We haven't - but I expect we will at some point - isn't it standard? I was suprised that my pre-entrence physical only included a standard UA - no tox screens. While I don't use illegal substances, pee tests always make me nervous becuase you hear the horror stories of people testing positive for things because of poppy seed muffins, cold meds, etc. I wish I knew when this will occur, but asking seems odd, so I am not going to.

we didn't and I don't recall any mention of it.

Heck, I started as a tech recently and didn't need one either!

[lunakat]

How many of you have to take a drug screen at the start of nursing school? We haven't - but I expect we will at some point - isn't it standard? I was suprised that my pre-entrence physical only included a standard UA - no tox screens. While I don't use illegal substances, pee tests always make me nervous becuase you hear the horror stories of people testing positive for things because of poppy seed muffins, cold meds, etc. I wish I knew when this will occur, but asking seems odd, so I am not going to.

We had to take one before class started. No drug test no classes for you! Just stay away from poppy seed muffins. :rotfl: As for the cold meds, if your sick, pee test is worst of your problems. You probably shouldn't be around certain pts . Don't worry about pee test. I am sure you'll be fine.

[crb613, BSN, RN]

We did & they give no warning just came into lab one day & said field trip!! :rotfl: One girl about croaked tested positive for marijauna so she was put on probation & tested regularly.I think she also had to go to some type of drug classes.

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

They don't do it at my school. Just a standard physical from the Dr. and handed in. I don't find it offensive if they did. I actually support the idea. :)

[Katydidit34]

How many of you have to take a drug screen at the start of nursing school? We haven't - but I expect we will at some point - isn't it standard? I was suprised that my pre-entrence physical only included a standard UA - no tox screens. While I don't use illegal substances, pee tests always make me nervous becuase you hear the horror stories of people testing positive for things because of poppy seed muffins, cold meds, etc. I wish I knew when this will occur, but asking seems odd, so I am not going to.

We have to have a clean drug test and background check before we can cleared to register. The hospitals in our area require it. It's a pain in the butt but necessary I guess.

[NewStu]

We have unannounced drug tests prior to the beginning of each semester of clinicals. You don't pass, you don't proceed - no counseling or probation - you are dismissed. Also, any instructor can request random drug screening for any student, at any time, if they have a reason to suspect drug use.

At our NS orientation, a representative from the lab spoke to us and said that the poppy seed issue is a myth, since you would have to consume vast quantities of the seed for it to show up as a controlled substance in your urine. Also, told us not to worry about OTC medicines UNLESS we we consuming many times the recommended dosage, as otherwise, it wouldn't fit the profile of the screen.

Oh, well, at least this is one test I won't have to study for! :rotfl:

[hikernurse]

We have to have a clean drug test and background check before we can cleared to register. The hospitals in our area require it. It's a pain in the butt but necessary I guess.

Yeah, so do we. I think it's a good idea, too. I kind of wanted to know what they were testing for, but I was a little afraid to ask . . . :)

[elizabells, BSN, RN]

I'm honestly not sure if they drug tested us. Our physical required a few titers, and I wouldn't be utterly shocked if they tox screened those randomly. Meh, doesn't bother me. It annoys me when, like, Home Depot drug tests their employees, but I'm pretty okay with health care workers being tested. And that's from a (VERY) former user.