Fail drug test or pass on job? New Hampshire?!

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Please bear with me.

I am going to turn a really long winded dramatic story into a shorter one. I got pregnant and got my GED at 21. Went to community college for three years. Ended up transferring to a university in Boston where I got my BSN. During the pursuit of my bachelors I entered a physically abusive relationship, got pregnant, and still managed to graduate with a newborn as a single mom. I am proud of myself for this.

Last may I graduated and this may I put my abuser in jail. However I also moved out, got my own car, etc and basically became independent overnight. I have been in a PHP For trauma due to the abuse, and was recommended marijuana and eventually got my "card".

After reporting him this may, a year after I graduated, I decided to take the NCLEX (yes one year post grad). I did it and I somehow miraculously passed. After smoking weed that morning. I realize I sound like a train wreck but I promise I am capable, and caring, and very normal. Just going through a rough time.

I ended up getting an offer for a position in NH. It's at SNH Medical Center. I have a drug test in 4 days, and even thought I quit I am quite certain I will fail it. I have already postponed it twice (yes twice). I think HR is going to get a little skeptical if I do it again (it is just part of a day of obnoarding so it didn't look TOO bad). 

I feel most people would at this point say F the job I'll keep sober and look somewhere else. I have two kids to raise alone. I have no money. And I need this job.

 

BASICALLY ASKING for any advice that doesn't include fake urine, which I don't think I'd get here anyways, or people who work in NH that know more about whether THC is even on the panel. It is not in MOST massachusetts hospitals as of 2021 (partners included). 

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

I'm sorry that I can't answer your question, I just want to congratulate you on getting through some very challenging circumstances and working towards doing what's best for you and your family. I hope that someone else can give you specific feedback on the drug testing, I wish you the best of luck finding your job!

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"I ended up getting an offer for a position in NH. It's at SNH Medical Center. I have a drug test in 4 days, and even thought I quit I am quite certain I will fail it."  Yeah maryjane stays in your system for 30 days. I do not know what having a card means, in your area. You would need to research the hospital/ BON regulations.

 Can you manage without the maryjane...and apply for a job without any trace in your system?

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

I looked only briefly on the New Hampshire BON site, it doesn't sound like a positive result automatically makes you ineligible for employment. However, this was only a quick search, you might want to look more closely, but don't pass up a good job without doing some more searching.

medical-marijuana.pdf (nh.gov)

If I have a medical marijuana card and test positive for marijuana at work, will I be reported to the BON? 

If the employer determines that the employee is impaired, facilities have a duty to report impairment to the BON. Licensees also have a duty to self-report impairment to the BON Refer to employer policies regarding management of positive drug test results.

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

How long have you been substance-free?  Is there any way you could get yourself checked at a private lab first to see if it's cleared your system?

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Specializes in Infusion.

There are home tests you can take to see if it’s out of your system yet.  I don’t understand why they are still testing for THC.  I know so many nurses and docs who drink themselves senseless all the time, yet that is not tested for.  There is no difference in my opinion.  Good Luck!  

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
1 hour ago, freesia29 said:

There are home tests you can take to see if it’s out of your system yet.  I don’t understand why they are still testing for THC.  I know so many nurses and docs who drink themselves senseless all the time, yet that is not tested for.  There is no difference in my opinion.  Good Luck!  

I think the difference is that alcohol clears the system in a matter of hours, so it's harder to test for than THC which hangs around for days.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

You can get an inexpensive Home Screen  at the drug store (the dollar tree also sells them for literally one dollar). If you are a heavy user it sticks around a little longer. For most people, it’s not detectable after a week. 

Also, you have the right to ask what is on the UDS panel. Ask.


 


 

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
9 hours ago, TriciaJ said:

I think the difference is that alcohol clears the system in a matter of hours, so it's harder to test for than THC which hangs around for days.

Step on over to the Nurses in recovery page. ETOH increasese the production of a substanceb called Etg  and can be detected several days after using.

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

Don't forget that you'll need a pre-employment physical. Fail to disclose your usage and get caught impaired or on "a suspect urine" and you're done for because you failed to disclose. 

Disclose it and you'll most likely be disqualified secondary to ACOEM and NSC recommendations related to safety sensitive positions

My recommendation...stop using it and re-apply when you can legally and ethically say that you're not using.

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
5 hours ago, hppygr8ful said:

Step on over to the Nurses in recovery page. ETOH increasese the production of a substanceb called Etg  and can be detected several days after using.

I did not know that!  Thanks for the info.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

As a practicing RN in NH, who has dealt with false positives, and has  gone before the BON, and won, I would get a home test and take it. I would also get to my PCP and (unfortunately) get a prescription for a medication you can take PRN that will address your PTSD. Make sure that you get a written statement from your Doc explaining the issue. I know you can have a medical card in NH, but I also know that having a card can prevent your eligibility for certain things, ie.a permit to carry, etc. I would give the BON a call, anonymously, and ask what their position is. This way you have it from the source. I know that you can be considered "impaired", if you take certain meds while working, even with a script. Cover your *ss at all costs. And as far as the job, there are a ton in NH right now, so you'll have an interview for every resume you throw out there, that you are qualified for. Hang in there. You'll do great! 

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