Hair drug test requested

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 28, 2016

The test will most likely be positive if you have taken opioids within the last 90 days. If you have a prescription for narcotics within that time frame, you will be covered.

I would be more concerned about the "reports" of erratic behavior. Were you written up for that.. and do YOU feel you have a problem?

Ihmbcm · Jul 28, 2016

I'm not surprised that I've been acting erratic. I've recently had a horrible tragic loss of one of my children. We also have a new nurse who seems to hate me.

I have prescriptions for both vicodin and percocet. From what I've read hydrocodone metabolizes unto hydromorphone, so I should be safe right?

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Jul 28, 2016

Just based on how your coworkers seem to be targeting you, I would contact your malpractice insurance if you have it. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your child. Have you sought help to cope with this?

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 28, 2016

I'm not surprised that I've been acting erratic. I've recently had a horrible tragic loss of one of my children. We also have a new nurse who seems to hate me.
I have prescriptions for both vicodin and percocet. From what I've read hydrocodone metabolizes unto hydromorphone, so I should be safe right?

I am surprised you can still function.. period. You are in mourning. Is your manager aware?

Yes, vicodin and percocet will show as any other opioid.

PLEASE consult your provider on this. Damn it all.. your thread will probably be closed as against TOS and all that crap.

Screw the job.. Please...take care of YOURSELF.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2016

I'm not surprised that I've been acting erratic. I've recently had a horrible tragic loss of one of my children. We also have a new nurse who seems to hate me.
I have prescriptions for both vicodin and percocet. From what I've read hydrocodone metabolizes unto hydromorphone, so I should be safe right?

I think it's amazing you've been able to get out of bed, much less go to work. My sincere condolences on your tragic loss.

As long as you have prescriptions for the narcs you've been taking, you are good as far as your drug test goes. But does your facility have any policy about working while on narcotics?

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 28, 2016

I'm not surprised that I've been acting erratic. I've recently had a horrible tragic loss of one of my children. We also have a new nurse who seems to hate me.
I have prescriptions for both vicodin and percocet. From what I've read hydrocodone metabolizes unto hydromorphone, so I should be safe right?

Vicodin and Percocet are pretty much the same thing. Truly hope you are not doctor shopping and trying to medicate your emotional pain with opioids.

Ihmbcm · Jul 28, 2016

Thank you all for your condolences. He was my little sweetie, there are no words.

Yes, I find it very difficult to even get out of bed and shower let alone try to be normal at work. I mean...I still feel like I do my job well and safely. It's just hard.

So back to the drug test. Say I take it and they say it comes back positive. Which likely it will. Then what?

To the poster that was concerned about my meds, I don't take them at work. I been on them periodically long before I lost my son.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 28, 2016

Thank you all for your condolences. He was my little sweetie, there are no words.
Yes, I find it very difficult to even get out of bed and shower let alone try to be normal at work. I mean...I still feel like I do my job well and safely. It's just hard.
So back to the drug test. Say I take it and they say it comes back positive. Which likely it will. Then what?
To the poster that was concerned about my meds, I don't take them at work. I been on them periodically long before I lost my son.

If you have taken the Vicodin or the Percocet in the last 90 days, prepare for your follicle test to be positive. Even if you diverted the Dilaudid, the result would be the same, positive for opioids.

If positive, you would provide a prescription.. valid within the 90 day time frame that the follicle check is looking for. You would be cleared for having opioids in your system, regarding the diversion.

It would now be up to management , to do what they want ,with the knowledge that you have been taking opioids. I suspect the level of your "erratic" behavior will have much to do with that.

Again, have you discussed all this with your manager, your lawyer and your malpractice carrier?

Asystole RN · Jul 28, 2016

The ability to differentiate between hydromorphone and hydrocodone on the chromatographic assay will depend upon the type of panel they run...5 panel, 5 panel expanded, 7 panel etc. There are metabolite similarities but there are also differences that can be detected.

akellisrn · Jul 28, 2016

I can only imagine how hard the loss of a child must be, my truest condolences. I agree with the other comments... you know your test will be positive. So you must now get ahead of this. I would first find out your hospital's policy on working under the influence, even with a valid prescription. Many facilities have this policy and to most folks who take medications without incidence it is never known. However, this policy covers facilities in the event your acceptable prescription use has escalated from grief and turned into more of an abuse/addiction situation. They have to cover themselves and the hospital and all patients you have cared for. So. Find that policy first.

Then I would really really want to know what 'erratic' behavior the other nurses accused you of, although I'm not sure how to find this out. An honest, transparent conversation with your manager/director is a place to start, but bear in mind they must look out for the facility and the patients first. If this is a job worth fighting for, then go to battle. If not, and you perhaps need a lower stress job while you heal emotionally, then maybe this is a good opportunity to look for something else.

I hope it all works out in the best way for YOU. It's a job. You don't owe it or your employer anything. Take care of you, mama. Best of luck and blessings.

allnurses Guide · Jul 28, 2016

Contact your lawyer and your malpractice insurance if you have any thoughts that you might be positive.

Script or not for the opioids if they they you are working impaired you may have more than one problem.