Published
I've never seen a blood test for marijuana. Only urine. I don't think marijuana stays in your bloodstream for long so it wouldn't really tell them much unless you smoked right before. And I don't think a ton screen is indicated or part of screenings after a blood borne pathogen exposure, only if they're concerned an employee was under the influence at work. Good luck! I think you can relax
ChicagoRN721
1 Post
So the backstory: I’m an RN at a hospital in Chicago. In Illinois, recreational marijuana is legal (I don’t think RNs can partake due to drug free workplace laws but not 100% sure) and I have used it recently (regretting that now since it’s brought on this much grief).
The other day I had my first needle stick injury at work and without even thinking it through I reported it. Employee health drew 4 tubes of blood. 3 gold tubes and one purple ( they said it was to test for blood borne pathogens and it would be a workers comp claim so I wouldn’t get billed.) No urine sample was taken. I’ve hardly slept because I’m afraid one of those tubes was a toxicity screen and that I’m going to get fired. I truly don’t care about the needle stick itself Bc I knew the patient was not infected herself. I’m just scared. If they drew a tox screen it would be positive because I smoked the day before.
would they fire me for that? Would they escalate it to the IL BON? Should I talk to a lawyer? Now I’m regretting reporting it at all ?. I was just trying to do the right thing. Any help is appreciated.
sincerely, a nurse who’s so freaked out.