Help! Pre-employment nicotine test!

ChuckeRN, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2011

I think an employer should be able to discriminate against fat people as much as they for people who are smokers. What I have noticed is that fat people are one of the last group of people to be protected by the PC Police. Hence the term 'obese' instead of 'fat'.

As for the OP's question, have you thought about asking HR or the testing lab what levels of nicotine they are looking for?

Ashley, PICU RN said:
Why can't they discriminate against the obese population? Last time I read the civil rights act, weight was not a protected class.
OP, the sensitivity of the urine screen is going to depend on the parameters set by the facility. I don't think there is a way to find out the level for sure without asking specifically. Have you considered quitting smoking for real, instead of just trying to pass the test? It wouldn't surprise me if your employer also required random screens and you risk losing your job if you test positive.

noviceRN22 · Aug 21, 2011

Yes, I've definately thought about it. But, I'm afraid they may recognize my voice or hear that I'm a female and see that there's a female with a pre-employment test coming up. I don't want to give them any reason to speculate the fact that I may have smoked. I graduated 2nd in my class and KNOW I'm the best candidate for the position and refuse to let anything come between me getting the job...even if I have to give up the unconditional love I have for my cigarettes.

SeeTheMoon · Aug 21, 2011

OP...are you considering trying to quit for good or just to pass the test? What would happen if you were hired and the employer finds out you actually are a smoker?

I'm just playing devils advocate here, just something to think about. And trust me, no judgements passed. I'm on day 6 of quitting myself, actually. It has been tortuous at times.

Good luck on the job!

noviceRN22 · Aug 21, 2011

Smoked for 6 years...never quit. This is the longest ever. Been wanting to quit since I graduated just never really had a good reason because I enjoyed it so much. I have been extremely irritable and slightly nauseous but want to quit just because I know the long term effects. I feel like if I can do it for three days I'm good!! My hubby smokes, and that has been the hardest part for me, but I feel like the worst it over.

missLissRn · Aug 21, 2011

i wish you the best of luck! with your test, and if your planning on staying done! i would! you already have made it 3 days, just keep it going :yeah:

me, i'm a smoker too. promised my kids and my mother-in-law i would quit when i was done school. so i have set my date, giving myself till labor day weekend then that tuesday will be my day 1. i know how hard it's going to be, because like you i enjoy smoking, but i know its better for my health.

Good Luck

I'll be thinking of you!

APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP · Aug 21, 2011

I would consider asking about the consequences of your second hand smoke exposure. I'm not sure how you would delicately approach that subject with the powers that be.

wooh, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2011

Agree with the post that if you're quitting to get the job, you need to quit for good. If you are covered under your employer's health insurance, it will come out if you're still smoking, at which point you're looking at misrepresentation which can knock out your insurance AND your employment just when you need your insurance.

As for obesity...

That day's already here. Employers are gearing up for it. The problem is, what will they base it on. Now I'm screwed either way, because I'm fat no matter which charts or graphs you use. Or just looking at me.

BUT, what worries me, is healthy people that are going to get caught up in the "obese" thing. My employer had a "health fair" and they of course check your weight on a height weight table, check your BMI, check your waist hip ratio, body fat percentage. Very few people in my department and our regular docs made it through without being fat based on at least one test. Two of our nurses that work out regularly, are almost ALL muscle, their body fat percentage is in the basement for women, both got nailed as OBESE on their BMI. So they'd better get some more fat on them and quit working the weights or they'll have to pay for being "unhealthy." Quite a few of our folks that are regular runners got nailed on at least one of the things, often the hip waist ratio JUST making it to call them obese. And a few notices that they were holding the tape measure MUCH MUCH tighter on their hips than on their waist. Almost like they get a bonus if they can find you unhealthy, and don't you think that if someone has to pay the insurance company lots more money for being unhealthy in some way, the company is going to find a way to "prove" you're unhealthy?

floridanurse1983 · Aug 21, 2011

No offense, but I hate cigarettes and cigarette smoke. Never been a smoker and find it repulsive. However, refusing to employ based a positive test for a legal substance should be illegal. I would refuse to work in that facility and I would pass test 100%. The invasion of privacy shown in this case is appalling.

Alliedhealth · Aug 21, 2011

JulieCVICURN said:
And yes, I would not be at all surprised to see that the same rules may start to apply to the obese as they cost more in insurance dollars as well.

They have already started this with a program developed by the government. A specific job offer ppl scholarships to go to school, so, when the person finish they will have the position. Some of the requirements are correct weight class according to height, age limit, and enrolled into a certain program.

Sorry, I have never heard of the nicotine pre employment requirement. I'm sure if that start where I'm at, 90% of the state would be out a job.

Sehille4774 · Aug 21, 2011

Careful with the water chugging the day of the test. Some of those urine tests will automatically fail you if your urine is too dilute!

CareteamRN70 · Aug 21, 2011

Lol I'd be scr*wed either way. I quit smoking cigarettes but now use e-cigarettes which still have a healthy (pun) dose of nicotine. No tar, no 400+ other chemicals, but still nicotine.

My facility went non-smoking on the grounds which is par for the course, but we had 1 resident that was grandfathered in as being allowed to still smoke since they had come to us long before the no-smoking rules came into effect. She used to get smoked 6x a day out on the edge of the property. Just this week they took that from her and slapped a patch on her which is driving her crazy (along with withdrawl).

As for obesity, I am a very large guy. You've heard of functional alcoholics..well Im functionally fat. I don't even know what the chairs feel like in my facility because my @ss never gets to sit in them. Im on the floor humping along my entire shift, plus being regarded as my units spare hoyer lift. I even chart standing up.

The day I get judged by my waistline vs my work output and attendance record for illness (normally 1 day in a 12 month period for flu, cold, or a planned MH day which I havent taken yet) is the day I hang up my exl scrubs, say my good byes to my favorite residents, and take up the mantle of grandpa extraordinaire.

Florencebyondthepale · Aug 21, 2011

Just to advocate for the fatties here...I run regularly 10-12 minute miles depending on how many total miles I run AND I'm your girl if you need to hoist that 500 lb patient onto the stretcher (do my back exercises regularly, thank you.) Wooh, is absolutely correct about BMI and the other tests making many people obese on paper.

I have called off of work 1 day in the past three years and it was not because I was sick. You get rid of us happy fat people and see how much you still like your work environment. Life is short, have a piece of cake and some ice cream!