Honest question needs honest anwser..

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Ill be honest .. I've smoked pot on occation ...And I've heard that hospitals do hair strand testing....Do they ?

And if so .. will that affect my getting a job?

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

That's not really something we are prepared to answer. I would imagine each facility has their own parameters for hiring. Asking (anonymously) would be my best guess and that's ONLY a guess.

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Most Schools drug test and I would imagine that most, if not all hospitals do too. Solution............stop using drugs, if you get caught your likely to have your nursing license taken away.

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Specializes in Looking for a career in NICU.

Any place that does drug testing can do either a urine or a hair-strand test. Urine tests showing positive will depend on the "staying power" of a particular drug in your system, as they are all different.

A hair strand test is by far, the most expensive option, and can show certain drugs (not every drug shows up in the hair...I have no idea which ones do and don't, I just know not all of them do) for a year, maybe even longer.

You need to stop using drugs. There is just no reason for it. If you have to depend on drugs to have a good time, then you already have a problem. When I was in high school, I didn't hang out with the best crowd, but I was also the only one of them that wasn't using recreationally...so I have never bought the "peer pressure" excuse.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

At this point you need to ask yourself what is most important in your life--smoking pot or finding work. Simple as that.

But, yes-if you test postive for drugs, you will NOT get the job. And if you have a license, then it will be in jeopardy.

If you are awaiting a license, then it could be in jeopardy as well. You need to act now as if you do have a license.

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Specializes in ER.

Yep, many, many hospitals drug test, as do many nursing programs. I have also heard that some schools will "surprise" students with a drug test. Also reguardless of your position on recreational drug use, it is illegal and you can and likely would lose your job or spot in a nursing program if you were caught. It's just not worth it. Stick with the ETOH, it's legal:)

TL

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We drug test. Not hair strands however but others may.

You have to ask yourself a question. If you are willing to disobey the law regarding pot, what other laws or regulations or policies will you be willing to disobey and maybe put a patient at risk.

Just say no. It isn't worth it.

steph

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Specializes in Cardiac.
I have also heard that some schools will "surprise" students with a drug test.

Oh gees, that reminds me. One whole class (30 out of 105) was randomly chosen to get a drug test in 3rd semester (mine). Our director walked in and said, "suprise, you're all getting drug tested!". To boot, I had to pay for it! So that is a good point to bring up!

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

We did urine tests before 1st semester, and I haven't heard about any follow up testing...but for those of us who don't have issues with illegal drug use, they can test away....

Not so crazy about the having-to-pay-for-it-again part, though :angryfire, especially for those of us who don't break the law like this!!

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Well I guess i should have been more specific.. lol.. I meant to say ,... in the past ... I have smoked pot on occation.....

Im just worried if they do hair stran testing they can see that in the past that i smoked pot... and that it might make them not want to hire me.

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Specializes in ER.

I am not sure what hospitals hair strand test. I have heard that the major children's hospital in our area does not test at all:uhoh3: A friend recently applied at one of the larger hospitals and she took a urine test. I thought that was strange that you only take a urine test to take care of sick people, but you have to take the hair strand test to serve drinks at the casino!:lol2:

TL

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Specializes in Looking for a career in NICU.

It depends on how long ago it was, but if it was within the last 6 months or so, and your hair is chin length, I can almost bet you it will.

Easy way to find out....have you considered getting YOURSELF drug tested before you apply to a job?

Yeah, it may cost you a few hundred dollars, but consider it an investment in keeping your nursing license.

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