Hospitals discriminating against medical conditions..?

[CosmoRN77]

If a person has a medical condition and is prescribed medical cannabis by a medical doctor would it not be discrimitory for a nurse to be denied employment? Nurses should have the same rights as any other individuals that are not nurses. This is common sense. A nurse should have the right to chose either man made chemicals (which can lead to absolute dependance) or chose naturally occurring medicines such as cannabis (which is much less likely for dependance). Why are we being denied this right? If you say its because there is no test to measure if a nurse is high on the job or not then guess what? Its not the nurses fault this test does not exist so why does the nurse have to limit their options for medical care? Having said that I feel hospitals are discriminating against medical conditions and I don't even know how they are not being prosecuted for this. Medical cannabis is prescribed by a medical doctor and therefore is in FACT a medication! Hospitals are not hiring and firing people with medical prescriptions.

[everoo]

So did you ever contact your BON and ask them or what?!?

[SororAKS, ADN, RN]

I don't smoke, but do use nicotine gum and lozenges. I wonder if they consider that in the same light as using tobacco.

[BSNstudent2013_KCMO]

Colorado nurse here. The law is clear in this state--an employer absolutely does not have to tolerate marijuana use for any reason, medical or recreational. The amendment that made rec MJ legal here specifically makes that clear. Case law also supports the employer's rights under the medicinal MJ law.

And the word is, being on the medical marijuana list (people get an ID card for that here) is enough to prevent you from getting a nursing license.

[BSNstudent2013_KCMO]

Wrong. Your state nurse practice act is a law that specifically regulates the behavior of nurses. And I guarantee it includes some statement on the use of illegal drugs. They ALL include a statement on working while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. They generally include off-duty use of substances that are in violation of the law (i.e., DUI).

[Ranax]

Every state differs, and some cities have special exceptions.

Here's a good source of information:

elaws - Drug-Free Workplace Advisor

[MinneNurse, BSN, RN]

In response to hospitals having a no-narcotics policy - is this drastic? I'm asking because this is all I have ever known and I assumed this was standard.

In states that allow medical professionals to use marijuana as long as it doesn't impair your ability to work, wouldn't it be like taking a big chance.. What if you made a mistake (unrelated to being high, etc.) because we all make mistakes at some point, but then you were required to take a UA and it would screen positive since marijuana stays in your system so long. Seems like a big risk, I understand this brings some people relief but it is not the ONLY option and I wouldn't consider it worth loosing my license over.

[paramedic90]

At my hospital you are tested for tobacco use during your normal drug screen and physical, and if you test positive for tobacco your offer of employment is taken away! It is a new rule that has been enforced over the past couple of years.

[futurepsychrn, ADN]

I don't smoke, but do use nicotine gum and lozenges. I wonder if they consider that in the same light as using tobacco.

There is a hospital near me that tests for any nicotine in the blood. Even if you're trying to quit with the smoking cessation aids, they will not hire you if the test comes back positive.

[VANurse2010]

In response to hospitals having a no-narcotics policy - is this drastic? I'm asking because this is all I have ever known and I assumed this was standard.

In states that allow medical professionals to use marijuana as long as it doesn't impair your ability to work, wouldn't it be like taking a big chance.. What if you made a mistake (unrelated to being high, etc.) because we all make mistakes at some point, but then you were required to take a UA and it would screen positive since marijuana stays in your system so long. Seems like a big risk, I understand this brings some people relief but it is not the ONLY option and I wouldn't consider it worth loosing my license over.

I think it's drastic. maybe it's regional. I've never worked for an employer that *didn't* allow legitimately prescribed narcotics users to work.

[Catcar1963]

Our local hospital tests new hires for tobacco (nicotine), and will recind a job offer if you test positive.

[SleeepyRN]

Ok fine I get the point of this ridiculous battle between state versus federal laws but the Board Of Nursing is governed on a state level and a nurse cannot lose their license over this matter only lose a job correct?

Edit: Clearly I didn't read other posts before responding.

Forget legality even. There are places that won't hire you if you smoke cigarettes. My mom's doctor's office recent became part of a very large health care system. She had to be drug tested of course, but she even was cheek swabbed nicotine. That's the health system's employment policy.

[NurseDiane]

I would actually have a big problem with that. I don't smoke, but still think it is discriminatory. Smoking cigarettes is not illegal. It would be the same as having a job offer taken away because you have a glass or two of wine with dinner on Saturday nights.

As long as you're not smoking at work, having an employer tell you that you can't smoke at all is really riding the line with discrimination. What if you quit smoking 2 weeks prior to the drug screen & tested positive for nicotine?