How can I fix my mistake of doing drugs while trying to get into a CNA program?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Please, help me out with this terrible mistake I've made.

I'm trying to become a CNA and all I have to do to start the program is drop off my physical examination plus PPD test results.

CNA classes start at the beginning of every month.

I've been smoking pot, and while I don't smoke it for recreational purposes, but as a way to self medicate, I'm aware this is not the right thing to do. Weed helps me with my social anxiety, a lot. I've decided that I don't want to go down this path, and I'd like to get my life together and deal with my anxiety with exercise and meditation.

I just don't know what to do at this point. I'm estimating that it could take 30 days for THC not to show up on a urine test.

If I was to start the program in October, the THC would probably be out of my system by the time I'm done the program. The program lasts 30 days.

I'm just so concerned because:

1) I'm not entirely sure THC won't show up in my urine after 30 days. There ae way to many factors to consider.

2) What if I get drug tested right before starting the program?

Please guys, help me think this through because I don't know what to do at this point.

I don't want to show up to my first day of the program and get drug tested b.c i know I will fail, but I don't want to ask the staff whether I will get tested upon arrival because that sounds suspicious.

What should I do? I've made a mistake and I need a way out.

Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

You just have to wait until the next time the program comes around, and stop smoking pot!

If you fail a drug test, you will never get it.

Just stop, wait a month or two, and re-apply.

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Investigate the time frame and add an extra 30 days for good measure. Test yourself at home before you start any school program. Two or three months of extra waiting will give you time to get into a positive state of mind. Take advantage of that time. Good luck.

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Also seek out some help from a professional regarding your social anxiety. I admire you for tackling the problem with exercise and meditation but a professional may be able to help you with additional techniques and/or medication (I am amazed with the number of professionals that I have spoken with who use beta blockers prn for known stressful situations).

Congrats on taking positive steps in your life. Never met you obviously but pulling for you.

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I admire your honesty! But if you have insurance, go seek a psychologist or psychiatrist. I'm seeing one tomorrow for some issues of my own. Whatever you do, don't give up!

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Way to go on making positive changes. If you go slow you will have a higher chance of success. Trying to put a lot of pressure on yourself will make your anxiety worse. Step back, focus, meditate and take one step at a time. First get clean. It could take 15 days or it could take 45 days every person is different metabolically. Get some home drug test and after 2 weeks clean just try one. Then again a week later. That will help ease anxiety on you for one and keep you focused. Once a few test come back negative then move to the 2nd and prepare to take classes. I deal with anxiety and when I have a million things going on I also overwhelmed I won't do any of it. I can't because I'm only seeing the mountain in front of. If I step back and take a breath and prioritize and only look at what is immediate then I can handle that much better. Good luck to you! And take it a step at a time. :)

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Hello, you guys!

Thanks everyone for your help. I just called the CNA office and was told that they would not drug test me. I told them that I needed to find out whether I would get drug tested or not because I have prescribed medication and I didn't know how to go about the issue. I tried to tell them that I just wanted to know if I needed a note or something from the person who prescribes the drugs. She kind of told me that I would not get drug tested unless something happened. What do you guys think? should I just go on with the program in october? thanks everyone.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Get clean, then move on.

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I'd say wait another month or two. If there is a new class every month then be on the safe side and wait till Nov. or Dec. classes. As quickly as weeks go by I don't believe waiting one month will do any harm.

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Getting professional help for my GAD was the best thing I ever did. Self-medicating is always a bad idea; the combination of appropriate and effective antianxiety medication and therapy on a regular basis is the most effective way to combat anxiety.

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Well, regardless of what you try to do, a CNA class will ask for a drug test because you need it for your clinical rotations.

Also, basically any job will ask for a drug test.

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I understand that marijuana does help stress, but it will add more stress to your life because of how it can affect you in school and work. I would wait to enroll the next round, so you won't have this hanging over your head. Good luck to you! If insurance is a problem, have you ever tried st johns wort? That is my go-to med for times of stress because I hate the way antidepressants make me feel. Appreciate your honesty :)

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