I failed my preemployment drug test :/ what now...?

[Juankiters08]

I started nursing in 2010. In 2011 I took a break to explore other career options (I was still 20 at the time). I recently decided that nursing is what I want to continue doing, so I started brushing up on skills, called my old school to get some skill practice, case studies, the whole 9 yards to where I felt comfortable again. I was offered a position with a home health agency. Now during my time off, I became a heavy marijuana smoker :/ upon applying for different positions, I quit smoking which wasn't that hard, and have been smoke free for about a month. I took a home test, came up negative, so I thought I was in the clear. During orientation, they hit us with the drug screen (which I expected). The human resource manager pulls me out of orientation, takes me to her office to deliver the news of my failed drug test... I was kind of shocked, but at the same time I took complete responsibility for it, no matter how embarrassing it was. She even gave me pointers about cleansing systems, home drug test :/ etc. So my questions now are, since I was not yet employed, are they going to report this to the state? And why did the home test give me a false reading? I feel so defeated, ashamed, and mostly disappointed in myself. Any comments are welcome, I can't feel anymore terrible than I already do, I'm just worried about what might happen. Is this on some secret record I don't know about? I'm kind of freaking out.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Yes they can report to the state as possible mandated reporters

[Juankiters08]

Is that something I'm informed of? Or do I find out by applying somewhere else when it shows up on my "secret file" is there a secret file?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

If you have been reported to your BON, you will be notified. The consequences vary by state, but in mine it will require participation in a 5 year program & license stipulations.

[Juankiters08]

Wow. So these stipulations are something future employers see? Is there a time length for when they contact you if you've been reported?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Some states it can be 12-18 months post report/incident

[Juankiters08]

Sigh, well I have an interview next week with a rehab and behavioral facility...I'm afraid to take another test. Why would my home test give me a false reading? I don't want to be dishonest, but I don't want to be penalized for something I no longer partake in...my cousin has used a condom with urine to pass a test...

[pixiestudent2]

I would wait a couple months before taking another pee test. I wouldn't risk it again...

[MatrixRn]

I think you story answers one of the questions out there....if pot is legal can I still lose my job or be denied employment? That answer is yes. Many facilities are denying employment for cigarette smokers and that is legal in all 50 states.

Also I am stunned that the HR person told you about body cleansing and home kits? That was very nice of her, it sounds like she was sympathetic to you. She may not pass the information along to the board, unless she is mandated to do so.

[caliotter3]

I would cancel the upcoming interview and wait a minimum of another month before resuming your job search. If the previous employer had reported your test results, I would have thought that you would have been told that and the person who talked to you would not have been giving that type of advice.

[aja878]

@Juankiters08 Sorry to hear that but yeah I would wait at least a couple months if you are / were a heavy smoker. I'm curious to what pointers she gave you on cleansing your system if you do not mind me asking.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

Definitely don't fake your UA!! That will definitely get you reported to the BON.

Your home test probably isn't as sensitive. You can pay a private testing facility to run a test if you want.