I failed my school drug test. Am I finished forever?

[Breatholife]

Hello everyone,

I know there are some threads on this subject, but every situation is different and I'm looking for specific advice on my current situation.

I was in a accelerated nursing program for about 6 months and needed to take a drug test (through Advantage Students) for my second clinical rotation. As you can guess, I failed due to smoking marijuana. I don't smoke much, and I know it's not worth it, but I did this time and got caught. I was expelled from my program/school with no hope of re-admission. A large part of their decision to expel me was because it would be very difficult to find clinical sites that do not use "Advantage Students" drug/background screening. Many of the hospitals in my city were bought by a large healthcare organization and that organization uses Advantage Students, so my failed test would show up at any of their sites. Also, apparently Advantage Students is a national company.

I'm starting to wonder if I will ever be able to complete a nursing program anywhere on the chance that a possible clinical site might use Advantage Students, and thus promptly send me on my way. I'm live in the south east part of the US wondering if I move to the west coast, pacific north west, Canada, or Virgin Islands if the failed test result would mess me up somewhere along the way. Also, who does the NCLEX use for there pre-test drug testing?

I have been so committed to my career in healthcare and nursing, over the past 5+ years, I don't know if can start something else. I'm beginning to freak out and am desperate to find any solution that would allow me to continue on my journey to becoming a nurse.

P.S. I'm not looking for a lecture about my poor decision, or the negative effects of drugs. I know I f*ed up bad. Now I'm trying to be positive, move on, and find a solution to get back on track.

Thank you all in advance. Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Mnstn, BSN, RN]

I can't help the OP unfortunately but I had to chime in and state that what drug tests are testing is not the psychoactive component of marijuana. Typical screening drug tests in no way measure impairment due to marijuana. Typical drug tests are testing the non-psychoactive metabolite of marijuana which is THC-COOH. This metabolite can linger in the body for days or weeks depending on the level and frequency the user consumes the drug.

Therefore when someone fails a drug test it does NOT mean they are "high" or impaired when they took the test. It simply means that in the recent past (which can be a while) they used the drug.

[montjan]

many programs will give you reconsideration once if you take a drug rehab program in your area. make the inquiry..it will be worth it

[Malia BSN, RN]

No, you don't need lectures, you already know. I don't have answers for you, but I understand that mistakes are made. Good luck and keep us posted.

[rporter342]

Try Walden University. They use a different company instead of the one you used. Yeah its more expensive, but it will be a small price to pay to get yourself on track. And i'm not endorsing that school. I am sure there are other online nursing schools that you can check out. I just googled that one to see what kind of background check/drug screen they do. Good luck!

[Straightouttaschool]

I just graduated from a school in the pacific northwest and I have never heard of Advantage Students. Maybe the school I went to would be an option. Throughout my entire program I dont think a single person in my class of 30 was drug tested, as they only test if there are suspicions or obvious signs. I dont know what that means in terms of getting accepted though. That would be the challenging part and for this sort of thing it is definitely a case by case basis.

Also as far as I know there are NO drug testing policies for the NCLEX which I took about a month ago (and passed, yay me!) Obviously you know you screwed up this time, just take it as a learning experience. Like in the neighboring state to me recreational use is legal, but hospitals there do have their own rules that schools and employees have to follow regardless of state legislation. Just something to keep in mind for the future since getting caught after you get your license could mean serious repercussions for your job and livelihood.

Good luck. I know it seems like its going to be impossible, but you'll find a way. :)

[RN_Erin]

I'm really sorry to hear this. I found myself in a similar situation a few months ago, however, it was after I'd graduated and gotten my license.

I'd been at my dream job for 4 months when I was assaulted by a patient and on my day off was in so much pain that I took half of a narcotic pain pill that wasn't mine. I was drug tested for the work injury claim and failed it. I explained what happened but they still let me go. I lucked out and managed to find another job in another hospital.

I know that my situation wasn't the same as yours and unfortunately I don't have any sage advice on what you should do next. I guess I shared this in hopes that it might at least let you know that you're not alone and even though it sometimes feels like we're expected to be, nurses aren't any more infallible than the next person. You're still a good person and I'm sure you will be an amazing nurse.

I really hope things work out for you and that you cut yourself a break because it sounds like you've learned from what happened.

Keep your chin up :)

[RN_Erin]

@Heathermaizey

Having THC show up in your system is not the same thing as being under the influence of it. I'm not advocating for it, but when you smoke a joint, it doesn't mean you're high for the whole 30 days that it's in your system.

Hows the weather up there on your high horse? It must be nice living in a world where it's so easy to avoid making mistakes.

[Jen810]

Move to Washington State. As soon as you can. You will have to omit your previous nursing school from any and all applications. Take a few community college courses in any science for about two semesters before applying to RN/BSN. Take organic chemistry and become a super-candidate. You will have to pass another test for school, but they use a different agency and don't check out of state records. Certain hospitals don't even perform pre-employment drug screening, hand to God, because they know they would lose half their staff, physicians included. Most of them still do, so you still have to be careful. You can legitimately do this. If you're serious, have learned your lesson, and can handle staying clean through the rest of your nursing education, you can do this. Don't lose hope from all these comments. If anyone can do this, you can.

[Mdecker912]

The nursing school I went to did not drug test us, ever. I have never heard of Advantage Students and none of the facilities here in Kansas use it.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

RN_Erin said:

@Heathermaizey

Having THC show up in your system is not the same thing as being under the influence of it. I'm not advocating for it, but when you smoke a joint, it doesn't mean you're high for the whole 30 days that it's in your system.

That's absolutely true. It will still likely get you fired, and possibly reported to the BON. It is what it is.

[ERnurse79]

OP, I don't know if this will help, but try to find out if your state has a Medical Professional's Health Program...MPHP. They assist health professionals into getting help with recovery and staying in their profession. I do know they work with nurses, physicians, pharmacists, paramedics, etc... I am not sure if they work with nursing students, but it would not hurt to ask. "To err is human, to forgive, divine". Good luck!

[Opitts]

Research drug diversion among healthcare workers. It's rampant. Although marijuana is not a "gateway" drug, it is illegal in the majority of the states and the fact that you took part in illegal drug use will impede your chances. My suggestion is that you lose the attitude and stop looking for only positive sympathy...take ALL comments into consideration and see what you, yourself, can do to rectify your problem.