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.
Could you go to a School where it is legal to smoke Pot on a recreational basis? If Not, then why would certain states legalize Pot and not expect Nursing Students to partake in this legal recreation? I would Call Colorado and the other states that have legal pot law's and ask. If the state made it "Legal" then how can they discriminate against one profession? also, If you voluntarily complete a drug program and get a certificate of completion. "They" will probably accept you. I know there are some states that are required to help Nurses overcome drug addiction. they just have parameter's the first Year after completing the course. i.e. they are not allowed to give Narc's with out another nurse following them. Best of Luck, don't lose hope, everything is possible you may have to make your own road around it that's all.
Because states' laws are irrelevant. Federal law trumps states' laws. The controlled meds we pass are on the federal schedule, not the states'.
Alcohol is legal but you cannot be impaired at work. If you injure a patient they can order a UA on the spot. If it is hot you are looking as possible lawsuit nightmare.
I failed my test at Bryant and Stratton I was in the lpn program in my first semester non clinical classes I withdrew myself from my classes I never was officially dismissed .. I am thinking about trying to re admit myself after talking to my adviser what are my chances of getting readmitted into the program
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Because states' laws are irrelevant. Federal law trumps states' laws. The controlled meds we pass are on the federal schedule, not the states'.