I may not get hired because of DRUG test,

[deboopy]

ok i'm a nurse, fresh out of school. i had an accident after graduation, my doc put me on hydrocodone. now im interviewing for positions as a nurse. i take about 15-20 mgs a day for the pain. he gave me 10's and i break them in half, so not to use to much (i have a presciption).

heres my question, with me being a nurse do you think my potential employers (hospital) will deny me employment because i take this?

i had three interviews this week and supposedly if everything works out(drug test and background check), 2 have offered me the job.

i feel that i cant tell the hospital im on these meds for pain because i really think they will look at me as a liability or even worse a drug user, like someone whos abusing it... what do you think?

i wanted to be a nurse for as long as i can remember and now what!

[John123]

Ask your doctors to give you non-controled meds instead.

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

Tell the truth! As long as you have a scrip you should be in the clear.

[bethin]

When I took the pre-employment drug test for my current employer I asked them if they needed my list of meds. They said no, they don't do it that way. I even had a letter from my dr (on letterhead)stating which meds I take. They didn't even want to know if I had taken tylenol.

So you can offer, but that doesn't mean they'll listen. I then had to endure the embarrassment of the nurse who holds the new employee orientation tell me in front of the class that I had failed my drug test. She then asked me why I was taking bcp (irregular periods), hydrocodone (crohn's), midrin (migraines), paxil (depression and GAD).

I didn't have to retest but provide them with a letter from my dr (on letterhead) the list of meds I was prescribed. The same list that I offered them before the pee test.

[BayouLPN]

When I took the pre-employment drug test for my current employer I asked them if they needed my list of meds. They said no, they don't do it that way. I even had a letter from my dr (on letterhead)stating which meds I take. They didn't even want to know if I had taken tylenol.

So you can offer, but that doesn't mean they'll listen. I then had to endure the embarrassment of the nurse who holds the new employee orientation tell me in front of the class that I had failed my drug test. She then asked me why I was taking bcp (irregular periods), hydrocodone (crohn's), midrin (migraines), paxil (depression and GAD).

I didn't have to retest but provide them with a letter from my dr (on letterhead) the list of meds I was prescribed. The same list that I offered them before the pee test.

Glad you didn't have to retest. BUT...I would have reported that nurse to the CEO....talk about a violation of HIPAA...She should have NEVER even mentioned your test in front of one person much less a class. What nerve! That is something one does in a private setting. Good grief, I am mad just thinking about it and it wasn't even me!!!

[justme1972]

Every job I have ever had has required a drug test.

I have always been told that a legal prescription is written specifically for you.

As long as you have a prescription, you should be fine.

There has to be many nurses in a hospital on pain meds. I get chronic migraines, and I am sure there are nurses that have arthritis, chronic back pain, etc.

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

i then had to endure the embarrassment of the nurse who holds the new employee orientation tell me in front of the class that i had failed my drug test. she then asked me why i was taking bcp (irregular periods), hydrocodone (crohn's), midrin (migraines), paxil (depression and gad).

you should have reported that nurse for major hippa violations! :angryfire

urine drug screens only test for controlled substances. bcp's, midrin, tylenol do not show up, nor do they matter at all.

[dakota26]

I was very scared about being hired due to the medications I take for add, and chronic pain. I knew I would fail the drug test. When I tested , and failed. The lab sent it to the main office , as all positives results are. I received a call from a doctor located at that lab.The Dr asked what I was taking and if I had a prescription for it. Which I did. I have been employed for the same hospital for 2 years. don't worry. From what I understand that is descrimination as long as it is medically necessary and legally prescribed.:redpinkhe

[nghtfltguy, BSN, RN]

do not even sweat it... if you have a script for it.. then there is no one that can question you....

once again... don't sweat it.......

no biggie...

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I know I've posted this in several drug test threads before: it's much easier to be upfront about the medications you are on BEFORE taking the test, than to be quiet about them and then try (note I said "try") to straighten out a false positive afterwards.

Report all your medications, no matter what they are or what you think the employers will think about your taking them...heck, they're going to find out about them anyway from the drug test :)