Initial Drug Test

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello,

I have a question, I'm finishing up nursing school and I was drug testing for a possible position but I failed for THC, I had not smoked for 6 months and didn't think I would come out positive but unfortunately I did, it was for 30nanograms and the test limit is 15, not like it matters, but my question is, is this drug test going to get back to my school and the Board of Registered Nursing? I'm in California, what are my options? Is this going to mark the rest of my career?

Specializes in Critical Care.

Typical testing for marijuana doesn't test for active marijuana, it tests for the metabolites of the drug which are fat soluble. The metabolites are stored in body fat, then when that fat is eventually broken down through ketotic energy production, the stored metabolites it contained are excreted in the urine. Because of this highly unpredictable excretion, it's certainly possible for someone to test positive months after infrequent use.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.
I'm judging you, I admit it. I have no sympathy for those that choose to partake in illegal activities and then whine about the consequences they face. None.

Okay....

I do have sympathy for those who make mistakes, because I've made many dumb choices in my life, including both legal and illegal activity that could have potentially made it much more difficult for me to become a nurse- 20yo me was seriously lacking in foresight, sigh.

There is no reason in the world that a casual marijuana user should be prohibited from being a nurse, but in our current society, that is the situation. So it is what it is. But I have nothing but sympathy for someone who makes a mistake like the OP.

I have no helpful advice, just wanted to give you some support as you figure this out. Good luck (((hug)))

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
OK- I am really intrigued here.

You accidentally ingested the weed that caused you to fail a drug test?

I am sure this is possible, just like at some point some kid's dog actually ate his homework.?

As possible as accidentally shoving a large bottle of shampoo up your bum,oops.

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update I called the HR for this hospital and they told me I will not be reported to the BRN or my school due to me not being licensed yet so I just can't reapply with them for 180 days, so I'll be okay I have offers from other hospitals I'll retest myself when I can afford it and once I get a few negatives I'll be ready to restart, so thank you all for your Two cents I'll definitely never let myself be in this situation again I'll leave this up for anyone else who needs answers

That's good news, it's nice to know that people can learn lessons without being over-penalized.

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And EVEN MORE possible than getting your actual question answered when you're not asking for pitty or opinions but facts!

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

Someone got Butt hurt by the internet again,sorry

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As possible as accidentally shoving a large bottle of shampoo up your bum,oops.

I keep telling you, I slipped in the shower. It happens.

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False positive causes:

Ibuprofen; (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin, Excedrin IB etc)

Naproxen (Aleve)

Ketoprofen (Orudis KT)

Promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan)

Pantoprazole (Protonix)

Riboflavin (B2, Hempseed Oil)

Kidney infection (Kidney disease, diabetes) Liver Disease

Dronabinol (Marinol)

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I think MY judgement is fine...the question here is YOUR judgement. I assume you worked your butt off to get through nursing school like the rest of us, and hopefully pass NCLEX. Why would you risk all of your hard work?

I have no issues with people smoking weed. However, it IS against the law.

So is speeding. Get off your high horse.

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i am thinking you should get a hair test done, ASAP. i would not trust that that result will stay private. and it sounds like it was a bad test, or mixed up samples.

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i am thinking you should get a hair test done, ASAP. i would not trust that that result will stay private. and it sounds like it was a bad test, or mixed up samples.

Absolutely.

It must have been a bad test.

How else could somebody who uses marijuana test positive for marijuana?

Probably the Aleve or something skewing the results.

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OP- thank you for this thread.

If you had done a bit of searching on this site, you wouldn't be surprised at the lack of sympathy expressed for your situation.

I know, all you did was ask about professional consequences, but this is a forum, and questions generate discussion, not just concrete answers.

And, once you have been a nurse for a while, please re-read this thread. In particular, pay attention to the part where you tell hundreds of nurses that you accidentally vaped.

To sum things up:

  • Most people here do not care that you smoke weed. Of all the things you may be judged for by other nurses, what you do on your own time is pretty low on the list.

  • Regardless of right or wrong, marijuana use can cause problems for nurses. You made choices.

  • Putting yourself in a position to fail a drug test is dumb, and shows poor judgement. Posting about it publicly is going to elicit a response.

Good luck.

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