Is my career ruined before it began?

[ize4love]

I am so scared that I have ruined my future career as a nurse before it has had a chance to begin. I recently graduated with a BSN and I am looking for a job. I passed the NCLEX on my first attempt, which I am very excited about. My problem is that while in my last semester of school, I took Adderall on few occasions to help me study. I do NOT have a perscription for it. A close friend and fellow student who DID have a perscription gave it to me to help me study. I recently found out that all of the hospitals around here HAIR drug testing for pre employment screenings. I am not a drug user, so I beg of you not to make accusations against me. I have put everything into getting thru school. I have 3 children that are counting on me. What I need to know is how far back does the pre employment hair test go back. I know it can go back as long as your hair is, but what do hospitals normally do? It has been about 4 1/2 months since the last time. Any and all help is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!

[Funlvn]

Where do you live that the hospitals would do that? I have never heard of that before(for employement).

[Eirene, ASN, RN]

Adderall is only detected for up to 90 days. You should be fine. Is it possible to get a good trim before- just in case?

[cingle]

I've read that hair grows, on average, 1/2 inch per month. Maybe you could just cut the older stuff off? If you've been clean for 4 1/2 months that would mean your hair could be about 2 1/4 inches long all over and (possibly) get rid of anything.

Do some research first, though, if you want to keep your hair. There's got to be LOTS of information about this online...just try to stick to reliable sites!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

This is just something we can't answer.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Maybe you should get the test yourself and see the results before getting one provided by a potential employer.

It would mean "coming clean" with your physician -- but that might be a good thing.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

Maybe you should get the test yourself and see the results before getting one provided by a potential employer.

It would mean "coming clean" with your physician -- but that might be a good thing.

i thought of that as well....i would also start sporting a new 'do....short hair is nursing friendly! lol

[mzjennx, BSN, RN]

dont do drugs/take meds that are not RX for you next time.

i agree with the last poster. take a test yourself. i dunno about a hair cut... it could work... good luck. btw i never heard of a hair test drug test. most hospitals and heath care facilities do urine drug testing.

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

It surprises me that a hospital would spend that much money on a drug test..those are NOT cheap.

[nkara, CNA]

Wow I actually thought the hair folicle drug testing went back years? I know where my mother worked they asked people if you have EVER done anything now is the time to tell us. Definitely fess up and that way it won't be a surprise. :plsebeg:

[morte, LPN, LVN]

Wow I actually thought the hair folicle drug testing went back years? I know where my mother worked they asked people if you have EVER done anything now is the time to tell us. Definitely fess up and that way it won't be a surprise. :plsebeg:

http://www.ipassedmydrugtest.com/hair_drug_test_FAQ.asp

according to this, it really isnt follicle testing.....and they do the 1.5 inches closest to the scalp....good luck

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

I looked around, and it looks like the hair test is 90 days. So, I'd trim my hair very short, and probably dye it. But realize that nurses will tend to say "hm.....hair test, suddenly short hair and a perm/dye job....yup, we gotta watch them...."