Likely to be hired soon. Worried about drug test d/t prescribed meds

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in med-surg.

I am applying to the local hospital shortly and I am pretty sure I will get the job.  I know that sounds bold or maybe arrogant but it appears they really need nurses AND I have several contacts in their organization who worked with me while I assumed a private duty nursing role (POA) over a 3 month period as my father died from cancer.  One contacted me yesterday to ask if I would be interested in taking on a bedside nursing role.  I am extremely grateful for the care he received through this facility and had nothing but exceptional interactions with HC staff as I was advocating for him.  I really don't want to screw this up.  This opportunity is a dream for me.

Here's the problem:
I was re-diagnosed (as an adult) with ADHD about a year and a half ago and have been taking prescribed stimulants (amphetamine salts) daily since.  Due to this new opportunity, I have been taking breaks consisting of 2-5 days from my medication to see how it alters my functioning and also performing at-home urine drug screens.  They are urine screens and function just as an OTC pregnancy test would.  After one day, it's been showing to be out of my system.  The days off are OK but my productivity and attention are definitely messy (exacerbated by full-time mom duties with a toddler).
Reflecting on my practice in the specialty I have chosen, I definitely don't see how my diagnosis (while I was un-medicated) could have ever negatively impacted my patients.  However, it has induced a great deal of anxiety for me because I have felt as if I have to work harder than my colleagues often.  I worked for years without medication but have yet to return to my specialty medicated.  I am TERRIFIED about the drug test!  I wish to keep my diagnosis private from my employer.  I also want to avoid opening pandora's box and potentially be at the mercy of the BON.  Any advice and/or experiences in this matter?

Greatly appreciated!!
J

0 Votes
Specializes in ER.

There are lots of nurses on prescriptions for controlled substances. Just bring RX documents. 

7 Votes
Specializes in ICU.

Just tell your employer and bring the RX information. It's not wise to hide that you are taking meds. If you get injured on the job the first thing they will do is drug test you, and it will be a lot harder to explain everything after the fact than it is to be upfront from the start. 

9 Votes
Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.

Your only chance here is to be honest from the beginning. You will probably need a pre employment physical, this is where this will come up. Bring all pertinent records and hopefully it will be fine. The last job I had I was worried about not passing the physical bc of health condition and meds. I was upfront and honest with all questions, the MD just wanted an extra note from my Rheumatologist stating I was OK to work. don't ever lie or hide info, it will catch up to you. Hope it all works out!!

4 Votes
Specializes in med-surg.
3 hours ago, Daisy4RN said:

Your only chance here is to be honest from the beginning. You will probably need a pre employment physical, this is where this will come up. Bring all pertinent records and hopefully it will be fine. The last job I had I was worried about not passing the physical bc of health condition and meds. I was upfront and honest with all questions, the MD just wanted an extra note from my Rheumatologist stating I was OK to work. don't ever lie or hide info, it will catch up to you. Hope it all works out!!

What area were you entering into?  I have never heard of a physical needed for employment.  I know this place doesn't do that but a trucker friend had to so that he could obtain his CDLs (DMV ordered), I believe.  I find that to be a bit intrusive for an employer to obtain that information.  Honesty is a high value of mine but, in this instance, I am concerned that it could impact perceptions of me and possibly limit my opportunities for growth.  Maybe I'm just being paranoid though.  It is possible that HR keeps that information to themselves.  I don't know and wish I did because that would make me feel a lot better.

0 Votes
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I had to have a physical before I started my LTC job.

Some places do require it; others not. I had to even do a treadmill kind of test and prove I could life a certain amount of weight (I forget how much).

EVERY job I was offered, in every case, I was required to do a drug screen within 48 hours of offer. I was on  certain medications and provided the proper documentation and was OK.

2 Votes
Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.
53 minutes ago, Falcon RN said:

What area were you entering into?  I have never heard of a physical needed for employment.  I know this place doesn't do that but a trucker friend had to so that he could obtain his CDLs (DMV ordered), I believe.  I find that to be a bit intrusive for an employer to obtain that information.  Honesty is a high value of mine but, in this instance, I am concerned that it could impact perceptions of me and possibly limit my opportunities for growth.  Maybe I'm just being paranoid though.  It is possible that HR keeps that information to themselves.  I don't know and wish I did because that would make me feel a lot better.

Every nursing job I have ever had required a physical, some more involved than others. No matter what is involved you can count on a drug screen, just bring you records and RX info. Only give up what is requested and no more. I have not heard of anyone not getting the job if they are able to perform the specifics of that particular job. Good luck!

1 Votes
Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

There are plenty of people in healthcare who take legally prescribed ADHD meds. It’s really not a big deal. Be honest about it. It shouldn’t be an issue at all if you can provide the valid RX. 

4 Votes
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

You don't tell your "employer." You tell the people who do your drug test. Occupational health does not give that info to your supervisor, your coworkers, etc. You still have privacy.

 

10 Votes

So long as you have a current / valid RX, shouldn't be a problem.  I have a RX for ADHD medication as well.  Depending on what the place prefers, you may have to bring proof of RX.  In one instance, my PCP was within the same healthcare system, so all they had to do was look it up; in another, I just had to bring my current bottle to my pre-employment physical and show them the date prescribed, name of RX, and - of course - my name.  It never resulted in any kind of issue.  To be fair though, I'm pretty sure they would much rather have my ADHD medicated while I'm at work... otherwise who knows what kind of hot mess (or complete obnoxiousness) might ensue!  I don't know whether or not people who are prescribed opioids come across any issues (as those would seem more likely to result in work-related safety issues if not chronic in use), but it doesn't sound like that's something you are taking anyway.

Just be honest and come prepared with valid proof.  Good luck!

0 Votes
Specializes in ER.

BTW, if you have ADHD, you might end up gravitating to ER nursing eventually. 

2 Votes
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
On 7/17/2021 at 7:38 PM, Emergent said:

BTW, if you have ADHD, you might end up gravitating to ER nursing eventually. 

And later to clinical appeals, where each case is relatively short and different from all the others. Works well with my ER nurse brain. ? 

2 Votes
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