Marijuana and Nursing School

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I'm sure there is a thread about this but I wanted to establish one specific to my situation.

I am a 20 year old, second year nursing student in a highly competitive nursing program at a four-year private liberal arts college. I do not live on campus, I still live with each of my parents.

I am sure this question will elicit judgemental comments from all walks of life but let me illuminate you on my character-

I do not drink alcohol or party.

I strictly am attending college to better my future and become qualified, you'll hardly catch me socializing. I am extremely school-oriented and maintain a 3.5 gpa.

I study in my free time and work full time as well as attending school full time.

but YES, on occasion I indulge in smoking marijuana for the calming effects it has on my situational anxiety and sleep issues.

So here is my directive.

Do nursing schools TYPICALLY drug test prior to clinicals and how severe are the consequenceswhen testing positive with marijuana?

I am fervently against the use of any anxiety prescription of the sort. Contrary to what some people are saying here, I do NOT depend on drugs nor do I ever intend to in my life. And what many are describing as far as approaching a medical professional about my anxiety is insinuating that exact thing-dependency on a mitigated drug that has BIG time consequences. No thanks.

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I LOVE having a spot in this nursing program. It is an honor/privilege. So, assuming I am not grateful for where I am is punitive.

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I am fervently against the use of any anxiety prescription of the sort.

but YES, on occasion I indulge in smoking marijuana for the calming effects it has on my situational anxiety and sleep issues.

Supporting Mexican drug cartels by paying cash for an illegal drug is OK. Seeing a doctor to ask about treatment options for a condition that nearly every human being in our country has experienced at one time or another... Now THAT would be wrong.

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I would like to respond to this by saying NEVER have I smoked marijuana prior to or during any type of situation related to the program whether it be coursework or clinical. So your judgement does not apply to me. Also, knowing right from wrong certainly excludes me from any type of stealing from a unit.

Oh, so only people who DON'T know right from wrong steal from units. Ok, thanks for clearing that up. (smh)

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Come now, Caribbean Character, a person that abuses illegal drugs occasionally is the perfect person to have a job that involves...passing out drugs.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
I am fervently against the use of any anxiety prescription of the sort. Contrary to what some people are saying here, I do NOT depend on drugs nor do I ever intend to in my life. And what many are describing as far as approaching a medical professional about my anxiety is insinuating that exact thing-dependency on a mitigated drug that has BIG time consequences. No thanks.

So you are against prescription meds but use a drug that is not available for prescription due to its status as illegal. Marijuana is not free of "BIG time consequences" as all drugs, legal or illegal, have consequences. One consequence that marijuana has that legally prescribed drugs do not is the potential for jail time and a criminal record. You are the only one able to make a decision as to whether or not you use marijuana, but you will need to deal with any consequences that come your way. Also, seeing a medical professional about anxiety does not automatically equal getting a prescription. A good provider will try other options first before moving on to medication.

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

I'd love to smoke some ganja on occasion but I can't because if I do I could jeopardize my entire future. So, I don't. I asked my doc for some xanax for when I'm feeling really panicky and I use it sparingly.

Personally, I think it should be legal. I don't have a problem with it and I don't think it would be a big deal at all if some people went home after work and smoked a doobie. I don't see how its any different than having a margarita. BUT, its not allowed so its all moot.

Quit, or you will wish you had.

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.
I am fervently against the use of any anxiety prescription of the sort. Contrary to what some people are saying here, I do NOT depend on drugs nor do I ever intend to in my life. And what many are describing as far as approaching a medical professional about my anxiety is insinuating that exact thing-dependency on a mitigated drug that has BIG time consequences. No thanks.

So you'd rather use a non legal anxiety drug instead? That's smart.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I am fervently against the use of any anxiety prescription of the sort. Contrary to what some people are saying here, I do NOT depend on drugs nor do I ever intend to in my life. And what many are describing as far as approaching a medical professional about my anxiety is insinuating that exact thing-dependency on a mitigated drug that has BIG time consequences. No thanks.
If you are fervently against the use of legal prescription drugs of ant sort....why do you choose to use and illegal substance to self medicate your anxiety and sleep issues. What make your decision superior to proper intervention by appropriately trained medical professionals.

There must be some dependency there if you can't see that as a nurse you should NOT be enjoying illegal substances for ANY reason and it has HUGE consequences.....can you see why this is a problem? YOU...... are self medicating anxiety and sleeplessness with an illegal substance and get annoyed when you are told it is wrong and to stop.

That is the slippery slope that is described...self medicating for medical problems is at the heart of many addictions issues. You can go to your PCP and tell them about your anxiety...no one told you had to divulge your use of marijuana.

I think you need to look at this logically...and honestly that pot is illegal, yes you may be drug tested, discovery that you have used an illegal substance has HUGE consequences.... it IS a BIG DEAL!!!!!! A HUGE DEAL!!!! If you think

approaching a medical professional about my anxiety is insinuating that exact thing-dependency on a mitigated drug that has BIG time consequences.
has big time consequences....wait until you are busted with an illegal one.....

You are 20 years old and in college. You are articulate and intelligent. Can you see your argument/justification is flawed?

What you choose is your choice....you alone will suffer the consequences if you are caught.

I wish you the best.

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Specializes in Adult Psych.

Hrm Yeah this is a really racy topic. Lets avoid it and get to the heart of your problem.

Ok so what is my opinion? You said you have anxiety, then you should treat your anxiety in a healthy way.

You are self treating with is not the correct thing, and this is something you'll learn from nursing, never self treat/medicate. It doesn't matter that is pot, the same is said for etoh and over use of anxiety pills, smoking, even excessive use of coffee/caffeine. You want to develop healthy coping patterns and ways of relaxation. It always a better plan to have alternative resources open to you to cop with stress. Examples are:athletics, meditation, thai chi, reading, walking, stretching, art, music, counseling, talking to people, dance, cooking, gardening. So many things are used for stress, and you don't need to be good at any of them for it to work try them out.

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Specializes in Emergency Room.
Where on EARTH do you people live where employers don't drug test?! I've been drug tested for almost every job I've ever held, and that includes crappy minimum wage fast food jobs and one unloading trucks in a warehouse.

I've only been drug tested for one job myself. I've even had nursing jobs where they didn't bother drug testing.

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I live in Canada too. I have never been drug tested in my life for nursing school and employment. My friends and coworkers haven't either. Guess policies are different in the states compared to Canada because i have not heard of that being done where i live. Tread lightly with this topic tho as you can see some people get really touchy about it. Good luck. I know a few professionals that smoke too......but again it seems to be more liberal here (not that it's an excuse to do it but u get what I mean....)

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