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?
In my opinion, smoking has no effect on someone being a nurse as long as u do not do it before work, duh. In addition, if you work in an office or something similar , most likely your only screen will be pre employment. You are still taking a risk, but I do not believe it is the same one that you would take if u worked in a hospital or nursing home.
If you want to use an illegal substance, risk jail, expulsion from your program & being barred from licensure, go right ahead.
My dad was a hippie, grew his own. I have no personal issue regarding marijuana or people who use it. The fact that it's illegal means that I would never touch it. Period.
Heck, it takes me a couple months to drink through a 4 pack of wine coolers! I bought 2 4 packs the other day. They'll still be in my fridge in 2 months.
In my opinion smoking has no effect on someone being a nurse as long as u do not do it before work, duh. In addition, if you work in an office or something similar , most likely your only screen will be pre employment. You are still taking a risk, but I do not believe it is the same one that you would take if u worked in a hospital or nursing home.[/quote']
In your opinion. How much research have you done on the subject? How long is the half-life of THC? What are the PD and PK of THC?
Everyone seems to be blowing up my statement about having "situational anxiety". I do NOT have generalized anxiety, meaning occuring all of the time. When things are unfamiliar to me, to a nervous point, I become more anxious than the average individual. Some would call this normal(maybe even I would). I would not consider myself self-medicating. I do understand I stated it helps me with both anxious situations and sleeping, but it isn't the ONLY way I can do either. Trust me, I work my tail off full time and hitting the pillow at the end of a long day does not require marijuana.
At one point, I stopped smoking marijuana for over two years with no effort. Because while it does assist me at times, I am not dependent on what it does, NOR do I ABUSE it... I get a natural feeling of the "high" by being successful or after a rigorous work out. This thread wasn't intended to play a sob story about how I NEED marijuana to function. It was merely a discussion to understand the severity of marijuana in nursing school, as I am very aware of the drug testing in a career setting.
YES, I AM articulate and intelligent and have a good, established moral foundation in my life to the extent that I would never use ANY type of illicit drug (I have never/would never use anything except marijuana anyway) any time close to clinical exposure or even lecture hours for that matter. I am increasingly submersed into my coursework.
Just a little blurb to defend my corner, I am almost positive current nurses on this thread responding to and judging me have indulged in excess alcohol more than once throughout their nursing school years or during their career. In this breath, understand that while one is legal and the other is not, they are on the same plane as far as "drugs" go. And yet, you are still trusted to show up to work the next day or in two days, correct? You still believe you are capable to do your job, correct? I encourage you to take a step out of the conservative bubble many of you live in to understand various perspectives into the issue. Passing judgement was not my intention (although expected, I suppose). I simply wanted an answer to something I was inquiring about.
P.s. Griffin 123, assuming you are a nurse, you should understand that nursing is a multidimensional career that you understate as "passing out drugs". It involves caring, compassion, and dignity amongst strong educational qualifications. I can assure you that in a time of need, I would be NOTHING less than the above, as I appreciate the beauty of people and their desire for normalcy. Infrequent use of marijuana has never/would never taint that innate ability, nor should it taint your vision of an otherwise professional, educated student. I find your close-mindedness unfortunate. And while I would never impose on somebody to forcibly accept another's opinion, maybe you should evaluate your own judgements.
Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
Everyone seems to be blowing up my statement about having "situational anxiety". I do NOT have generalized anxiety, meaning occuring all of the time. When things are unfamiliar to me, to a nervous point, I become more anxious than the average individual. Some would call this normal(maybe even I would). I would not consider myself self-medicating. I do understand I stated it helps me with both anxious situations and sleeping, but it isn't the ONLY way I can do either. Trust me, I work my tail off full time and hitting the pillow at the end of a long day does not require marijuana.
At one point, I stopped smoking marijuana for over two years with no effort. Because while it does assist me at times, I am not dependent on what it does, NOR do I ABUSE it... I get a natural feeling of the "high" by being successful or after a rigorous work out. This thread wasn't intended to play a sob story about how I NEED marijuana to function. It was merely a discussion to understand the severity of marijuana in nursing school, as I am very aware of the drug testing in a career setting.
YES, I AM articulate and intelligent and have a good, established moral foundation in my life to the extent that I would never use ANY type of illicit drug (I have never/would never use anything except marijuana anyway) any time close to clinical exposure or even lecture hours for that matter. I am increasingly submersed into my coursework.
Just a little blurb to defend my corner, I am almost positive current nurses on this thread responding to and judging me have indulged in excess alcohol more than once throughout their nursing school years or during their career. In this breath, understand that while one is legal and the other is not, they are on the same plane as far as "drugs" go. And yet, you are still trusted to show up to work the next day or in two days, correct? You still believe you are capable to do your job, correct? I encourage you to take a step out of the conservative bubble many of you live in to understand various perspectives into the issue. Passing judgement was not my intention (although expected, I suppose). I simply wanted an answer to something I was inquiring about.
P.s. Griffin 123, assuming you are a nurse, you should understand that nursing is a multidimensional career that you understate as "passing out drugs". It involves caring, compassion, and dignity amongst strong educational qualifications. I can assure you that in a time of need, I would be NOTHING less than the above, as I appreciate the beauty of people and their desire for normalcy. Infrequent use of marijuana has never/would never taint that innate ability, nor should it taint your vision of an otherwise professional, educated student. I find your close-mindedness unfortunate. And while I would never impose on somebody to forcibly accept another's opinion, maybe you should evaluate your own judgements.
So you need it for situational anxiety....So are you telling us you smoke a joint during these types of situations? I highly doubt that a joint for situational anxiety is realistic. There are legal ways to deal with situational anxiety. Do you plan to smoke a joint on the floor if you get anxious?
OP, what did you expect when you described "anxiety" on a board that is full of nurses??? Really.
What you described to me, my assessment from your subjective information (your post) is that you are using a drug-misusing it perhaps; there are adverse effects to using MJ, depending on the person, those rebound effects that calm you can eventually produce the opposite effects, MORE anxiety, and paranoia, just FYI...not saying that will happen, just stating that ALLL substances have adverse effects-to remedy a situation that can be used through alternative methods.
OP, most posters are trying to guide you in the right direction. How about you are about to start nursing school, you are due to take a drug screen. THC comes up-despite your use over a year ago -chronic use can increase and keep levels above for an extended amount of time; depending on the person, and how the THC binds-you are NOW ineligible for the program; nursing, as large as it is, it is a close-knit community. You could potentially black-balled into getting into another program; heck, a program administrator may report you to the BON, ending your career before it starts, or at least handicapping it; the BON in some states think being a drug addict is RIGHT up there with murder. I'm not exaggerating...there is a thread in our recovery section where a sober nursing student has been clean for 13 years and is battling with the BON to get a license without stipulations. We are in the same state; our state government does not like drug users...you will be branded with the scarlet letter in some cases, even if you are using it as a "maintenance".
Even though it has been legalized; if anything the posters are helpful in suggesting that you find alternative methods for that "high anxiety" you feel in new situations, or when you are having difficult sleeping. MJ is still a Schedule I med; in possession, even being tested positive for it in some states can jeopardize your financial aid for school. :yes...it's too much of a risk, and the posters want you to be successful in your goals.
:)
If and when the laws change, then it will be up to how it's regulated, legal levels, etc..until then, it will be up to you to decide is it worth the risk to even continue to smoke "once in a while"...even thought I caution you, nursing school can be VERY stressful and anxiety driven; you may think you want to "light it up" because that is your coping mechanism, and then, surprise! It's a random drug screen and they will be testing you...see now what the posters are getting at in suggesting alternative forms to decease anxiety? We are creatures of habit...start with other forms of coping with those few episodes; it will help with nursing school and beyond.
Again, we are looking at this from a nursing perspective, been through the stress of it all, from school to the trenches, and we do want you to succeed. No harm intended. :)
Gonna chime in here. I love smoking pot. LOVE IT. Prefer it over drinking and never smoked cigarettes. People self medicate all the time. Some use alcohol, some use cigarettes, some go get prescriptions for anti-psychotics that have a long list of harmful side effects. Some substances are more harmful than others. Do I think pot is as harmful as alcohol, ect? No, never have. Its a plant, and unfortunately, still a illegal one (thats slowly changing and about time.)
You've decided to make nursing your life, like I did, and I made a choice to give it up in order to pursue nursing because my career is more important than smoking pot. Our Program drugs tests us, and if you are positive, you are gone. Ive dropped alot of money into my schooling and my family is counting on me, so I choose not to jeopardize my career for that, thats all. Its just about choices and you have to make the smart one. Look into other options to relieve your stress (We all know just how stressful nursing school can be) and ignore the judgmental finger wavers. Good luck in whatever you do!
Gonna chime in here. I love smoking pot. LOVE IT. Prefer it over drinking and never smoked cigarettes. People self medicate all the time. Some use alcohol, some use cigarettes, some go get prescriptions for anti-psychotics that have a long list of harmful side effects. Some substances are more harmful than others. Do I think pot is as harmful as alcohol, ect? No, never have. Its a plant, and unfortunately, still a illegal one (thats slowly changing and about time.)
You've decided to make nursing your life, like I did, and I made a choice to give it up in order to pursue nursing because my career is more important than smoking pot. Our Program drugs tests us, and if you are positive, you are gone. Ive dropped alot of money into my schooling and my family is counting on me, so I choose not to jeopardize my career for that, thats all. Its just about choices and you have to make the smart one. Look into other options to relieve your stress (We all know just how stressful nursing school can be) and ignore the judgmental finger wavers. Good luck in whatever you do!
Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.
Gonna chime in here. I love smoking pot. LOVE IT. Prefer it over drinking and never smoked cigarettes. People self medicate all the time. Some use alcohol, some use cigarettes, some go get prescriptions for anti-psychotics that have a long list of harmful side effects. Some substances are more harmful than others. Do I think pot is as harmful as alcohol, ect? No, never have. Its a plant, and unfortunately, still a illegal one (thats slowly changing and about time.)
You've decided to make nursing your life, like I did, and I made a choice to give it up in order to pursue nursing because my career is more important than smoking pot. Our Program drugs tests us, and if you are positive, you are gone. Ive dropped alot of money into my schooling and my family is counting on me, so I choose not to jeopardize my career for that, thats all. Its just about choices and you have to make the smart one. Look into other options to relieve your stress (We all know just how stressful nursing school can be) and ignore the judgmental finger wavers. Good luck in whatever you do!
I wish we could end on that note, but a new firestorm is likely to hit in 3...2...1..
P.s. Griffin 123, assuming you are a nurse, you should understand that nursing is a multidimensional career that you understate as "passing out drugs". It involves caring, compassion, and dignity amongst strong educational qualifications. I can assure you that in a time of need, I would be NOTHING less than the above, as I appreciate the beauty of people and their desire for normalcy. Infrequent use of marijuana has never/would never taint that innate ability, nor should it taint your vision of an otherwise professional, educated student. I find your close-mindedness unfortunate. And while I would never impose on somebody to forcibly accept another's opinion, maybe you should evaluate your own judgements.
Easy there, Panama Red. Just because I think saying "...on occasion I indulge in smoking marijuana for the calming effects it has on my situational anxiety and sleep issues." and "I am fervently against the use of any anxiety prescription of the sort" exemplifies a level of idiocy I rarely get to see anymore doesn't mean that I or the other posters in this thread don't care about you.
But for the record, I am quite comfortable with my assessment of your actions. I'm sorry that you perceive me to be close minded because I don't agree with you and that you demand the other 6 or 7 pages of posters to "step out of their conservative bubble" because they also don't agree with you.
And one other thing: Did it ever occur to you that we are saying these things because we don't want to see you jeopardize your career, health and/or relationship with your family? You have potential if you have a 3.5 gpa. You're in a private school so I'm guessing money isn't a huge concern. And your taking an idiotic risk because you want to treat yourself for symptoms instead of letting a professional treat you. If they're THAT bad get 'em checked out. If not and you just wanna tokey tokey then go ahead and ignore us, roll the dice and take your chances.
If you quit for 2 years, I'd quit again. You really do not want to be one of those nurses published in the list for breakin the law. It is not worth it. As for your subsequent posts, they don't help your case. Accusing people of indulging in other substances mean little. Alcohol is a legal substance and if they don't drive or work drunk, then they aren't breaking the las but you are.
If I were, I'd give it up now. Our hospital doesn't even hire nicotine users so why would they hire someone who has a script for marijuana?
I'm not exaggerating...there is a thread in our recovery section where a sober nursing student has been clean for 13 years and is battling with the BON to get a license without stipulations. We are in the same state; our state government does not like drug users...you will be branded with the scarlet letter in some cases, even if you are using it as a "maintenance".
studentnurse9806
121 Posts
In my opinion, smoking has no effect on someone being a nurse as long as u do not do it before work, duh. In addition, if you work in an office or something similar , most likely your only screen will be pre employment. You are still taking a risk, but I do not believe it is the same one that you would take if u worked in a hospital or nursing home.