Hello I am starting a nursing program this coming Fall. I use marijuana every day and find nothing wrong with that but at the same time I understand there are consequences and sacrifices that come with the lifestyle.
My primary goal is to make it through nursing school and later on find work that is suitable for the lifestyle I find appropriate. I have my bachelor's degree in another field in case nursing does not work out for me.
I recently attended my school's nursing program orientation and have a blood test I have to schedule. I looked over the paperwork and found the typical comprehensive blood panel spaces for the results, as well as a remark to attach the actual paperwork to the program's sheet. The blood work is to be done at the school's clinic. There is no mention of drug testing, no consent forms to drug testing (very common in California), and no mention in the school's guidelines about drug testing. Of course, they state a strong stance of zero-tolerance for attending classes and school-related activities under the influence of any drug. I do not know if nursing falls under a federal regulation that allows for drug testing without consent. But my job for example, must obtain prior consent for future random drug tests, and will do so only in the event of negligence or an accident.
So I have a few questions: Does it look like I will be tested for drugs? Marijuana is mostly a recreational drug for me so I am willing to stop using it if I have to. I also may be able to obtain a state marijuana card for a condition I have. Or am I just asking for trouble if I don't remain 100% clean while attending the program? Acceptance of Marijuana use is changing in California, but professionally I've seen standards that range from legal tolerance to immediate grounds for dismissal or termination. And sometimes it is hard to tell from the outside.
Please don't lecture me about my past. I just need some realistic advice suitable for a hippy going into a 2-year RN program.
Hello at my school in California, drug testing was mandatory. I would also consider quittting right away. I don't know how long that stays in your system but my guess is months as opposed to days or weeks. Obviously I don't know for sure.
Sorry, I said it was harsh and I meant it. It's illegal!!!!! What is the point of this discussion? It's illegal. We don't have any doctors orders for legal MJ her in WI. As someone who has smoked I can say that just because your not coming to work high, you do have that residual head not clear feeling. Lets all be honest here. I feel the same way about someone who is hungover taking care of my loved ones. Don't want it, call in sick, just stay far away from patients.
We have lives in our hands! To me nursing is a gift from God, I can't understand why anyone would think of putting other lives in jepordy. Perhaps its more acceptable in CA, but it's still illegal. Get a doctors note and go into another profession. Please.
Even though I may be harsh and judgemental to you, it is what I feel. For the safety of patients, I can be harsh. Your loved ones would get excellent care from a nurse who is clear headed, not foggy from last nights joint. Sorry, my opinion will not change on this one, but I am sorry that I come across so harsh.
Sorry, I said it was harsh and I meant it. It's illegal!!!!! What is the point of this discussion? It's illegal. We don't have any doctors orders for legal MJ her in WI. As someone who has smoked I can say that just because your not coming to work high, you do have that residual head not clear feeling. Lets all be honest here. I feel the same way about someone who is hungover taking care of my loved ones. Don't want it, call in sick, just stay far away from patients.
We have lives in our hands! To me nursing is a gift from God, I can't understand why anyone would think of putting other lives in jepordy. Perhaps its more acceptable in CA, but it's still illegal. Get a doctors note and go into another profession. Please.
Even though I may be harsh and judgemental to you, it is what I feel. For the safety of patients, I can be harsh. Your loved ones would get excellent care from a nurse who is clear headed, not foggy from last nights joint. Sorry, my opinion will not change on this one, but I am sorry that I come across so harsh.
I live in California and it isn't very acceptable where I live. It is still illegal. And the bill to make it legal for medical purposes is pretty much laughed at due to the perception that medical mj is just an excuse to get high.
And I understand your frustration - I was married to a pothead . . who still smokes and he is nearing 50. It cost him two marriages and left 2 kids in each marriage bereft of a father. So, I'm biased . . .
Sorry left out the most important point. It is illegal in California, and if you manage to quit in time to pass the drug test, you must realize that means you have to quit for good. You cannot have patient's lives in your hand and be under the influence. MJ is not the same as smoking cigarettes.
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
I believe the OP made it clear, many posts ago, that she was NOT planning to continue smoking marijuana once she entered nursing school, let alone go to clinicals or work while "under the influence". This thread has served its purpose and now has devolved into a circular debate, which accomplishes nothing (except, perhaps, to alienate the OP). It's time to let it go.
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NurseJeanB
453 Posts
Hello at my school in California, drug testing was mandatory. I would also consider quittting right away. I don't know how long that stays in your system but my guess is months as opposed to days or weeks. Obviously I don't know for sure.
Best regards,
Jean