new probation nurse in CA - hair testing?

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Hey everyone

New grad RN over here on probation for a DUI in the state of CA. I'm just trying to learn as much as I can so that I don't run into hiccups.

I know that nurses in CA are often selected for urine, sometimes blood (peth), but do nurses here get tested for hair as well? From my research so far, it seems like a lot of the other nurses in different states have been selected for hair but I have not seen a nurse in CA get selected for a hair test.

Thanks in advance!

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Hey there! Goodluck! In the beginning, (my second month), of the program in CA I did have a hair test. However I am now in the final 6 months of my program, (almost three and a half years later), and have not had a hair test since! So it seems to be rare but possible! Take care and once again good luck, you got this!

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1 hour ago, M2185 said:

Hey there! Goodluck! In the beginning, (my second month), of the program in CA I did have a hair test. However I am now in the final 6 months of my program, (almost three and a half years later), and have not had a hair test since! So it seems to be rare but possible! Take care and once again good luck, you got this!

Congrads!! Your almost done!

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Do they test up to 3x/wk? I read that was possible. I am in NJ 2yr monitoring, moving in September.

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Specializes in DOU.

@oneandonly I am a new nurse on probation as well! I start June 19th! If you have any recommendations please let me know! I’m most worried about the physical exam, because I’m pretty sure my PCP doesn’t have experience with addiction.

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On 5/15/2020 at 3:28 PM, Rodger said:

Do they test up to 3x/wk? I read that was possible. I am in NJ 2yr monitoring, moving in September.

I usually get tested once a week. Every few months I will get tested back to back however! So 3x a week is possible but not common for me!

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On 6/2/2020 at 9:47 PM, Bianca0206 said:

@oneandonly I am a new nurse on probation as well! I start June 19th! If you have any recommendations please let me know! I’m most worried about the physical exam, because I’m pretty sure my PCP doesn’t have experience with addiction.

Good luck! Just be careful with what you eat, (avoid foods cooked in alcohol for instance), just to be safe, stay positive and set a reminder to check your app or call everyday! The physical exam shouldn’t be a problem! Sorry for the late response. Staying on top of everything makes a huge difference. It feels like a long time but you will make it! ?

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On 5/12/2020 at 1:32 AM, 819Nurse said:

Congrads!! Your almost done!

Thank you!

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I found a Dr Gagne that will do telehealth and fill out all 4 forms at once for$395. It seems pretty reasonable considering here in NJ I had to have 2 MD for all 4 forms @ $375 each. I worry about testing because I will be living in the country and not too many places available.

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Specializes in DOU.

I found one too in Dana Point, 400$ for all 4 forms as well!
I go Friday!! Thank you!

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Good luck!

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Specializes in DOU.

@Rodger you as well! Testing has been a nightmare for me so far. Just because I seem to work on the days they want to test me, and my work schedule is 0700-1930 with a 30 min break, and testing during break is damn near impossible! I hope it’s going better for you!!

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