Nurse Residency Background Check Question

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Nurse Residency Background Check Question

I'm graduating in December and I'm applying for residency in the DFW area. I want to know how soon after interviewing do you get drug tested and background checked? Thanks 

1 Votes
Specializes in IBCLC, Mother Baby.

Some facilities take a couple of months time between interview and a start date, but others move quicker. Always assume that if you're applying, you're considered ready to work and the process may go faster than you think depending on the needs of the facility. 

1 Votes

Thank you for response. Anyone know more about baylor, thr, medical city, process regarding the testing?

1 Votes
Specializes in NICU.
Akin2 said:

I want to know how soon after interviewing do you get drug tested

If you are going to test positive for something that you do not have a prescription for (Marijuana card is not a prescription) stop now. Hospitals will test you prior to starting work and will test you for any reason if they think you are impaired.

2 Votes
Akin2 said:

... I want to know how soon after interviewing do you get drug tested and background checked? 

[...]

It won't happen until you have accepted the position.  After you've accepted, it could happen at any time.  You will most likely be notified via email and be expected to complete testing within 48 - 72 hours.

2 Votes
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
Akin2 said:

Im graduating in December and I'm applying for residency in the DFW area. I want to know how soon after interviewing do you get drug tested and background checked? Thanks

This varies by employer.  Typically, drug testing will occur after the interview(s), if the employer is contemplating making an offer.  It may also occur after an offer is made.  If you are planning to be a nurse or NP, you should not be using illegal substances, period.  So stop now.  

3 Votes

I agree with the posters above, it's usually right around the time of the offer, or it can happen when you're getting closer to starting (some places do it at the same time as a general pre-employment health screen with occupational health.

Just an FYI, it isn't terribly common, but I have heard of places testing hair for cannabis, which will stick around for ages. Also, refusal to take a drug test can be reported to the Board of Nursing and will presumed to be a 'failed test.'

FullGlass said:

This varies by employer.  Typically, drug testing will occur after the interview(s), if the employer is contemplating making an offer.  It may also occur after an offer is made.  If you are planning to be a nurse or NP, you should not be using illegal substances, period.  So stop now.  

I have to agree with @FullGlass Using illicit substances (including THC, which can show up positive as marijuana) at any point in your nursing career is a huge game of Russian roulette. I recommend you check out the 'recovery' forums--any evidence of substance abuse will impact your life for years, cost several thousand dollars, and severely limit where you can work. It might seem unfair, especially if you live in a state with recreational cannabis, but that's the nature of our profession.

2 Votes
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
adventure_rn said:

I agree with the posters above, it's usually right around the time of the offer, or it can happen when you're getting closer to starting (some places do it at the same time as a general pre-employment health screen with occupational health.

Just an FYI, it isn't terribly common, but I have heard of places testing hair for cannabis, which will stick around for ages. Also, refusal to take a drug test can be reported to the Board of Nursing and will presumed to be a 'failed test.'

I have to agree with @FullGlass Using illicit substances (including THC, which can show up positive as marijuana) at any point in your nursing career is a huge game of Russian roulette. I recommend you check out the 'recovery' forums--any evidence of substance abuse will impact your life for years, cost several thousand dollars, and severely limit where you can work. It might seem unfair, especially if you live in a state with recreational cannabis, but that's the nature of our profession.

I just do not understand why someone who has invested years of their time and thousands of dollars in education, would jeopardize their potential career by using illegal substances when planning to work for an industry that is going to test for this!  Frankly, it seems to be like such a person does not have the brain power or judgement to be an RN or NP.

That said, marijuana policies vary by employer.  In California, many healthcare facilities don't care if you use cannabis, as long as you don't show up to work under the influence.  But that isn't true of all healthcare employers.

Before becoming an NP, I was a high tech business executive.  Most high tech companies don't perform drug tests.  However, some do.  And if they get a government contract, the government may require anyone working on that contract to get drug tested.  So I stayed away from illegal substances, especially if I was between jobs and actively interviewing.

3 Votes
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