Nurses Who Are Being Tested for Alcohol

Published

Hi fellow nurses!

So I just got my RN license a week ago, and soon after my probation packet came. I'm supposed to go in for my first random drug and alcohol testing, and I'm wondering if any of you know what kind of test the BON uses to detect alcohol.

I'm a bit worried about this because I had a few drinks a couple days ago, and then came home to my probation packet which stated I needed to go in for a drug test.

If any of you have ever been tested for alcohol by the BON, please let me know what thats like and what kind of test they are doing.

Thanks all, I really appreciate it!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What state are you in? I've never been alcohol tested and was wondering where you are. Ive heard of NPs at the bigger hospitals getting tested but alcohol from the BON? In my personal opinion it's just another way to tell nurses how to live their lives. I understand drugs but alcohol too?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
: Alcohol Testing : Texas Medical Licensing Law Blog I found this link it should answer your questions.
Up Vote Up Vote ×

In Texas ,TPAPN tests for EtG and EtS, metabolites of alcohol that can be detected up to 80 hours post ingestion. So you should be OK if that is the type of testing involved. Read over the information packet very carefully. I had to sign a document agreeing to not eat any poppy seeds, baked goods containing vanilla extract, wine vinegar or use alcohol based hand sanitizers. Three times last week I accidentally violated this rule but thankfully was not ordered to test.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Definitely expect Etg testing. I've read at least 90 hours from your last drink..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Drink lots of water to flush your system. Don't use alcohol hand sanitizer, or take any meds with alcohol. There's a lot of things that can show up as alcohol and this test will find them if they're there. IMO this test is faulty.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

BTW guys, I'm in the state of California.. I read that etg testing can last up to 80 hours, but then I came across reviews of the test and some people were saying that they had drank 2 nights before and passed the test. Regardless, at this point its been 72 hours for me and I have no probs never drinking again. I think I should be fine. Thanks for the replys!! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The etg test is up to 80 hours- read the studies for the real life time estimates and actual incidence of etg/ets positives from hand sanitizer or ingredients like vanilla... The time frame is much lower than the testing companies advertise (remember they are selling this to monitoring agencies).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

hi

I was just tested by labcorps-blood test- and was informed that they can now detect alcohol up to 14 days prior to the test

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Are nurses not allowed to drink?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nurses are allowed to drink- some of us have had drug/alcohol related issues, had treatment, etc. when the board is informed by us or an outside party we then enter an agreement and get drug/alcohol testing along with ther stipulations.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Are nurses not allowed to drink?

If the nurse is in a recovery program the answer is NO. Anything that is considered mind altering is a NO NO.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion