Nursing home CNA do they drug test?

[CnaQuestions]

Hi guys,

I recently applied as a cna at a nursing home and completed the first day of orientation. But there is a problem, I like to smoke weed every once and a while maybe once or twice a week but I haven't dons it for about a month and a half. A little more info is that i did not have to sign any forms about a drug test nor did they speak about drug tests at the interview but once just a simple mention like if I would take one nor did they at orientation. They obviously did not make me take one either. Also I had recently talked to another cna that worked there who I know quite well and they said they were never tested. So what my question is, is, will they be taking a drug test randomly and I should not smoke at all for a while untill I know and with my position is it required.

Also guys I really don't want or appreciate any criticism about how nurse's are not supposed to do illegal stuff or how i need to be clean please just helpful info

[nurse_girlie]

I would say don't smoke period whether they do random testing or not. There is always the chance a patient could have an incident on your shift (such as a fall or any number of things) that may require you to be tested. In the nursing realm it is just never worth the risk. I imagine if you tested positive you would not only lose your job but also be reported just as a nurse would?? Goodbye to the rewarding work that is techin' and you'd have a hell of a ride if you ever wanted to pursue nursing. No ill tone intended at all but --->Stop smoking or find another line of work.

[Wuzzie]

If you don't want to get caught, be reported, lose your job, possibly face criminal charges and never be able to get into nursing school (if that's your plan) then you have no choice but to stop completely. If you do make it through nursing school and you don't want to get caught, be reported, lose your job, possibly face criminal charges, sell your belongings and your soul to a system that is meant to punish and profit off of you then you have no choice but to stop completely. If the previously mentioned things don't matter to you then smoke away.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

Some drug test and some don't. Also, if there is an incident, such as you get hurt on the job or a patient gets hurt, you may be drug tested.

[kaylee.]

I assume they will have a specific policy somewhere in some handbook. They either do randoms or only when indicated ie suspect for diverting or impairment. The latter is what my hosp does. Specifically states they dont do random drug tests. But they tested before hire. So try to get info from employee health or your hr handbook. Good luck!

[CnaQuestions]

Never mind guys,

I asked another employee when I was there and she said that they haven't and don't drug test. Thank you guys for all of your helpful information.

[Wuzzie]

Never mind guys,

I asked another employee when I was there and she said that they haven't and don't drug test. Thank you guys for all of your helpful information.

You WILL be drug tested if there is an incident at work. Almost all states have this as a requirement for Workers Comp insurance. I believe Iowa is one of them but don't quote me on that. However, it's clear that you don't care about playing Russian roulette with your future. In the healthcare field if you use, and FTR I really don't give a rat's patootie about MJ, you will eventually get caught. If you want to become a nurse I'd advise you to peruse the Recovery forum and see the misery those folks go through. Some for events that happened way before they ever became nurses. While it's true we don't work at your facility that one person you asked may not even be aware of what happens when there is an incident and you can bet that the fact you even asked has now been spread through the whole place. You outed yourself my friend. Best not make anybody angry.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

Never mind guys,

I asked another employee when I was there and she said that they haven't and don't drug test. Thank you guys for all of your helpful information.

Asking your new co-workers if your new employer drug tests the employees probably isn't the best thing to be doing when you first start a job.

You don't know them and they are just getting to know you. This question would be a red flag to me that you are asking so that you don't get caught if I were that employee. Now, some people mind their own business and some will tell everyone and their brother (especially if they are tight with management). Facility walls have ears. This is probably one of the easiest ways to get yourself a random "employee health physical", which consists solely of an on the spot urine drug screen.

You could refuse the test and be instantly terminated and labeled a Do No Rehire within the organization, or take the test, come up positive, and be reported to the board of nursing. Both options stink. It's your choice if it's worth the gamble.