Nursing student taking drugs

Published

What would you do if you found out that a fellow nursing student is smoking marijuana?

That's why I made my argument that it sucks that nurses are held to that standard in comparison to other majors just because I know if I were a microbio or english major, I could use MJ legally in Ca instead of taking a combo of muscle relaxers, NSAIDs, and narcotics. Then you factor in the pepcid for the ulcer from the NSAIDs. In fact, I am not even on narcotics right now because they dont work very well and I worry that I may become dependent and then get reflexive pain when I dont take them. :banghead:

Also, I always let my instructors know of my prescriptions and do not take them during clinicals at all. I think this is very responsible, and I just wish that I could also responsibly try MJ. I've never tried MJ for pain relief, but now that I have this injury, that I've had for almost a year, it'd be nice to exhaust all options.

I've wondered about that....If you have a legitimate prescription for MJ, and you get caught in a drug screen at work, can the BON take action against your license? I know that MJ is federally illegal, but the state says its OK. Since the BON is a state, and not federal organization, how can they refuse to recognize a prescription for MJ as legit?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, PACU.
I've wondered about that....If you have a legitimate prescription for MJ, and you get caught in a drug screen at work, can the BON take action against your license? I know that MJ is federally illegal, but the state says its OK. Since the BON is a state, and not federal organization, how can they refuse to recognize a prescription for MJ as legit?

As have I. I checked the BON for Ca's FAQ and they didnt list any of those types of questions. Perhaps someone here knows?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

wow...

i've been reading and lurking on this site for some time (mostly for frickin' care plan help) and i was moved to register after reading this thread in entirety.

most everything that i wanted to say has been said.

i believe that if this student nurse's actions are not affecting patient care and advocacy, the point is moot. *if* this was not the case, i believe i would address the student first too. but, mostly, i would be much more concerned with reading, studying, and yeah, minding my own business.

i think it says a lot that marijuana is prescribed and that if one if in possession of a small amount of it, no criminal charges are incurred.

so, yeah, weighing the two: the nurse with a hangover so bad, with bloodshot eyes and the shakes that she is running for the restroom, or the nurse who put on pink floyd and didn't shower for the weekend...

yes, i support the legalization of marijuana, but good god, i could never smoke it (i detest the smell!!!).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
What would you do if you found out that a fellow nursing student is smoking marijuana?

Exactly how did you acquire this information? What do you mean by "found out?"

g

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

This topic has definitely taken a turn from answering the OP's question to debating extracurricular use of MJ, alcohol, etc... I promised I wouldnt post anymore hehe but I cant stop :clown:

But this debate does have to do with answering OP's question in a way because one's personal feelings about MJ and also about how others should handle the knowledge of another person breaking the rules or the law when it comes to nursing school has an absolute effect on how one would answer the question!

I'm sorry to hear of your injury. I think it's wrong to not allow the medical usage of MJ. My older brother died due to fentanyl and oxycontin. Granted, he ended up misusing it, but only due to the massive amount of pain he was in with a back injury. The poor guy couldn't even walk without his meds! It was only a matter of time before he would develop a tolerance and need more. I wouldn't have judge him a bit had he been smoking MJ to deal with his pain. Maybe if he had, he'd still be alive today...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, PACU.
I'm sorry to hear of your injury. I think it's wrong to not allow the medical usage of MJ. My older brother died due to fentanyl and oxycontin. Granted, he ended up misusing it, but only due to the massive amount of pain he was in with a back injury. The poor guy couldn't even walk without his meds! It was only a matter of time before he would develop a tolerance and need more. I wouldn't have judge him a bit had he been smoking MJ to deal with his pain. Maybe if he had, he'd still be alive today...

Thank you. I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. I can understand in a way how doses escalate. It seems that after just a short time, your pain meds arent working like they should and then you need a new Rx. I am very very sorry to hear that :( :( :( Such a tragedy

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thank you. I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. I can understand in a way how doses escalate. It seems that after just a short time, your pain meds arent working like they should and then you need a new Rx. I am very very sorry to hear that :( :( :( Such a tragedy

...just one more reason my MJ is safer than narcotic pain meds. Even chronic users do not develop a tolerance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

Marijuana is no worse than having a glass of wine. it is not "abusing drugs" for most people. Heck, it's not even a crime in several states including mine. I'd say unless it's on school or work time, let it go.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
Marijuana is no worse than having a glass of wine. it is not "abusing drugs" for most people. Heck, it's not even a crime in several states including mine. I'd say unless it's on school or work time, let it go.

Please quote your source on that.

There was only one state that recently made the news that decided to only write a ticket for those that had posession of very, very small amounts of MJ which amounted to only one "joint".

It is still illegal in NY, and all of the other states, last I checked.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

Here is my source....which shows that every state in the union, you will either pay a fine or do jail time for posession.

http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=4516

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Please quote your source on that.

There was only one state that recently made the news that decided to only write a ticket for those that had posession of very, very small amounts of MJ which amounted to only one "joint".

It is still illegal in NY, and all of the other states, last I checked.

Not true, I go to school in MA and we decriminalized marijuana possession for up to one ounce. You just pay $100, they take it, and you can be on your way with no further repercussions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
Not true, I go to school in MA and we decriminalized marijuana possession for up to one ounce. You just pay $100, they take it, and you can be on your way with no further repercussions.

That doesn't equal LEGAL...that just means you pay a fine instead of going to jail.

Just like a minor speeding ticket...it's still against the law but you dont' go to jail for it..you pay a fine.

Parking in handicap..still against the law but you don't go to jail for it, you pay a fine.

IF YOU HAVE TO PAY A FINE that means it's ILLEGAL.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion