positive drug test

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What happens to an RN who has a positive random drug test but is not an addict in 2017? What to do?

Positive for what? I should think someone can take their own RX, some older sleeping pills such as temazepam would produce a + for benzos but I am pretty sure a nurse can have an RX for them...

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Most states and hospitals have programs for nurses with substance abuse disorder that involve mandatory rehab and then practice restrictions (i.e. not allowed to give narcotics) for a period of time and regular drug testing. Eventually, you will have full practice rights restored. That said, the story can be very different depending on if you tested positive in a random drug screen or self identified. I've never heard of a nurse who self-identifies as an addict losing her license. When you fail a random drug test, assuming its your first time, the board will make a decision based on the specifics (i.e. were you intoxicated on the job?, was there any patient harm?, did you steal medication from the hospital?).

Its rare for a nurse to lose his/her license for simply testing positive on a random drug screen unless its happened before or you were being tested after appearing intoxicated on the floor or making a mistake in patient care. Most boards are very sympathetic to substance abuse but like I said, the specifics of the situation can make a huge difference. Also, testing positive is the same whether you are an addict or only used once in the eyes of the board. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med/surg/ortho.

You need to go to the Colorado state board of nursing website and find out what you really state will do.

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You are in for 3-5 years of paying for random drug screens going to aa or na and outpatient rehab good luck on your journey it is no fun

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The OSBN has some rules for marijuana as it is legal and a medicine in this state. If it was a random test and not for cause, your employer can fire you, but the BON might not find a need for you to enter rehab for a legal substance.

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Specializes in CMON.

I just failed a pre hire drug screen in Michigan, scared that they are going to send it to BON, just got the call from the MRO on Friday, asked me when’s the last time I used, I just hung up in shock. What do I do now?! If they do send it to the BON how soon will I hear from them? Do they automatically suspend my license?

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You did not say what you used, and hanging up on the MRO was not a smart move. Yes BON will be notified, yes you can expect suspension and if you are lucky enough to live in a state that has a rehab program you will have 3-5 years of drug screens, aa meetings and hopefully the ability to keep your license clean.

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Specializes in CMON.

Automatic suspension? No chance for entering a program first? Do you know this for sure, no letter in the mail, no pc, just automatic suspension?! I can deal with 3-5 yrs of being clean, it was a stupid mistake, wouldn’t have gone for a drug test if I thought I’d fail?!

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Specializes in Med/Surg & Psych.

In Indiana if you call our states monitoring program and get the ball rolling then no, they don't suspend your license. Its usually put on probation and if/when you complete the program the probation is lifted.

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Specializes in CMON.

So I should call the monitor program today, Saturday or wait until Monday?

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Specializes in Med/Surg & Psych.

I'm not sure if anyone is there on the weekends. I would try Monday. In your situation though is you don't know if they will call the BON or not. I'd hate for you to be stuck in the program and they weren't even going to report you. That is something you have to consider.

Indiana was pretty fast, from the time I was fired until the BON contacted me was about 4 weeks. Some states I hear it's months or even years.

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Specializes in CMON.

it was a pre hire drug test. Clearly I’m not getting hired. I was at a party and “experimented” and took a drug test at home to make sure I was clear. It said I was clean, I’m reading everywhere that an emergency suspension can be issued. What do I do right now? I absolutely want to die.

So when they called you at 4 weeks what happened next?

I text a lawyer my name, situation and phone number. I feel like this is a bad dream and I wish I could wake up.

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