Pre-employment drug testing

Brownms46 · Apr 18, 2004

I go tomarrow for pre-employment drug testing (urine). I have an Rx for Xanax 0.25 q6h prn for anxiety. I rarely take this med and probably haven't taken any for at least 2 weeks, though I took it as precribed when I was stressing over the Nclex. I've read where it is detectable in the urine for up to 6 weeks. I intend to list this Rx...question: Do you think this can affect my employment? Can I be denied the position because of this Rx?? Hope not!

Not for RX meds.

Darlene K. · May 12, 2004

There isn't a problem as long as it is prescribed to you and you list it prior to the testing. Good luck!

Gompers, BSN, RN · May 12, 2004

Bring the bottle of meds with you when you go to employee health for testing so they can actually see that it's your own Rx. I was in a similar situation and had to come back with my bottle a week after testing positive for barbituates (from taking Librax for a horribly nervous stomach during junior year final exams).

KaroSnowQueen, RN · May 12, 2004

My dug screen was not prescheduled for my last job, they just called me one day at my old job and said go HERE and have it tomorrow. I had a screaming migraine and had taken 3 Lorcet during the day. :uhoh3:

When I got there I told them, and they said ok and made a note. If it showed up, they never said a thing. I did get the job.

rnmom3153 · Dec 19, 2005

I came across this this morning, so I feel a little more encouraged. This is all I've ever done in the past and it was enough. I guess that's why I'm so upset about this whole situation. It's never been an issue! (see EEEEEKK!!!!! LOSING MY NEW JOB???)

Well, today I'll be speaking to the DON and the MRO. PLEASE HAVE A PRAYER and/or a good thought for me!

Thanks so much!

rnmom

HappyJaxRN · Dec 19, 2005

I go tomarrow for pre-employment drug testing (urine). I have an Rx for Xanax 0.25 q6h prn for anxiety. I rarely take this med and probably haven't taken any for at least 2 weeks, though I took it as precribed when I was stressing over the Nclex. I've read where it is detectable in the urine for up to 6 weeks. I intend to list this Rx...question: Do you think this can affect my employment? Can I be denied the position because of this Rx?? Hope not!

Nope. Because when I was hired by my hospital, I was taking Adderall and that shows up positive as cocaine in your urine. I had my prescription bottle in hand and showed it to the health services department right before I peed in the cup. That was 4 years ago.

luvmy2angels · Dec 19, 2005

I agree with all of the above. I also take Xanax for anxiety. It depends too on what type of drug screen they do. Our instructor told us just to make sure we tell them ahead of time if we are taking any narcotics. I asked her about the Xanax and she said that it was up to me wether or not I told them about that one. I had taken one the night before, didn't tell them,and it didn't show up in the test. As long as you have a script you should be just fine!!

rnmom3153 · Dec 19, 2005

I came across this this morning, so I feel a little more encouraged. This is all I've ever done in the past and it was enough. I guess that's why I'm so upset about this whole situation. It's never been an issue! (see EEEEEKK!!!!! LOSING MY NEW JOB???)
Well, today I'll be speaking to the DON and the MRO. PLEASE HAVE A PRAYER and/or a good thought for me!
Thanks so much!
rnmom

I didn't realize I was in a different forum than my initial post yesterday. I posted in "General Nursing Discussion" that tells the whole story!:)

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Dec 19, 2005

As long as you have a legal script for your meds, you are okay.

And as you should not be taking nonprescribed schedule drugs, there should be no problem.

lagill55 · Oct 26, 2009

What if you took meth and didn't know? Friend put in drink. I go 4 drug screen tomorrow will i not get job

VM85 · Oct 27, 2009

What if you took meth and didn't know? Friend put in drink. I go 4 drug screen tomorrow will i not get job

Meth? methadone or crystal meth? Either way that is sick and I think you should find some new "friends" and go to the cops if you know this happened and tell them what happened because that is like posioning someone. Are you willing to lose your license over a "friend" that would do that to you?

As to the OP thread:

I believe that as long as you have a prescription to back everything up, you should be fine. They cant base their decision on what type of meds you are prescribed- it is none of their business why you have them prescribed to you, the amount, and I honestly dont think we should even have to say what we are on, but unfortunately we have to if it comes up on a drug screen. Im in the same situation, but with a different med, Kinda of stinks and will put myself in a weird position as I am on a medication that I WILL NOT disclose to an employer- hoping if I have to take a drug test I can speak to one person and it will stay between me and that person::Confidential:: if it comes up on the screen because alot of people dont understand and I dont need thins going on behind my back. Interesting thread- Dont worry youll be fine, and if you need to take your prescription then you go right ahead. Your dr. prescribed it so you could calm down when your anxiety kicked in, as long as it isnt interferring with your job or your safety then take it as needed/prescribed and dont worry about it!