Pre-employment physical -uds

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 7, 2012

Almost zero possibility of positive drug screen under these conditions, if things will go exactly as you put them (unless you have some serious renal/hepatic problem). You may want to have a copy of discharge summary, where all your meds are listed, with you just in case; you also may ask your doctor to write two-line note with short explanantion and list of these meds, without any other details. At the very last resort, just delay your physical for another couple of days :)

Kidrn911 · Jun 7, 2012

Thanks for the reply

merlee · Jun 7, 2012

If it is truly a week, there should not be any drug left in your body. Depending on the system that is used, many times there is no opportunity to tell the testing personnel what there may be in your sample - it is handled after the results are in.

Probably not worth worrying about.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 7, 2012

I would still disclose that you had a minor surgical procedure if there is an opportunity.

stargazer88 · Jun 7, 2012

I wouldn't say anything to my employer, or write down any meds you are taking. If something shows up in your drug screen, the testing company will call you, then they will call the pharmacy to confirm that you have a valid prescription filled within the last year. If it's valid they will report a negative drug screen.

The problem with telling your employer about illnesses, surgeries or meds you take is that you may find they will scrutinize your performance more than usual, they may be more critical, and you may even be marked for exit before you even make it through orientation. (of course, they will not TELL you any of this)

The reason for the scrutiny is that you may be seen as more of a liability than an asset. Employers are not conerned about YOU (although they may ACT sympathetic), they are concerned with their insurance costs and legal liability.

These days employers can be choosy, the nursing shortage is over.

They don't want employees who may (they think) take too many sick days or even have a drug problem. Employers who require pre-employment drug screens and physicals don't want employees who take controlled substances no matter what the reason is. They are looking for healthy employees. If they were concerned with only illegal substances, they wouldn't be testing for legal, controlled, prescribed meds.

Over the years I have noticed that the more pre-employment screening, testing and digging a facility does, the harder that facility turns out to be to work for. I'm not talking about the work required - the general environment of these facilities is one of mistrust. It trickles down from those who make the rules. Makes for a toxic environment.

Of course, not all employers who require testing are like that, One just needs to be careful and take a good look at who you are working for.

The best facility I ever worked for (stayed for several years) was the first one I ever worked for. The DNS went on her "gut feelings" about people when she hired. If you had the qualifications, if she liked you, and they had an opening, you were hired! It was a wonderful, nurturing environment, especially for new grads. I couldn't wait to go to work every day , my co-workers were like family.

Didn't mean to ramble on..but I'm speaking from experience. You need to protect yourself, you don't want to be marked before you even start.

If you would like to know more, feel free to send me a personal message.

RNGriffin · Jun 7, 2012

You should have a occupational health office where you will be able to speak with the NP( typically) or PA who will conduct the remainder of your physical exam. This is the time where you should disclose your recent surgery and any drugs you have taken within the past 30 days, if you are fearful of detection. This will be documented by the NP or PA in your employee health record for Hiring purposes. Also, like you would with your immunization records and most recent physical exam, bring documentation supporting your statement.

If you will be going to a private physician, he or she will likely give you documentation that's sufficient for employment.

lynnr_98, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 9, 2012

I just left my Occupational Health Nurse job but can tell you that where I worked (a very large County in So. Calif), you would need to list any presciption meds you've taken in the last year on your medical history form along with any surgeries, illnesses, etc. If it was discovered that you did not disclose information, it would be grounds for disqualification. You would also need to list any prescription meds you've taken in the last 60 days on the drug screen consent form along with the reason why you were taking them and the name of the prescribing physician.

All nurses hired at that organization have to go through a physical exam by the MD or the PA, so depending on what kind of minor surgery you had, it would probably be discovered during that exam. If the facility you're going to work for is as thorough as ours was, I suggest you be upfront, disclose the minor procedure, and list the meds. Worst case scenario is they may ask you to obtain a note from your physician asking if you have any restrictions due to your condition/recent surgery or if you're able to work full duty.

Kidrn911 · Jun 15, 2012

It's been 5 days so far, have heard anything. No news is good news, so I guess I passed the phusical and UDS. Thanks all for your help.

poppycat, ADN, BSN · Jun 26, 2012

I was diagnosed with RA last October &, as a result, was taking Vicodin or Ultram on a regular basis until late March when I went into remission. During that time I applied for a private duty home health position. During my pre-employment physical I was asked for a list of all medications I'd taken in the past year. I was told if ,y drug screen came back positive they would just need to see the prescription bottles for the meds I take. There was absolutely no problem with this & I love the job.