Pre-employment screening

[TKP3321]

Was wondering if anyone knew how long HR keeps records of failed pre-employment drug tests. I got a job offer at a hospital as a CNA back in 2007, long story short I failed the drug test for having marijuana in my system. Fast forward to present day & after a lot of maturing (& no longer using illegal drugs) I am wanting to apply to the same hospital as an RN. I was wondering if anyone knew if hospital HR departments keep failed drug test for 8 years? I hope to get a chance of getting a job at the hospital instead of getting my application thrown out by my foolish mistakes in the past. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[verene, MSN]

I don't know for sure, but I would doubt they keep it on file for more than 12 months. If you apply and get hired you'd have to take a new drug test anyway, and those are the results that would count.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Depends. There are facilities that maintain permanent do not hire/do not rehire lists. They may not keep all the records but they may maintain a list.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Many places may not keep the failed drug screen result, but instead may have placed you on their do not hire list. That list pretty much lasts forever. You won't know unless you apply - so go for it.