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Nurses General Nursing

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This has probably been asked already but here goes. i am transferring to another hospital. i will also be required to take a urine drug test which includes nicotine. the drugs im noy worried about. I quit smoking for good 4 weeks ago and have not smoked anything since. my question is this: will i be on the clear when it comes time to pass the nicotine portion. i used to smoke 6 to 7 cigs. sometimes less and sometimes not at all per day. i tried out a cotinine test kit which read negative. also does anyone know how sensative the testing procedures for urine actually are? thank you

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

You should be fine but I am sorry this kind of nanny state makes my blood boil. Last I heard smoking cigarettes wasn't illegal, at least not yet. While I get that employers can exclude hiring on the base of tobacco use, or should I say nicotine use since nowadays so may people are getting their nicotine through vaping doesn't mean I think they should.

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Specializes in Mental Health.

Wow that’s crazy what state is that?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

I know hospitals in Maryland and Virginia test for nicotine. I think of this when people ask if "legal" (prescription or otherwise) marijuana would be OK for nursing.

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In Detroit, MI I was also tested for nicotine. I believe, it depends on facility and not state. OP, I think you should be fine. Good luck!

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Specializes in Mental Health.

We have an optional test where I just started. If you are nicotine free you get a discount on your insurance, but you don't have to do it if you don't want to and it has no bearing on your employment. I can't imagine being tested for it just to get a job though.

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yes. i was kinda surprised. i work for another hospital in their group and have nit neen questioned. oh well good excuse to kick cigs to the curb for good. i tested negative on a home cotinine kit so i guess thats a good thing. we shall see i guess.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

Penn Medicine excludes for tobacco use, but not at the NJ locations where that is not legal.

It does depend on the state.

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Specializes in Primary Care, Military.
On ‎8‎/‎11‎/‎2019 at 1:11 PM, CalicoKitty said:

I know hospitals in Maryland and Virginia test for nicotine. I think of this when people ask if "legal" (prescription or otherwise) marijuana would be OK for nursing.

Some hospitals in Virginia. It varies.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
On 8/11/2019 at 6:00 AM, Rionoir said:

Wow that’s crazy what state is that?

Some facilities are doing this in California now - it's an employer's prerogative to choose who they will or will not hire as long as they don't violate federal discrimination standards. My facility is one. Theory being that statistically smokers cost employers more in sick days and insurance coverage costs so they don't want to hire them.

Hppy

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looks like it is becomming more common. makes sense really. but the whole "im going to dictate what u do on your off time" by dangling your job or potential for a job is a bit annoying. guess if u want that job bad enough you will make the necessary changes. ive been without for about 28 days now so i hope i will be ok with the urine screening. i look at it as an opportunity to kick a harmful habit anyways. thanks for your comments

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Amazing what infrengments on our autonomy without scientific backing we will allow. They are not banning cigarettes, they are banning nicotine. All to save a buck at good employees expense.

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