preemployment drug screen

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I went for an interview last week and they wanted me to start 1st week of May. That same day, I was asked if I was ready to provide a urine sample. I wasn't ready due to the fact that I had to go to the bathroom just before I went in for the interview and didnt drink anything since (interview lasted for about an hour). Over the weekend i've had terrible migraine, eye pain, nasal congestion and flu-like symptoms and the doctor recommended Excedrine, Mucinex, Sudafed. I used to take Aleve. This week I'm supposed to come back for the drug screen and other pre-employment exams. While I've taken only one dose of each since i realized thay could give false positive results, will it still be a good idea to take the test this week? or to wait another week until the drugs are out of my system? I'm not sure what to do right now but im excited about the position and they want me to start soon.

Please advise.. thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 1st year Critical Care RN, not CCRN cert.

Not one of those medications will show in your urine. They are not looking for Tylenol or Motrin or Sudafed in your pee.

Don't eat poppy seeds 24 hours prior to testing and if you don't use any opiates or barbiturates or benzo's you will be fine. If you do use them, you need to show your prescription and have a valid reason for using them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do the test. They are looking for illegal substances or meds used without a valid prescription...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go ASAP - if you wait more than 48 hours it appears suspicious.

Best wishes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

I agree the longer you wait the more suspicious it looks and you could lose the job.:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

you will be fine man...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

In the past whenever I've had a UA coming up for work or school, I've always over-analyzed everything I've taken in the weeks leading up, and even not taken meds I've needed because I was worried they might cause a false positive (which all gets thrown out the window when you get selected for a random UA!). And even with all that worrying and meticulous guarding of my intake, I've never had a positive. I've never consumed anything that would give me a positive. I just needed to chill.

Honestly, if you're not doing anything you shouldn't you have nothing to worry about. Get down there as soon as possible and give the sample and be confident.

Worrying and postponing makes you look guilty, and is totally not worth it. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/surg, Quality & Risk.

It's not a nurse job is it?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Closed for review.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Reopened. If you can't provide something relevant to the thread, it's better to not comment. Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When you say you cannot take a drug test due to not being able to use the restroom, that throws up big red flags...Drink some water, go to the bathroom. They do not need a full cup. Then stating you took a med that could cause a false positive AFTER you were not able to take the test. Sounds like you are worried about something...Just saying.

Jenn

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.

I do agree with going asap. The sooner you go the less stressed you will be :) Ivanna

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment