Preemployment drug screen

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2015

If you're actively going on job interviews, you should realize that there's always a chance, no matter how remote, that you'll be asked to advance to the next level right then and there.

You're a bit vague about how often you smoke, so I'm going to go with 2-4 times/week. You can test positive for weeks. Conversely, if you really are an occasional user (2-4 times/month) you can test clean within a week.

Of course, you should know that there are a lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration regarding how fast you clear out-weight, percentage of body fat, chronicity, etc.

Some advice-have a glass of wine or a slice of cheesecake to relax and unwind-at least until all interviews and drug screens are done. At this point, you might be SOL.

Marshall1 · Jun 29, 2015

No judgement..but..I'm surprised you were surprised about a drug screen - maybe employers - not just hospitals - require them now & are performing them at interview or close to the interview. You said in your post that you don't use drugs but you do - pot - not taking the drug test means no job, taking the drug test and failing means probably no job - depending on how long it's been since you last used you may pass. In the meantime, while job hunting you if you really want a job you need to lay off smoking. I personally don't use it but know those that do or at least have - they don't use while at work etc & view it like you do - but the fact is, it's illegal so no employer that drug tests is going to take the chance. I don't think they would report to the board tho' since you are not already employed there.

Gc738315 · Jun 29, 2015

I have been on 4 interviews and not 1 asked for a urine sample. I am currently employed and they never screened either. None are at hospitals, all private offices which is why i was suprised. I actually physically can't drink because I have a bad reaction to alcohol. I realize I will have to quit until it's legal on the federal level but my biggest concern was if they would report it to the board of nursing being that it is only preemployment. Thanks I probably just won't bother and wait for it to be out of my system

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jul 1, 2015

Just so you know, marijuana can stay in the system for 30-45 days. Last semester I did one of my clinical rotations in an addiction center. People peed in this cup and this cup had all of these squares on it for different types of drugs. If a line showed up in the box, then you tested positive. The line gets fainter and fainter the longer out someone goes, so they could tell how current the use was. There were people who had just entered the center the week before but were still testing positive. And they showed me that the lines that were very faint meant that it was old use. The faintest of faint lines were still positive. Just something to be aware of when going on interviews and applying for jobs.

I'm going to venture a guess and say the reason the other places didn't test was because they weren't considering you as a candidate for a job but this one that they asked for the urine sample did. Almost every place in health care does a drug screen now. But they can get pricey, so they only give them to candidates they are seriously considering. Just some food for thought. It would really suck if you got a job and they randomly screened you and you tested positive. At that point, I'm sure they will report you to the BON.

Even if marijuana becomes federally legal, I doubt the nursing profession will ever approve of it. Neither will the employers. At most hospitals anymore, they won't hire you if you smoke cigarettes. I know of many places that do nicotine screenings also. Just be careful.

frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2015

No judgment here, I've enjoyed the same from time to time. Being that you're seeking employment though, maybe find a different way to wind down until you're hired. I need to do a urine tox for my clinical sites for school ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

If you hit it weekly you might be SOL but if you're an occasional user you might be able to flush it out.

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caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2015

Do not expect that federal legalization will change the ban on nurses using it. Alcohol is legal. Cigarettes are fully legal, and many facilities bar staff from using them and test for nicotine.

Expecting to ever freely partake of MJ, as a working nurse, is a pipe dream . Regardless of all the arguments back and forth.

frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2015

It's true. This field will never approve or support any kind of drug use, regardless of legality

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BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Jul 1, 2015

Not judging, but WHY are you actively applying for positions when you know there will be a drug screen? Or better yet, why are you still smoking if you know there will be a drug screen?

I am not looking to be judged but I just went on an interview today for a position at a surgery center. To my suprise I was asked to go to quest diagnostics and submit a urine sample for a preemployment drug screening. I don't drink, nor do I use any drugs. However I occasionally wind down at night with recreational marijuana use. I never work under the influence but a joint at night after dinner is something I enjoy. I know I know as a nurse I shouldn't be using. But I am asking for advice whether I should bother showing up for the drug screening. Are there consequences if I don't show up other than not getting the job? My biggest fear is it being reported to the board of nursing if it tests positive and losing my license! I dont know what to do! Thank you!!

IsabelK · Jul 4, 2015

The majority of places I have applied want a drug screen. Simple answer: all of the employers I spoke with during interviews said if I didn't do the drug screen, they'd rescind the job offer. Stop smoking pot.

Trauma Columnist · Jul 4, 2015

Per our terms of service, please do not post ways to beat a drug screen. Thanks.