RN_Erin

I was a CNA in a LTC for 5 years before becoming a nurse. You can't ever force something on a resident. (I'm not sure what the policy is for nurses as far as meds and stuff). With residents that continuously pulled off their nasal cannulas, I'd just do my best to check on them frequently put them back on them. But if they fought me or refused, I never forced it. The best is to try and encourage them and explain why they need it and try to convince them. And that is difficult to do with someone who is confused. I'd never just give up and let it go the first time they refused, I'd give them a little time and then try again, but you can't physically force anything. I agree that it may be important to discuss the issue with their POA/Family. Maybe the POA/Family needs to make some decisions regarding how to proceed with patient care.

@Heathermaizey Having THC show up in your system is not the same thing as being under the influence of it. I'm not advocating for it, but when you smoke a joint, it doesn't mean you're high for the whole 30 days that it's in your system. Hows the weather up there on your high horse? It must be nice living in a world where it's so easy to avoid making mistakes.

I'm really sorry to hear this. I found myself in a similar situation a few months ago, however, it was after I'd graduated and gotten my license. I'd been at my dream job for 4 months when I was assaulted by a patient and on my day off was in so much pain that I took half of a narcotic pain pill that wasn't mine. I was drug tested for the work injury claim and failed it. I explained what happened but they still let me go. I lucked out and managed to find another job in another hospital. I know that my situation wasn't the same as yours and unfortunately I don't have any sage advice on what you should do next. I guess I shared this in hopes that it might at least let you know that you're not alone and even though it sometimes feels like we're expected to be, nurses aren't any more infallible than the next person. You're still a good person and I'm sure you will be an amazing nurse. I really hope things work out for you and that you cut yourself a break because it sounds like you've learned from what happened. Keep your chin up :)

I had to do a mandatory drug test because it's required after ANY on the job injury; I made the mistake of letting people pressure me into reporting it which I wish I hadn't, I'd forgotten that they drug tested you afterwards. I did go to my doctor but hadn't even remembered taking the muscle relaxer and had thought it was the same one that my doctor gave me a prescription for the day before the drug test. It was pure stupidity on my part and an honest mistake, I swear that I never normally take pain meds, hence me having taken one of my parents since I didn't have my own. After I was confronted I felt like all I could do was come clean and hope for some leniency like being retested because I knew I couldn't lie my way out of a drug test. Thank you for your advice and not seeming really judgmental about this, it means a lot

I'm not saying they were in the wrong in terminating me, I did technically violate the code and had signed upon hire that I agreed that it could be automatic termination. Even though my violation was completely unintentional. I don't know if there is a union. But I just don't know how to explain it in the future. They stated they aren't going to report it to the BON, so it's not going to affect my license.

So I need advice and have tried to research this but have been struggling to find anything that is helping me. I landed my dream job of being an ED nurse straight out of nursing school. I did my 3-month Capstone in an ED and was immediately hired on for the ED New Grad RN program. I was recently let go from my position after 4 months of working in this ED because I failed a drug test. I'd been injured after being kicked by a patient. On my day off the day after I was in so much pain that I was unable to get out of bed. I had been so desperate that I'd taken one pain pill from my parents that I didn't have a prescription for. I know that was unacceptable but like I said, I was desperate. When I officially reported it three days later, they said it was mandatory for me to do a drug screen. I tested positive for that medication on the drug test and came clean and explained it to the lady from the drug screening company who then contacted HR the next Thursday with the results and my explanation. I didn't receive a call from HR so I worked my shifts through the weekend. HR called me the next Monday, and I explained once again what had happened. On Tuesday, they called and told me they didn't have a choice but to terminate me. I do realize that I had agreed to that when I took the job. The HR director told me that they wouldn't report me to DOPL. He also said that I would be considered re-hirable and that I should look for another RN job to work for a year or two and then could consider reapplying for a job at that hospital. He said that they would only tell potential employers that contacted them these things: my position that I worked there, my start and stop dates, and that I was considered re-hirable. My question is, how do I explain the short amount of time I worked at that hospital and the circumstances under which I left? Also, do I have to list this as a termination since my former employer didn't state that telling them I was terminated was a part of something they could tell my potential employers? I would really appreciate nonjudgmental responses since it truly was an honest mistake and I am already beating myself up about this. It truly was the first time I'd taken a pain medication that wasn't my own and have never gone to work under the influence of any medication, my own or otherwise.