Question about passing drug tests for nursing students

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:roll :roll please respond to my post if you have any information or opinions concerning this because we really need help!.......my sister and i entered college together to obtain a bachelors degree in nursing. before we can actually begin any courses we have to pass a background check and drug screen. we both have no problem passing the background check but my sister was prescribed methadone over 3 months ago and has needed to remain on it due to pain. when we take our drug screen test will she pass or will they fail her because she is prescribed methadone? she can prove the diagnosis and prescription given to her from her doctor. what do you guys think?

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Specializes in ER.

If she has a script for Methadone, there is no problem.

TL

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Specializes in Looking for a career in NICU.

She needs to take the bottle with her to the drug test and give it to the administrator so she can take the information down to verify the prescription.

If your sister doesn't give the information she will receive a fail...obviously, it's fixable...but if she has a valid prescription at her drug test she will receive a pass.

The drug testing center is generally under no obligation to inform the requesting party of drugs that show up in a screen IF you present a valid prescription at your test.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
The drug testing center is generally under no obligation to inform the requesting party of drugs that show up in a screen IF you present a valid prescription at your test.

Disagree -- the testing center is contracted to report the results of screening for a predetermined panel of substances. They have no "opinion" on the appropriateness of the reasons why screened substances may show up in a positive test result. They should, and generally do, document prescriptions and other info which could be relevant to the interpretation of the test results, which lies with the employer or other party to requested the drug screening test.

Methadone is a drug with a potential for impairment, even when taken at appropriately prescribed doses. The person who is currently taking methadone will want to speak with the school to discuss the implications of the positive test result.

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What chance do I have of being a nurse if I have a history of drug use? I went through rehab and I've been clean for 5 years.

Any advice to a pre-nursing student?

Thanks,

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What chance do I have of being a nurse if I have a history of drug use? I went through rehab and I've been clean for 5 years.

Any advice to a pre-nursing student?

Thanks,

It's arrests/convictions you need to worry about. If you're clear on those, fuhgeddaboudid.

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I was on Lortab when I had my ds and I just took the prescription bottle with me when I tested and everything was ok. Just make sure she has proof it's a prescription and it shouls be fine.

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A friend of mine had a previous history of drug abuse. Even has a criminal record for drugs arrest - long before she started her schooling. She had a hard time proving her soberity to the board of nursing when she went for her license. She had to go through a rehab program and provide proof of this. Eventually she did get her license, and is now working as an RN.

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