"Observed" urine drug screen

[thisgirldrums]

Hello all. I've been an RN for 12 years, unblemished record, stellar recommendations, and most of my experience is in critical care. I started working for a large urban health system 3 months ago. I inadvertently took home a partial vial of Fentanyl from my ED shift that I should have wasted but forgot. The next morning I brought the vial back, notified the ER Charge, the House Supe, and my Supervisor. Per the direction of the House Supe, I took the vial to pharmacy for recording and immediately reported to Employee Health for a UDS. That all seemed reasonable and expected to me. Two days later I got a call from Employee Health telling me that the MRO requested an "immediate observed urine drug screen". She didn't know the reason. I assumed that meant the EH RN would watch me pee. However, what that required was me pulling my pants and underwear down to my knees, pulling up my top, and turning a full circle in front of the employee health nurse. Then she watched me pee. Needless to say, I was humiliated. I sent a written complaint to my supervisor, who forwarded it to our Director, who wrote back that she was appalled that this happened. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I'm wondering if anyone has experienced or heard of this kind of invasive UDS? Thanks!

[Libby1987]

I can only say that since I've been in mgmt that I have heard stories about employees who have the rigged UDS in ways I never thought imaginable. It's actually been pretty disillusioning and the managers I've known have been very uncomfortable with it as well.

I'm sorry that you had to go through a mortifying procedure that came about by too many that have forced it.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

This is to ensure you are not wearing a leg bag.

You've watched a lot of people pee.. it's no big deal. Move on .. don't forget to empty your pockets when you end your shift.

[Sour Lemon]

That sounds pretty outrageous, to me. I don't think I would have cooperated.

[Cat365]

I would have had a huge issue with this. I would have allowed a "pat down" to ensure that I was not hiding a bag of urine but to drop my pants? No way!

[MunoRN, RN]

I've worked at a place where I had to be completely naked except for socks for a pre-employment screen. My understanding is that it's up to the MRO to decide what level of scrutiny (nakedness) is needed to ensure someone isn't using a method of cheating the test, so it varies.

[RiskManager]

This is not uncommon in cases of suspected impairment or diversion. I have had to witness this for male medical providers providing a sample, and I was not thrilled to do so but understood the necessity. Providers in recovery also have to do this on occasion.

[thisgirldrums]

It isn't her watching me pee that I found uncomfortable. It was dropping my pants and underwear raising my shirt and turning in a circle that I found unreasonable. And yes I doubt I leave with anything in my pockets again.

[SaltySarcasticSally, LPN, RN]

I used to be an occ health nurse and have done hundreds of drug screens. The dropping pants and turning IS standard for any observed drug screen. When an observed drug screen is done as opposed to a normal one is usually determined by the company. I've never heard of an MRO (usually a third party company employee) dictating that though so that portion is a bit fishy....

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

I had to do this when I went to work as a traveler at a military hospital. It was a little weird but I was in my early 20's and in great shape so....

[chare]

For the 20 years that I was in the Marine Corps, this is how the urinalysis monitoring was done.

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

Ick. Just ick. I am sorry that you endured this.