Scared about a positive marijuana test

Nurses Recovery

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Hello,

I am seeking advise. I was scheduled to start a new travel assignment and stupidly tested positive for recreational marijuana. What an idiot, right!!! I was so scared when they called to inform me that my assignment had been cancelled, and they were required to report me to the BON. I was so scared that I denied it. I have never been in trouble for anything in my whole life and I got so scared and ridden with anxiety that I didn't know what else to do? I was told that they would be informing the BON by mail and I would have to wait to find out what happens to me. I have learned my lesson and will not partake in recreational use ever again!

This has been several months now and I have not heard anything from the BON. I am so scared as to what the future holds that I don't know what to do. I have spoke to a couple of trusted more experienced nurses who have told me that it would probably be best to continue to deny it. I did see one post on here that talked about self reporting to the drug rehab program and I was not even aware that this was an option. Does anyone have any advise? I love being a nurse and would do anything to protect my license. I have never and would never go to work under the influence of anything. I do not use prescription medication and would never even consider stealing medications from work! I have worked with nurses who steal IV medications from patients and go into the bathroom and inject them themselves. I find that crazy and I don't feel like I should be lumped into the same category as them.

I only used marijuana once in a while to relieve stress on my days off. I'm so scared! I have no idea what to do! I do not know anyone who has ever been in a situation such as mine and I do not want to broadcast it to anyone.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated! Please help!!

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From what I've read on here and researched on my own, I believe it's way better to self report instead of waiting for the BON to mandate.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

You might want to consult an attorney that specializes in board of nursing issues.

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I NEVER get why people go for drug screens knowing full well you did drugs. If you smoked pot that's fine, just don't take any assignments or jobs until its out of your system.

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Hi. I'm not sure about what state you live in - I am in La - it is better here if u aelf report.

Are u working as a nurse right now? Our state contacts nurses sooner than months later - is it possible the employer didn't contact them?

I am NOT advocating trying to get around the board or being sneaky - just saying they may not have turned you in. I self reported in my state - but worked with someone who was terminated for something similar to your situation - she was never contacted by our BON.

Anne, RNC

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Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.

In my state, it can be several months, even a year or more until the BON completes their investigation and notifies you of your disciplinary action. Don't think they have forgotten, they haven't. Its hard to refute or deny you had smoked pot, when the lab results shows otherwise. I would suggest an attorney that works with BON issues, and I would suggest you follow their guidance.

If the BON decides you are guilty, the discipline can range from probation, anywhere from from 1 day to 5 years, suspension or revocation. Regardless of the discipline, it will ALWAYS be on your license. Even if you move to another state, the nursys system will have the info for prospective employers and you will have to explain and re-explain in depth every interview forever. Don't mean to be Debbie downer, but messing with illegal, un- prescribed meds when you are a licensed nurse is a perfect setup for a major lifechanging event. It ain't worth the high... for sure...........

That all being said..... we are all human and we make mistakes. Own up to them and face the music gracefully. Honesty is the best policy.

Get you a lawyer and go from there.. best wishes and good luck... BTDT......

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I agree. I'm neither advocating nor opposing using this particular herb; however, seeing as how having it in your system would prevent you from not only getting a job, but also could jeopardize your license, why on EARTH would you go in for a pee test when you know it's still in your system? It only takes a month of not doing it to get it out. Why not just wait? :cautious:

I wish you the best with your situation though. Hopefully it all works out for you :)

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

OP, u say u think it's crazy that other nurses stole patients meds and shot up, and u don't want to be lumped in with them.

I hate to break it to u but more than likely that's exactly what will happen if or when the BON contacts u regarding your positive drug screen. Speaking as one of "those nurses" who diverted meds, it is a little crazy to me that u would even go give a drug screen knowing you would be dirty.

When u go to rehab, more than likely there will be nurses that diverted meds at work for their own use. There may be people that prostituted themselves for drugs and someone that forged scripts to get their drugs of choice.

Not trying to sound ugly but if those people thought u were sitting there judging them and thinking that about them, they would not appreciate it and prob be vocal about it.

Anne, RNC

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Here is a nurse who has a problem with alcohol. I also at first could not understand why I was lumped with people who abused prescription medication, diverted drugs, or smoked pot, then one day it finally hit because WE ALL are addicts our DOC is just different. As you learn about addiction you will also learn about cross addiction. Don't worry about who is the room with you worry about getting clean and staying clean. Good luck.

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Specializes in med/surg, step down, I have seen it all.

Here in Alabama the lead investigator will call and ask questions. If someone calls and asks questions do not tell them anything. Get you a lawyer who deals with Nurses. Be honest like you have here on this forum. Keep working! No one has to know that you are under investigation. Also some states it takes 3 years for discipline. Good luck and don't worry to much it doesn't help at all.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

If and when the BON does contact you, I would not do anything without an attorney present. I would also not self-report or contact the BON about this without consulting with an attorney first. The BON is not the nurse's friend--their priority is the public's safety. You need someone who will put your interests first, hence the lawyer.

Regardless of whether the BON contacts you, I would strongly recommend you find another way to manage your stress, as regular MJ use is not compatible with a successful nursing career. Even in the states that allow medicinal or other MJ use, you'll find that those BONs don't tolerate nurses who test positive for it. And as marijuana is still a schedule I drug, the "the doctor prescribed it!" excuse doesn't fly as schedule I drugs can NOT be prescribed--practicioners can only recommend its use.

Best of luck,

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