So I am getting ready for bsn nursing school to start in the summer. One of the things that was required was a drug test. I took it without any hesitation, since I do not take any drugs. However, I did messed up before the drug test. Because of all the stress of moving, getting ready for nursing school, and personal life things my mother suggested I take one her lorazepam pill to help me calm down. I took it without hesitation because it a pretty universally used drug.
The part that I messed up at is that I took it before the drug test and it showed up. I obviously have no documentation saying that I have a prescription. So now I am kicking myself in the head and I don't know what to do.
What are the consequences for this? Will I be prevented to start? Are there any legal problems I should worry about? Can I retake it to show I am not an addict or have a problem with drugs? I am thinking of e-mailing my programs director to explain my situation and tell him "I am an idiot, I am not an addict, and I am very sorry. Please don't kick me out". Thoughts?
I don't think she has any idea that it is a controlled substance, and I doubt she knows that some medications are "controlled." It's a cultural thing.
It may be a "cultural thing" but the blame falls on the prescriber. Controlled substances are dangerous medications if used inappropriately and the prescriber is responsible for clear patient education. Most offices have (and all offices should) have a signed controlled substance agreement which details the risks of use and that sharing medication is considered a breach of contract.
As for the OP, it's a bad situation. The school could even report it to the BON I would think which would make future licensure difficult. Best of luck. I would be honest if asked...
Can you get a prescription from your doc? Tell the doc how anxious you've been and that you think you need an rx for lorazapam. Then if the doc gives you a rx you have the rx to show them and you won't have to take your mom's anymore. Win win.
I beg to differ. Before you take a drug test, they have you sign an affidavit revealing what prescription drugs you may be on. If a person doesn't fuss up, they may be penalized.
Employee health has had to look through my rx and they just glance at them. I bet someone wouldn't even notice a difference in dates from drug test to rx. Just a thought. It's a tricky sticky situation.
Can you get a prescription from your doc? Tell the doc how anxious you've been and that you think you need an rx for lorazapam. Then if the doc gives you a rx you have the rx to show them and you won't have to take your mom's anymore. Win win.
OK, you're scaring me if you actually are currently an RN. Do you not realize that a date discrepancy exists?
Can you get a prescription from your doc? Tell the doc how anxious you've been and that you think you need an rx for lorazapam. Then if the doc gives you a rx you have the rx to show them and you won't have to take your mom's anymore. Win win.
Again, as some of us have pointed out, the script would have to be dated for some point BEFORE the drug screen. I personally don't know any providers who would back date a script to help out someone who had a dirty urine test.
Employee health has had to look through my rx and they just glance at them. I bet someone wouldn't even notice a difference in dates from drug test to rx. Just a thought. It's a tricky sticky situation.
Lorazepam (Advan) is an anti-anxiety medication and could also be used to treat seizures. Many people (mire than you know) do take that...in some cases including nurses. No one will penalize you for taking Lorazepam! It is not their business to go into your confidential medical history to see if you have a prescription or not. You are worried for nothing! Stay Calm and get ready to start tour BScN program. [emoji4]
That's really bad avice. One of the main thing that pre-employment or nursing school drug tests are looking for is use of a controlled substance without a prescription, and they usually take that very seriously. Even with a prescription, nurses can be prohibited from taking benzos by their employer and yes they can legally test for any prohibited substances, prescription or not.
BostonFNP, APRN
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It may be a "cultural thing" but the blame falls on the prescriber. Controlled substances are dangerous medications if used inappropriately and the prescriber is responsible for clear patient education. Most offices have (and all offices should) have a signed controlled substance agreement which details the risks of use and that sharing medication is considered a breach of contract.
As for the OP, it's a bad situation. The school could even report it to the BON I would think which would make future licensure difficult. Best of luck. I would be honest if asked...