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?
A retest would be a rerun of the initial blood sample. No school or employer is going to let you keep submitting new samples, until you test negative:banghead: Obtaining a prescription today, will not cover OP for a previous drug test:banghead:
I know, right? What is with the same bad advice being given over and over?
These same people would be the ones to go purchase car insurance after they have an accident, and then be shocked when everyone looks at them like they're nuts when they try to get payment for damages.
I don't know how it works where you are, but the internal medicine and family practice physicians I work around hand out benzos like they are M&Ms, to pretty much any client who is having a bad day.
I am pretty sure that none of these providers have ever even considered the possibility of a "signed controlled substance agreement" and would laugh heartily at the idea.
So you think this is a good thing? Honestly?
I feel it highlights inappropriate and dangerous prescribing for both he patient and the provider.
In my office we have every patient on chronic controlled substance use sign a contract (opioids, benzos, stimulants, testosterone, hypnotics). In fact it is a policy of our IPA and all the offices follow it.
I feel it highlights inappropriate and dangerous prescribing for both he patient and the provider.
In my office we have every patient on chronic controlled substance use sign a contract (opioids, benzos, stimulants, testosterone, hypnotics). In fact it is a policy of our IPA and all the offices follow it.
I don't think elkpark meant that this is a good thing, but is pointing out that chronic controlled substance contracts are a rarity in physician's offices.
I've seen 3 psychiatrists over the last 8 years for a psychiatric condition. No contracts.
This is unfortunate. I wish more offices were like yours, Boston. When I was prescribed lorazepam, I was in a bad bad place. My physician didn't tell me the risks. I wasn't in a good place to fully advocate for myself. Long story short, it took me *6 years* to get off a benzodiazepine. They're highly addictive and can throw you right into major withdrawal if not done properly. I'm now happily off them.
If I signed a contract, I might have thought more of the addictive quality of the med. They're indeed thrown at you like candy. Heck, my husband was having a hard time with insomnia a few months ago. *First* thing his PCP offered to prescribe him? Valium. He declined.
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.
Do you even begin to grasp how completely wrong this is? It's not "tricky", it's morally wrong. It scares the hell out of me that not only would you even begin to think this is ok, but that you go a step further and offer it as a possible solution.
OP - you messed up, big time. You can offer all of the excuses in the world (as can other people) but the bottom line is you don't take someone else's meds. (Which I'm sure you completely understand by now). I would wait and see what happens with the school. Some are lenient, some not so much. The only good thing I can tell you is that if this school rejects you, you can always try again at another one. And this time you will know what to do and what not to do.
Next time or for anyone else with anxiety....Go to the doctor! Or you can always try a little benadryl for anxiety. Getting in to a nursing program is contingent on passing a drug test. Sorry this situation can't possibly warrant a good outcome.
I feel it highlights inappropriate and dangerous prescribing for both he patient and the provider.
In my office we have every patient on chronic controlled substance use sign a contract (opioids, benzos, stimulants, testosterone, hypnotics). In fact it is a policy of our IPA and all the offices follow it.
Not at all -- I think it's a horrible thing. But it's what I've observed in practice throughout my career.
The issue as I see it is that you did not disclose the med prior to testing. Any drug test I have ever been given has an area on the consent to list ALL meds you have taken. Since you did not list it, it looks suspicious.
Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.
In my office we have every patient on chronic controlled substance use sign a contract (opioids, benzos, stimulants, testosterone, hypnotics). In fact it is a policy of our IPA and all the offices follow it.
Hi Boston;
I'm familiar with contracts for controlled substances but had not considered testosterone as requiring one. Can you explain why testosterone is on the list?
My bottle of TRAMADOL. Maybe it depends on the pharmacy, because I have an Ambien bottle from a different pharmacy that doesn't say it.
Just a heads up to licensed individuals saying my "..." says this or that. Before you go throwing too many stones, be aware that most BON state that you should not practice while using ANY of these meds. BONs exist to protect the consumer, not nurses, and they don't really care why you are taking them.
Yes that is harsh. I am playing neutral party here, but it's not like she injected heroin, diverted meds from a hospital, or sold drugs. She took an ativan.
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Horseshoe, BSN, RN
5,879 Posts
I know, right? What is with the same bad advice being given over and over?
These same people would be the ones to go purchase car insurance after they have an accident, and then be shocked when everyone looks at them like they're nuts when they try to get payment for damages.