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?
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.
Playing devil's advocate here, but why wouldn't the BON or the nursing program say "if he/she would take a pill without a script from a friend would they take a pill from the hospital or street?"
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?
It's a schedule III with abuse potential as an anabolic steroid and abuse puts patients at significant risk; it is also dangerous for children if exposed. Our contract sheet just states it's filled at a single pharmacy from single provider, patient agrees to monitoring (CBC, T levels, PSA, etc), agrees to keep medication locked and take only as prescribed, no early fills or replacement scripts, and acknowledges the risks associated with routine treatment as well as misuse.
Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.
It's a schedule III with abuse potential as an anabolic steroid and abuse puts patients at significant risk; it is also dangerous for children if exposed. Our contract sheet just states it's filled at a single pharmacy from single provider, patient agrees to monitoring (CBC, T levels, PSA, etc), agrees to keep medication locked and take only as prescribed, no early fills or replacement scripts, and acknowledges the risks associated with routine treatment as well as misuse.
Boston, Thanks for this detailed explanation. I had not thought about all of these implications. One of the clinics I work at sometimes patients come in on Sat/Sun for their testosterone shots. I will have to talk to the physician owner if this is a problem.
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.
I haven't thrown any stones and I don't take it at work. Plus- it's tramadol. But thanks
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.
List everything, even OTC meds.
No, that's not the issue. The issue is she took a controlled substance without a prescription. That is illegal.
I would talk to the director personally not by email or by phone.... face to face
, explain the situation and beg for a retest. I would also offer to random drug tests throughout the program at your expense.
The issue I see with a retest, why should they let her take one? The object isn't to test until you test clean, it's to pass the test on the first try.
When you fail a drug test you are asked to supply proof of a valid prescription, which they do not have. You are going into a field where you will have access to some very controlled substances and you will need a lot better judgement/self control in the future. Be open and honest and admit your mistake. Show you are willing to own up to the error and that you acknowledge your mistake. Hope it all works out for you.
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.
List everything, even OTC meds.
When I took my drug test, I was told NOT to divulge any medications I was currently taking. Several days later I received a call from the Lab Director, asking for my pharmacy's phone number. That was it.
I hate posters like you. She has a caring heart, therefore she IS nursing material. And I'd take any bet that half the nurses out there are using themselves nowadays. Sorcery will be rampant in the end times.
BostonFNP, APRN
2 Articles; 5,584 Posts
Playing devil's advocate here, but why wouldn't the BON or the nursing program say "if he/she would take a pill without a script from a friend would they take a pill from the hospital or street?"