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?
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
As promised here is the long awaited update on the situation and my future. As I previously said, I sent an e-mail to the director and the program coordinator explaining what happened. I got a response back and was asked to meet with the coordinator briefly. During the meeting I explained what happened and I took responsibility for my actions. And then I got good news! She understands that life is dumb and that mistakes can happen. She also took into account my previous negative drug tests results (for work and other purposes) and that I was a recipient for something else (I won't say what, because then you can find out who I am). Therefore the school decided that I'll be given a second chance and stay in the program! I am going to have to retake the drug test now and I will have random drug tests in the future at my own expense, but this is a very small price to pay. If I fail any of these or refuse to take it, then I will be dismiss from the program, but that won't be a problem. So yay!
I am thrill that I can stay in the program, but I know what I did was a dumb mistake and I will not make the same mistake ever again. I've read everyone's response here and I am thankful for the support. I know many of you will disagree with the school's decision to give me a second chance. Therefore I am going to stop using this account, since I don't want anyone to figure out what school I am in and hold a negative bias against anyone associated with the program.
To clear some things up, my mom made a simple mistake that a non-medical person would make. There was no malice or ill intentions. I am not addicted to the drug, I am not going to abuse it, and I prefer to exercise to calm my mind. I am not going to be a junkie and steal patient's drug. Some of you might say I am not "nursing material", but instead I am going to listen to my mentors, professors, and myself who all say that I will be an excellent nurse and future Nurse Practitioner.
So yeah that's it. I learned a big lesson, I hope no one else makes the same mistake as me. I'm off to prepare to do cool stuff and work on my English grammar.
And honesty and a positive reputation has worked to your advantage! Congratulations. Now you know. It will cost you for the drug tests moving forward but you have learned your lesson and perhaps can guide others
Specializes in Med Surg/ICU/Psych/Emergency/CEN/retired.
As promised here is the long awaited update on the situation and my future. As I previously said, I sent an e-mail to the director and the program coordinator explaining what happened. I got a response back and was asked to meet with the coordinator briefly. During the meeting I explained what happened and I took responsibility for my actions. And then I got good news! She understands that life is dumb and that mistakes can happen. She also took into account my previous negative drug tests results (for work and other purposes) and that I was a recipient for something else (I won't say what, because then you can find out who I am). Therefore the school decided that I'll be given a second chance and stay in the program! I am going to have to retake the drug test now and I will have random drug tests in the future at my own expense, but this is a very small price to pay. If I fail any of these or refuse to take it, then I will be dismiss from the program, but that won't be a problem. So yay!
I am thrill that I can stay in the program, but I know what I did was a dumb mistake and I will not make the same mistake ever again. I've read everyone's response here and I am thankful for the support. I know many of you will disagree with the school's decision to give me a second chance. Therefore I am going to stop using this account, since I don't want anyone to figure out what school I am in and hold a negative bias against anyone associated with the program.
To clear some things up, my mom made a simple mistake that a non-medical person would make. There was no malice or ill intentions. I am not addicted to the drug, I am not going to abuse it, and I prefer to exercise to calm my mind. I am not going to be a junkie and steal patient's drug. Some of you might say I am not "nursing material", but instead I am going to listen to my mentors, professors, and myself who all say that I will be an excellent nurse and future Nurse Practitioner.
So yeah that's it. I learned a big lesson, I hope no one else makes the same mistake as me. I'm off to prepare to do cool stuff and work on my English grammar.
This is very good news to hear. Life is full of troubles, and you have handled this with maturity and grace, no matter how it turned out. I admit I was dismayed at some of the negative responses, but we all are entitled to our opinions. I hope you can someday share your experience with a more novice person as you navigate your journey to teach others. Congratulations and bury your head in those books! Best wishes.
I am both happy and sad to hear that you are continuing on toward becoming the next top model..oops I mean nurse! Happy that you are getting a second chance, but sad that you will probably live to wonder why you wanted this so badly.
I understood the decision to close this account, but I hope you consider opening a new one and sticking around to contribute and learn from this great place! Best of luck to you.
I understood the decision to close this account, but I hope you consider opening a new one and sticking around to contribute and learn from this great place! Best of luck to you.
I am not going to leave the community entirely, but I will be opening another account so that I can participate in it.
Then why would they test for it if it doesn't matter. If they test for it and you pop hot you better have a prescription. Your mom "suggested" you take Ativan? Is she an MD? Did she prescribe this?
ASK the school or whoever administered the test what the consequences are. You must understand your "mom" isn't going to defend you in a lawsuit when you pop hot for controlled medications. You can't go before a judge and say your "mom suggested it" and that's why you did it and then caused a sentinel event. This is the world of lawyers, lawsuits, and lots of people looking to get paid. The easiest way? Find a healthcare provider taking controlled meds they are not prescribed.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Then why would they test for it if it doesn't matter. If they test for it and you pop hot you better have a prescription. Your mom "suggested" you take Ativan? Is she an MD? Did she prescribe this?
ASK the school or whoever administered the test what the consequences are. You must understand your "mom" isn't going to defend you in a lawsuit when you pop hot for controlled medications. You can't go before a judge and say your "mom suggested it" and that's why you did it and then caused a sentinel event. This is the world of lawyers, lawsuits, and lots of people looking to get paid. The easiest way? Find a healthcare provider taking controlled meds they are not prescribed.
No matter what...LEARN from this.
The original poster already posted an update to this situation:
Therefore the school decided that I'll be given a second chance and stay in the program! I am going to have to retake the drug test now and I will have random drug tests in the future at my own expense, but this is a very small price to pay. If I fail any of these or refuse to take it, then I will be dismiss from the program, but that won't be a problem. So yay!
Now that it is all over and even has a happy ending. There was a scene in an at least ??? 30 + year old Burt Reynolds comedy movie where he has a panic attack/nervous breakdown in the middle of a department store. A curious crowd gathers around him and Burt's friend says, "Does anyone have a Valium?" everybody in the crowd says, "I do", and starts to reach for their supply!
As promised here is the long awaited update on the situation and my future. As I previously said, I sent an e-mail to the director and the program coordinator explaining what happened. I got a response back and was asked to meet with the coordinator briefly. During the meeting I explained what happened and I took responsibility for my actions. And then I got good news! She understands that life is dumb and that mistakes can happen. She also took into account my previous negative drug tests results (for work and other purposes) and that I was a recipient for something else (I won't say what, because then you can find out who I am). Therefore the school decided that I'll be given a second chance and stay in the program! I am going to have to retake the drug test now and I will have random drug tests in the future at my own expense, but this is a very small price to pay. If I fail any of these or refuse to take it, then I will be dismiss from the program, but that won't be a problem. So yay!
I am thrill that I can stay in the program, but I know what I did was a dumb mistake and I will not make the same mistake ever again. I've read everyone's response here and I am thankful for the support. I know many of you will disagree with the school's decision to give me a second chance. Therefore I am going to stop using this account, since I don't want anyone to figure out what school I am in and hold a negative bias against anyone associated with the program.
To clear some things up, my mom made a simple mistake that a non-medical person would make. There was no malice or ill intentions. I am not addicted to the drug, I am not going to abuse it, and I prefer to exercise to calm my mind. I am not going to be a junkie and steal patient's drug. Some of you might say I am not "nursing material", but instead I am going to listen to my mentors, professors, and myself who all say that I will be an excellent nurse and future Nurse Practitioner.
So yeah that's it. I learned a big lesson, I hope no one else makes the same mistake as me. I'm off to prepare to do cool stuff and work on my English grammar.
I'm VERY surprised, but happy for you, that the program chose to give you a chance. Thanks for sharing the good news.
JustBeachyNurse, LPN
13,957 Posts
And honesty and a positive reputation has worked to your advantage! Congratulations. Now you know. It will cost you for the drug tests moving forward but you have learned your lesson and perhaps can guide others