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'm VERY surprised, but happy for you, that the program chose to give you a chance. Thanks for sharing the good news.
im very surprised also. She really dodged a bullet. I know my school wouldn't have been so understanding. But it's great news and I'm happy for her that the school is letting her stay in the program. She has learned a hard lesson and I'm sure this experience will help her going forward.
Very happy news for you and I'm so glad for you! No doubt there will be people who will keep berating you on this thread and will keep trying to make you feel like you and your mother are right on the same level with Scarface, but you are who you are and you will put this all behind you. Do us all proud!
Never ever take meds that are not prescribed to you. Especially controlled substances. You never know when you may be asked to give a urine or blood sample. Pretty embarrassing, and why take the chance to lose the credibility you worked so hard to gain.
So, my husband is a musician. I usually work night shift from. 7pm to 7am .One night off, I went to his gig and I got called to work due to being under staffed. I always have a extra pair of scrubs in my car. I went into work not realizing that I smelled of pot. My charge nurse pulled me aside and asked me if I was high, which I was not. I explained to him that I was back stage at my husband's gig and some of them smoked, but I did not. I took a drug test. I passed it. No harm no foul. However, my husband got a new guitar player. My charge nurse plays as well .
Whoops... If you have a prescription scheduled drug in your system with out a prescription, then you have an illegal drug in your system.
Taking someone else's Ativan because you are stressed... Not the best judgement made. Especially before for drug test... Ouch.
You can explain to the school the circumstances but who knows what will happen. Be prepared that you might lose your spot.
We've all have faced the consequences of poor judgment at some point in our lives. Hopefully this situation will teach you not to take someone else's prescription drugs when you are in a position to be drug tested at any time.
Whoops... If you have a prescription scheduled drug in your system with out a prescription, then you have an illegal drug in your system.
Taking someone else's Ativan because you are stressed... Not the best judgement made. Especially before for drug test... Ouch.
You can explain to the school the circumstances but who knows what will happen. Be prepared that you might lose your spot.
We've all have faced the consequences of poor judgment at some point in our lives. Hopefully this situation will teach you not to take someone else's prescription drugs when you are in a position to be drug tested at any time.
For anyone else who hasn't read the whole thread:
Already been addressed and action by the school was to let her continue in the program with periodic random urine screens.
She knows she made a mistake, owned it and learned her lesson. Her spotless reputation prior to this helped her program with their decision.
Kudos, OP. Now you can move forward, and I know you won't disappoint either your instructors or yourself.
Since you don't have documentation you will be reported as a failed drug test, positive for benzos. It may be in your best interest to withdraw from the program before they get the result and start next semester if they allow you to defer.
This is actually the BEST advice there is. Withdraw before it goes on your record at that school your acceptance was refunded. Reapply. See what happens.
I once had the fortunate luck to be offered a director of nurses position (at a newly formed drug alcohol and rehab center) which I did for one week. It was interesting to be on the otherside especially since I've had no management or supervisory experience. How interesting it is to hear people's trying to explain away choices they make, as if they are trying to sway your thinking to their favor. It never worked.
It doesn't matter if you email them or call them. They may have a policy regarding failed drug tests and they will abide by that policy no matter how you explained it. When speaking to your superiors always be direct and to the point. Communicate only the necessary information. This will help you deal with your bosses in your future nursing practice. And yes, I only had the position for a week. But it was a week that changed my perspective forever.
Ellie G
186 Posts
im very surprised also. She really dodged a bullet. I know my school wouldn't have been so understanding. But it's great news and I'm happy for her that the school is letting her stay in the program. She has learned a hard lesson and I'm sure this experience will help her going forward.