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 Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Ugh is really all I got. Well at least tell me that this won't land me in jail and that it won't show up on future drug test.
You are not likely to go to jail over one dirty test but I will give you some likely scenarios. Depending on the state you live in they may offer you the chance to retest. Probably more than once to show that there is no pattern of dirty tests. They may or may not accept your explanation but this is not just about 1 lorazepam, This is about your personal judgement. The BON looks to see if you are acting as a reasonably prudent person would act under the same or similar circumstances. Taking another persons prescription is a crime! The BON wants to be sure that they are licensing people of sound judgement who will practice safe nursing. They could care less if you are an addict or not. If they allow you to retest and your school allows you to continue you will likely start out your nursing career under supervision. Which means 1 to 3 UDS a month for 2 to five years (At your own expense). That's a best case scenario. Worst case scenario your school will dismiss you and you will have to find another school to accept you.
Libby1987
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