Stupid question

[FloridaGatorRN]

So I have been working in a rehab facility for a few weeks, however I just got a call for a hospital job. I crush MOST meds on my unit because they all have gtubes, and one more than one occasion I have accidentally inhaled dust from the pills, which have included narcs. I am now fearful that for some reason I will not pass my pre-employment drug screen. Is this a completely irrational fear or do I have some rational thought behind this.

Thanks!

[NevadaFighter, BSN, RN]

My best guess would be that this is an irrational fear. I'm not quite sure, but I think that most substances on a drug test have a certain threshold to be considered a "positive". I don't work in a lab, so I'm not quite sure. Good luck with your new job!

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

This may sound silly, but at least from now on, can you wear a mask when crushing meds?

Good luck on the interview anyhow.I cant imagine its enough med to actually show up.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

what bothers me is that if this was a concern why did you not do something about it without having a drug screen as motivation? PREVENTION of a problem is better than fixing a problem. Don't be passive when it comes to safety. Good luck with the job potential.

[HeatherGurl84]

Remember....NO question is STUPID. It should not be a problem on your drug test, that wouldnt even be enough to cause a positive result.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

Remember....NO question is STUPID. It should not be a problem on your drug test, that wouldnt even be enough to cause a positive result.

Agreed! Better a "stupid question" than a stupid mistake!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Either you are exceptionally paranoid...or you're testing out excuses because there's a chance you'll really pop positive. And to be honest, if you go to the test saying, "I crush narcotics at my current job so I'm worried about a false positive," they are going to wonder if you are trying to lay down the groundwork to cover for a true positive result.

I'm a little cynical because when you work CD and detox, you get to hear lots of creative reasons why someone's UDS came back positive...I can't imagine what excuses the testing people hear. So IMO, don't even mention the "I crush narcs at work" when you go for your UDS because it's not going to make you look good at all.

But I believe that in your case, you're just being a little irrational :)

I think you will be fine. The reality is that unless you're crushing it three inches from your face as you inhale deeply, crushing large amounts at once, or rubbing your nose with fingers coated in crushed narcotics, it's highly unlikely that you will inhaled enough to test positive. If you are still concerned about the possibility, wear a face mask when crushing meds and be sure to wash your hands before touching your face. If your coworkers ask, you can always tell them that the dust is triggering allergies.

Good luck and congratulations on the new job!

[edmia, BSN, RN]

Irrational, but understandable. If you're still worried, do a google search for narcotic clearance from urine drug test. You'll get the time lines. It's days if you're an actual USER and it depends on the drug, your urine clearance rate, your hydration level... But you can get an idea.

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