Weed and work.

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A classmate of mine is a heavy cannabis user. To the point where he has not even applied for any positions yet because he is certain that his pre-screening drug test will come back positive. He says that he just has to stay clean long enough to pass the drug screening because "hospitals hardly ever drug tests to nurses."

How true is this? How often are nurses screened at YOUR facility? I was going to ask my preceptor, but I think me asking will look weird..

Specializes in Critical care.

yeah, because that happens.... tell Seth Rogen and Willie Nelson

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yeah, because that happens.... tell Seth Rogen and Willie Nelson

And which happens to have zero to do with smoking weed and being a nurse.

Legal or not legal in any given state, it is against federal law, and employers have gone to court over this and won. People who use MJ are not a protected class and can be fired for testing positive. And in most cases, they will be fired. Playing the "it's legal" card will get you nowhere.

It's so much work to obtain and keep a nursing license. I personally am not willing to risk it. Others may make a different choice.

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I just read another post saying that even if it's legal they will still fire the person for using.

You know what I'd do? I'd leave that place regardless if I smoked or not, I'm not letting my employer dictate what I do at home. It's legal! Back off!

The Colorado supreme court has ruled that employers can fire employees who use regardless of the fact that it's legal in Colorado. I'd be surprised if there are any places you can work as a nurse, test positive, and not be fired. And not only fired, but also reported to the BON. Therefore, they don't have to "back off." They have the law on their side.

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Can he stay sober at work? I was drug screened at hire & not again for 20 yrs. If he can stay sober at work, he can go to a headshop & buy "cleaners" that will help him pass a urine drug screen. I know people that smoke off shift, these cleaners work but if hes going to be high at work tell him to practice his yard work skills.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
The Colorado supreme court has ruled that employers can fire employees who use regardless of the fact that it's legal in Colorado. I'd be surprised if there are any places you can work as a nurse, test positive, and not be fired. And not only fired, but also reported to the BON. Therefore, they don't have to "back off." They have the law on their side.

There are places in Alaska which might (and have) terminate your employment as a nurse because you did not pass a urine test for marijuana but will NOT report that to the BON. I personally know someone who dropped dirty, had an Rx from another state to cover the use for a medical condition, and was simply let go without drama. Too bad, the fellow is a really really good nurse, just can't take antiemetics at all.

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Since THC stays in the body longer and pot is becoming legal across the board, do you think employers will ever look at THC levels, etc?

Like how DUI can blow a trace amount into a Breathalyzer and not be considered impaired?

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I encourage all people to smoke weed. It make it much easier for me to take your job and outwit you in business and take your money

Carry on............

No way in hades you will ever outwit me .. and take my 6 figure job.

Now excuse me, while I have a toke and start my 7 course Thanksgiving dinner.

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Specializes in ED.

One of the most important attributes of being a successful nurse is good judgement. If someone chooses to indulge in something, legal or not, that would jeopardize their career I think it would be appropriate to question their judgement. I really believe the legality of smoking dope is irrelevant, what is important is you are risking your professional future. If you feel the rules are wrong work to change them, but abstain until they are changed.

I personally feel smoking weed is the most innocuous of recreational drugs, but it stays in your system longest and is prohibited by all BON's, so I don't do it. Simple! I also went to college in the 1970's so it really isn't that simple.

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One of the most important attributes of being a successful nurse is good judgement. If someone chooses to indulge in something, legal or not, that would jeopardize their career I think it would be appropriate to question their judgement. I really believe the legality of smoking dope is irrelevant, what is important is you are risking your professional future. If you feel the rules are wrong work to change them, but abstain until they are changed.

I personally feel smoking weed is the most innocuous of recreational drugs, but it stays in your system longest and is prohibited by all BON's, so I don't do it. Simple! I also went to college in the 1970's so it really isn't that simple.

Agree, and awesome name.

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One of the most important attributes of being a successful nurse is good judgement. If someone chooses to indulge in something, legal or not, that would jeopardize their career I think it would be appropriate to question their judgement. I really believe the legality of smoking dope is irrelevant, what is important is you are risking your professional future. If you feel the rules are wrong work to change them, but abstain until they are changed.

I personally feel smoking weed is the most innocuous of recreational drugs, but it stays in your system longest and is prohibited by all BON's, so I don't do it. Simple! I also went to college in the 1970's so it really isn't that simple.

Here is the simple truth. I KNOW I cannot change the archaic / politically charged rules regarding the use of marijuana. I am an informed voter and use my vote accordingly.

In MY case.. I am neither old or in the way. I have earned the right to smoke whatever I choose. My employer does not give a rat's patooty what I smoke.

Much like lawyers, accountant's and doctor's employers.

Now where did I put that whisk?

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Here is the simple truth. I KNOW I cannot change the archaic / politically charged rules regarding the use of marijuana. I am an informed voter and use my vote accordingly.

In MY case.. I am neither old or in the way. I have earned the right to smoke whatever I choose. My employer does not give a rat's patooty what I smoke.

Much like lawyers, accountant's and doctor's employers.

Now where did I put that whisk?

And if they decide to drug test you they have the right to fire you.

It's not about being old enough or about demonizing pot. I'm certainly not doing that. But until things change, and they will, nurses that smoke can lose their jobs.

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And the OP? Nah. Too much. I wouldn't want him caring for me any more than I want a drunk nurse, or one high on pills.

If he's too scared to apply for a job? Nope.

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