When do nursing programs do drug tests?

Nursing Students General Students

Updated:   Published

Is it when you get accepted or a bit before the semester starts? I'm applying for Fall, which is nine months away; when do you think they would make you submit a drug test?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Definitely at the end of the program. They just want to make sure you can pass your pre-employment drug screen.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

We got tested usually during the first week of classes and then sometimes again around mid-semester.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

We had to submit the results of a drug test with our application. They will test you again if there is suspicion of you being under the influence. The next drug test I had was pre-employment for a nursing job after graduation.

The best bet would be to ask the school when they drug test so that you can plan your drug use accordingly.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.
helloego said:
Is it when you get accepted or a bit before the semester starts? I'm applying for Fall, which is nine months away; when do you think they would make you submit a drug test?

At my school, we were drug tested in the first week (I think it was actually the third day) of classes, and then only if we had an incident (needle stick, serious drug error, missing narcotic). I was drug tested on day 3 of classes, and after my instructor stuck me with a used Lovenox syringe (yes, you read that right, she stuck me!). No other time. Not sure about other classmates, though.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

We were drug tested at the beginning of our program, every three months during depending on the clinical site, and whenever else they want to (basically, we are subject to a test at any time).

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

We were never drug tested in my program.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had to get drug tested during our application process. And that's it.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

We were tested as part of our acceptance. After offer, everyone had to submit proof of vaccines, drug screens, and a bunch of other paperwork before the term started. No tests during the program unless there was a cause.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.
CelticGoddess said:
At my school, we were drug tested in the first week (I think it was actually the third day) of classes, and then only if we had an incident (needle stick, serious drug error, missing narcotic). I was drug tested on day 3 of classes, and after my instructor stuck me with a used Lovenox syringe (yes, you read that right, she stuck me!). No other time. Not sure about other classmates, though.

EXCUSE ME I would love to hear the story of your instructor sticking you with a used Lovenox syringe. I'm sorry that happened!

OP, my program has yet to drug test me. I'm graduating in May. I did get tested when I got hired to work as a tech in the hospital at the end of my first semester, but that was a term of my employment with the hospital, not a thing the college made me do in order to enroll.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.

I was never drug tested during nursing school nor during my first eight years as a nurse. My current job, a job in which I have touched a narcotic, I think twice in my 2 1/2 years with the company, is the only company that I ever worked for that did pre-employment drug testing.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.
nalie2 said:
We were never drug tested in my program.

My program didn't test either.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment