Worried about testing positive (drug test)

[neuron]

Hi,

I am not sure where to post this, but I need advice about taking a drug test. I work passing meds at a nursing home. We have over 45 patients to give meds to, and many of the patients are confined to the bed and can't lift themselves up to take their meds. This means that I have to do it for them for over 30 of the patients. Well about 20 of them are on crushed meds, some liquid codeine (which drips all over the bottle due to the previous med aide or nurse who doesn't have the time to clean it up). Some capsules we have to open are narcotics (or locked meds to be technical). Even when reaching down to get unlocked Valproic Acid, the bottle is leaky and you don't notice until you touch it.

My question is, do I have a possibility of testing positive? I try my hardest to wash my hands after perceived exposure or accidental powder that gets in my face, I immediately look away to 'avoid contact' or try to brush it away. I do wear 'gloves' as I said, I have over 45 patients and it feels like a marathon or a duty rather than just doing a med pass. I am applying to a nursing school so I don't want to test positive.

I have never used drugs, have never and will never.

Thanks for any advice.

[swirlies]

Uh, no.

[neuron]

Uh, no.

Thanks, but I was hoping for a more knowledgeable response. If you don't know the answer, please save the response for someone who does. My concern is legitimate, and I was hoping for support.

[swirlies]

The answer is no.

[LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN]

It would be highly unlikely if a traceable amount would even appear in your urine due to accidental exposure to your hands because it's really not even being absorbed by your body and being stored at all. I wouldn't worry.

[AlmostANurse321]

Two things:

1) Highly unlikely. It's very hard to absorb things through your skin. They usually have to be in some kind of liquid or semi-solid medium - think ointment or cream - and then sit on your skin for some time. A crushed pill is dust.

2) Why aren't you wearing gloves? Wear gloves. Problem solved.

[neuron]

Two things:1) Highly unlikely. It's very hard to absorb things through your skin. They usually have to be in some kind of liquid or semi-solid medium - think ointment or cream - and then sit on your skin for some time. A crushed pill is dust. 2) Why aren't you wearing gloves? Wear gloves. Problem solved.

Thanks for the input, I already discussed #2.

[nursmimi, BSN, RN]

I think you should come up with a better excuse!

[NurseEmmy]

I wouldn't worry too much. Just wear gloves as much as possible when handling these types of meds, wash your hands often, and try to not breathe them in (all things you said you are already doing). I understand your concern. My med pass is very narc heavy too and people are so sloppy with the liquid narcs. I wear gloves ANY time I am touching a liquid bottle anymore.

[neuron]

I think you should come up with a better excuse!

You don't walk in my shoes. When you do, maybe then speak. Our med pass is heavy, and often the staff from the previous shift don't clean up, well I don't complain, I do my job. I stand by what I said and do. So I will not make 'another' excuse because someone believes I should and feels (from what I perceive as) 'holier than thou' as if they're 'error proof', and I stand by what I do. But yeah, I am cautious of getting it on my hands and do watch exposure to meds.