EDUCATION: Failed Pre-Employment Drug Test for Nurses

Whether you are still in nursing school, just graduated from nursing school or seeking new employment as a nurse you will likely need take a drug test as part of the pre-employment process. Also, it is not uncommon for nurses and other healthcare providers to submit to random drug testing even after they are employed. Some nurses are taking illicit drugs and it should come as no surprise if they fail their drug test. However, there are individuals who are shocked to find out that they have failed a drug test because they are not knowingly taking any illicit drugs. Some nurses may have false positives on drug tests for various reasons not related to drug abuse. One common way that nurses fail drug tests is when they take prescription drugs that may contain prohibited drugs as part of the formula. For example, some drugs may contain a very small percentage of methamphetamine. Nurses who take prescription drugs without a prescription or any legitimate medical reason for using the drug can also subject your license to discipline. If you have a legitimate problem with drugs or alcohol the Board of Nursing might require you to attend rehabilitation center or treatment facility. If you fail your drug test many hospitals require the nurse to self-report to the Intervention Project for Nurses (“IPN”). If you choose not to self-report they will likely report you. You should speak with a health law attorney to determine whether self-reporting to the IPN is the right decision for you. You should review your hospital’s policies and procedures manual to determine how the hospital handles these types of matters internally. The manual should also inform you of whether IPN reporting is mandatory or voluntary. Web: www.JonesHealthLaw.com Phone: (305)877-5054 Instagram: @JonesHealthLaw Facebook: @JonesHealthLaw Youtube: #JonesHealthLaw