Is there any way of covering anti-depressants in a drug test for a nursing job?

Answer 1

The rest of you don't get it. He's not asking about drugs that he's had legally prescribed to him. He's asking about drugs that he's taking illegally. Judging by the people that I've encountered, it's probably Xanax too. If he was legally taking them, he wouldn't be worried about it because the MRO (Medical Review Officer) would simply ask for the prescription information and he would be cleared. But, if he's not legally taking them, he would fail the test. And yes, they do test for prescription drugs. The whole point of drug testing is to prevent accidents/absences in the workplace due to drug use. I work for a very large occupational medical company and studies have shown that someone that uses any type of drug for recreational or non-recreational purposes is more likely (almost 60%) to call in sick or sustain an on the job injury. "White Collar" drugs such as prescription drugs falls into this category as they have been showing up more and more each year. That's the whole point of having a MRO review the test.

It's sickening that he would attempt to obtain a nursing job while addicted to anti-depressants. People's lives are at stake here.

Answer 2

Do you need to cover up anti-depressants for a nursing job? You can still work as a nurse if you have suffered from depression in the past, can't you? Antidepressants are a treatment so if they are working then it means that you are no longer depressed and will be able to fullfill your duties in the job. They shouldnt be discriminating against you cos you've had an illness in the past anyway, should they?
I dont know too much about these things but something worth thinking about is that if you dont tell your employer about your past depression then you might find yourself with less support from them in the future if you ever get depressed again (because you kinda lied to them).
If you are still concerned, then i've heard that drinking lots of water before your drug test can help to clean your blood and can sometimes fool a drugs test.

Answer 3

No.. She will not lose her job for being on anti-depressants. I've known nurses... many nurses on anti-depressants. It is not an issue. They do not even have to disclose the information to their managers or hospital. However, if they test positive on a drug screen they will have to show a legal prescription. Depression is VERY common. If she was bipolar or schizophrenic and her mental stability affected her ability to care for patients.. then it might be an issue. But that does not sound like what is happening here. I can only speak for Texas rules and regs. But I've never heard of any Board of Nurses caring about psych meds unless the nurse is unable to safely care for her/his patients or there is a positive drug test without a legal prescription.

Answer 4

Most nurses I know take anti depressants. This is not the type of drug they are looking for on a pre employment drug test. They are looking for street drugs or drugs like vicoden or xanax. If you are taking a prescription drug given to you by your doctor even narcotics it is okay as you can prove you have a script for that drug. If you borrowed vicoden from a friend for a high then you would have a hard time getting the job, as you don't have script for it. So if you only have anti depressants in your system don't worry as they aren't looking for that.RN

Answer 5

They are illegal if your not prescribed to them which it seems he isnt if he's worried about it. But first of all, the drug test most likely isnt going to show anti-depressants. They will probably only look for marijuana, coke, speed and herion. Prescription pills are not normally tested. So you should be fine. If they told you they are testing for legal pills as well, you can rub your finger in clorox, let the piss dribble off your finger. The test will come back inconclusive. They will test you again, but it saves some time. But they might suspect you tampered with the test. I would count on them not testing for prescription drugs.

Answer 6

Are you not allowed to be on prescription medication as a nurse? Most drug tests just look for illegal drugs. If you need to lie about your prescriptions for this job opportunity, I suggest finding another career.

Answer 7

If it's a drug test for a job, those drugs won't be tested for and should not show up in the tests. You might be setting up a false positive on the test, but you'll be more likely to get a false positive with poppy seed bagels or Ibuprofen.

Answer 8

As a nurse who takes antidepressants, they do not showup in UDS unless u r on a tricyclic, then it shows up. As long as u have a script for the tricyclic, then there is noting that can be done.

Answer 9

Would you want someone in charge of your health to lie on their drug screen?
Obviously you consider your needs above all others. You should choose a different profession.

Answer 10

Even if there were, it would be dishonest, wouldn't it? You probably can't be turned down for the job for taking anti-depressants, but you probably CAN be turned down for lying on your application.