A Sign of the Times:

[Chickerdoodle13]

Now see, I don't understand why you had to be so rude in your last post...

I completely understand the reason for a drug test after an ACCIDENT! I had a friend who was in a minor accident and had to go for a test. Truck drivers, etc all usually have to have a test done after any sort of accident. THAT makes sense. It's sort of like a breath-a-lizer test if you are driving recklessly.

HOWEVER, requiring a drug test before any job angers me, as I'm sure it does many others. Doesn't mean it will prevent companies from forcing it upon their employees, but as of right now I have enough options open to me that I can avoid taking a drug test any time soon. I also have no plans to join the military. The military does a lot of things I'm not happy with, but that doesn't mean any of it will ever change. They are an organization of their own. Besides, being a diabetic, I could never join anyways

.

Bottom line, if I don't have to be subjected to a test, why should I be? That doesn't mean I am hiding anything. I just take offense to peeing in front of somebody just to get a freaking job. Like I said, I've never had to do one before and I've even worked in hospitals. The worst I had was a background check.

 

[MandyH]

I am a nurse and worked at a clinic where ALL the local furniture mfg companies and trucking companies etc... had contracts to do DOT physicals and pre-employment drug screens and all. We did like 10 a day and I was the one standing in the bathroom with them. It seemed that the other nurse was freaked out by having to be in the bathroom with people peeing. I have been a nurse for 10 years and as any other nurse on here can tell you, once you have seen everything you are no longer shocked. I mean I wasn't standing there with my head between their legs or anything, I simply had to make sure that they didn't bring in a bottle of someone else's pee and such. You would be surprised at how many things people can think to do to try to scam those drug tests and heck my signature had to be on that bottle of pee so I a HAD to be present. I personally don't see why someone would be offended by having to take a drug test myself. I have also seen people come in with cut off limbs and so forth and the first thing they do is make them pee in a cup. After the bleeding is stopped of course. It is a liability thing. If they didn't test and something happened they would be liable for whatever you did on their time. They also have an excuse not to pay workman's comp and stuff if you were on a drug that was illegal or not prescribed for you.

 

[rooster-red]

It is now becoming a requirement that a company has this policy in place before an insuranse company will insure company owned vehicles.

Why find out an employee was under the influence of drugs AFTER an accident has taken someones life?

If you refuse to take the test, you don't get the job, and with the growing number of companies using this policy, you'll severely limit your employment opportunities.

I understand the idea that it is another right being taken away, but it is a result of the people who have abused drugs and caused injury and death.

You also gain the right to a safer work place.

 

[Katy]

Even I have to take unannounced drug tests periodically and I only work 2 mornings a week at our local farmer's coop. The rest of the time I'm a 50+ farmwife. Can't say I've ever been offended. I can't believe in all your jobs Chickerdoodle13 that you've never had to take one.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I can't believe in all your jobs Chickerdoodle13 that you've never had to take one.

I guess that is why it all surprises me so much. I worked in a vet's office for over a year, I volunteered and worked in a hospital for a little while, I'm a peer ed at the college AND I teach all of the Alcohol 101 classes that are mandatory for the students who get caught with drugs and alcohol. I've been a babysitter and while I have done small jobs here and there, I also had a steady job every day. You even have to be certified nowadays, and I even took the class but still didn't have to have a test. I inquired about a tech job at the hospital on campus, and again, no drug test. I've also worked at a game farm where everything was done by the books and again, no test. My volunteer squad requires only an application and most paid squads only require the same thing. Edited to add: Most paid squads in my area do not require them. I have no idea about other states.

My brother worked at a local theme park as a life guard and still no test. My friend who had to take a test was working at a bar serving drinks! I guess that is what surprises me most about the whole thing.

Believe me, I have had just about every test done in front of people. I am not ashamed of bawling my eyes out when I have to have painful tests done and I have to give urine quite often at the Endocrinologists office. I completely agree with testing people for health reasons or after accidents. I DO NOT agree with having to do a drug test for a job if I do not need to, just as I do not agree with giving a fingerprint just to use a check.

I am certainly not complaining about those people who are drugged up and cause accidents or cause deaths. I see it all the time as an EMT. However, requiring people to get a drug test simply to SERVE DRINKS?? That to me seems a little ridiculous.​

 

[crazy4chicsinBC]

My husband and son are both Iron Workers, which can be dangerous at times. Personal safety often depends on the whole crew "looking" out for each other. Random drug tests are mandatory. I too beleive its a invasion of privacy but a neccasary one. I want my son and husband home every night in one piece. So I say PLEASE DRUG TEST!

 

[rooster-red]

You didn't mention that it was a job serving drinks in your earlier post.

From the employers insurrance company viewpoint the server, if under the influence and therefore having delayed reactions, could drop a glass on the table, breaking it into dangerous shards that could drop into a patrons lap, severing the femeral artery, and have to call you (EMT) to save yet another life.

Thats the excuse they could use anyway, regardless of your or my pointof view.

 

[mdbucks]

Quote:
I agree 100% I would rather have my privacy invaded than have someones privacy protected do that they can do something while high/drunk which may take the life of one of my loved ones.

 

[TxChiknRanchers]

For 30 years I have had a merchant marine masters license for towing vessels as well as a masters license for passenger vessels. To renew every 5 years you have to submit to a drug screen and pass. The dot does not care if you dont want to take it, you dont have to and you also dont get a new license! Airline pilots the same way. Plus random testing is also a requirement.

By the way do you know the amount of health care workers such as Doctors and nurses that have succumbed to drug abuse ? Dont want them treating my family!
Dont want truckers on the highway under the influence either. If we knew the instances of that............... Testing is the only way to have any control.

Hard to believe that an EMT does not have to submit to random testing.

I dont believe drug testing is a infringement of my rights because I am not worried about the outcome. I am glad to let my employers and the people that count on my ability to do my job with sobriety to stay alive know that I am drug free.
That cartoon is a sign of the times.

Santa, if stopped , by law enforcement would have to explain the rosy red cheeks and the reindeer with the red nose. I might add that the big bag would be sniffed by drug dogs as well!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night ! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Randy

 

[DuckLady]

I fully support drug testing. My company requires it as part if the hiring process. It is a liability issue for sure. When you apply or inquire about employment, we don't whip out the swab. Once you are offered and accept a job with us, the test comes into play. It is what you accept on being offered a position.
You don't have to do the preemployment drug screen. Not at all. We will wish you well on your way out the door.

Drug testing is a vital tool in maintaining credibility as well. Any on the job injury, drug test. Evidence of being high on the job, drug test.

Now they don't use pee. We do it in house with a swab in the mouth.


I think everyone in emergency and health services should be drug tested. They have our lives and the lives of our loved ones in their hands.