Nursing Student Drug Screening Policy

Purpose: To provide a safe working environment, area hospitals and other institutions are requiring individuals who provide care to patients to undergo drug testing. For this reason, students in the Pre-Licensure Nursing Division will undergo similar testing to meet the criteria of clinical agencies. All students in the Pre-Licensure Nursing programs will undergo drug testing as a condition of admission into the program.

Policy: Indiana Wesleyan University Pre-Licensure Nursing Division enforces a zero tolerance for impairment due to alcohol and/or drug use while on campus or in clinical affiliation experiences. Infringement of this policy will cancel the offer of admission, and for those admitted to the nursing programs, be subject to disciplinary action up to and including academic dismissal.

1. Prior to Clinical, a drug screen test is required with the result indicating no evidence of drug use or results consistent with a valid prescription. A drug screening result indicating dilution of the sample will require a repeat drug test.
2. The student is responsible for the cost of the drug screening which is part of the background check conducted for admission and the screening must be completed within 30 days prior to starting clinical.
3. Students may be permitted to take legally prescribed and/or over-the-counter medications consistent with appropriate medical treatment plans while on duty. However, when such prescribed or over-the-counter medications affect clinical judgement, the student's safety or the safety of others, the student will be removed from clinical. The program Chair will be consulted to determine if the student is capable of continuing to participate in academic and clinical programs. The Student Life Council may be consulted.
4. If at any time faculty or an administrator suspect a student is impaired due to drug or alcohol use, the student will be required to undergo immediate testing for drug and alcohol use at the student's expense.  While in clinical, the student will be removed from the area and required to undergo immediate testing for drug and alcohol use at the student's expense. Impaired students will not be permitted to drive and must bear the cost of transportation. The student will be suspended from all clinical activities until the investigation into the situation is complete.
5. In the event of medication administration/handling discrepancy (i.e., in the case of the improper documentation of narcotics) or in the event of a medical error, accident or injury, testing will be conducted according to the policy of the clinical agency.
6. Referrals for evaluation and counseling for drug and/or alcohol use will be a part of a plan for a student with a positive screening or incident related to drug or alcohol use.
7. In the event of a positive drug screening of a student currently enrolled in the nursing program, the student will be dismissed from the program. Duty to Report: If the student is a licensed/registered health professional, a report will be made to the Attorney General and Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (or in the state(s) in which the applicant holds a license

Random drug testing (ex. annually) or drug testing based on reasonable suspicion can be implemented at any time and without prior notice. Students who do not comply will be dismissed from the program.