MLS Assignment #2 Southern California
My Journey to Southern California started in before I even left.
I Didn’t Pass My Drug Test. It was to dilute!
No, I do not do drugs, I just drink a ton of water. And truthfully I always get a little nervous during compliance time. It always seems to be crunch time, but maybe that's because if something isn't right my start date will get pushed - just like this instance.
I was in Florida at the time because my previous contract got canceled (another story) and had just finished my 18 hr road trip. A trip I limited my water intake and insead upped my energy drink consumption so I could stay on the road for longer. So of course when I arrived I downed cup after cup of H2O like the dehydrated person I was.
After the road trip I started my compliance for my California assignment. Compliance usually takes about 3 weeks, but me being me I'm supposed to start my job in two weeks. On the drive (that took two days) I got all the paperwork and the clinic visit assigned, so the day after I arrived I headed to Concentra. There I completed my TB, yearly physical, vision test, N95 check and of course the urine drug test. A test I took only three months prior for Pennsylvania at the same clinic I was currently in. But a new state, new drug test - tis the life of a traveler.
In a room with blue water in the toilet, no running water in the sink, and no toilet paper that I could see - a proper drug testing room, I'm looking at my cup and I'm just thinking this looks realllllly light. I hope it passes. And for almost a week as I'm waiting on the results with a pit in my stomach. The day before my flight to California the results came back - to dilute.
But I was already hydrated for the 10hr flight that I would be leaving for in a few hours (I try to avoid airplane bathrooms). So I headed over to Concentra for a second time. This time it looked only slightly more yellow than the original. O well. I had five days before I was scheduled to work. That should be enough time… I hope.
Arriving in California I got to enjoy a few days before the results came back. This time within 4 days, only a day before my start date. It was diluted again. My recruiter contacted the hospital and I texted my new manager. My start date was pushed contingent on the drug screen passing this next time. But the compliance officer said since urine didn't work (cough-twice) she works to order the blood test drug screen.
With a sign of relief knowing I will pass this one while drinking all the water I want I got a Lift (I didn't have my car yet - another story) and headed to LabCorp (the closest testing center they have to Oceanside). I arrived right after their lunch break and was in and out pretty quick with only a wrap around my arm from the blood draw and a smile on my face - all would be good.
I wasn't extremely happy having a few extra days before I started work and almost an extra week without pay. But luckily they didn't push my end date on the contract and I got to settle into Cali life for a few more days so it all worked out. But going into work that first day I knew everyone would know why my contract was delayed. Not because of the manager but because I was traveling with a friend from Florida on her first assignment and thought the whole situation was hilarious. So yes for the first week I was the new girl who couldn't pass her drug test.
My Journey Continues…
