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KICKER
you suspect is different than these, alert the drug screener in writing.
Note that alcohol, meperidine and fentanyl (substance abusers in surgical settings might have easy access to the latter 2 drugs) are not on
the list, and won't be tested for routinely. Also know that blood and
urine tests screen for specific drugs, so be sure the test you schedule
is appropriate for the substance you suspect — yet another reason
why trained professionals should administer screenings.
Signs and symptoms
Employees don't need to demonstrate all of these indicators. An isolated incident does not necessarily indicate a problem, but patterns or
changes in behavior should raise your suspicions.
Physical:
Job performance:
• smell of alcohol on breath
• neglected duties
• impaired motor coordination,
• does minimum work necessary
slurred speech, flushed face
• numerous injuries, burns
and bruises with vague explanations
• weight loss, poor nutrition
• dangerous practices
• difficulty meeting
schedules and deadlines
• illogical, sloppy or delayed
charting
• pupillary changes
• constant errors in judgment
• fluid retention
• slow responses to emergency
situations
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