CVS is a pharmacy chain with over 7,000 stores worldwide. Due to its omnipresent presence in retail and health care, there are plenty of job opportunities for those seeking employment at CVS.
Potential employees may be wondering if they will need to take a drug test before their interview with CVS. Here’s what I discovered about the retailer’s hiring process.
Does CVS Drug Test? CVS Drug Test Explained
CVS does perform drug tests for potential employees who are included in their interview process. Applicants may need to complete a lab urine drug test to qualify for CVS employment. Furthermore, CVS has the right to dismiss you from consideration or terminate your employment if drugs are detected in your system during the screening process.
When Does CVS Drug Test Employees?
CVS can drug test at the following times:
Pre-Employment Test
In most cases, the pre-employment drug test is a urine test. You can expect to complete this test onsite at the store of interest.
Also, depending on your local location, you may have to go to a clinic or laboratory for the final results.
Drug tests among CVS staff members are usually part of a safety policy that ensures that customers and employees alike feel comfortable coming into the store and working there.
Random Test
Although it’s rare for a CVS branch to conduct random drug testing on its employees, it does happen from time to time as an added safety precaution, much like other large stores would do.
Suspicion Based Test
As with most retail stores, if your behavior begins to become suspicious to any CVS staff member, you may be required to undergo a drug test as part of the company’s policy. Keep in mind that being nervous or acting erratic does not necessarily indicate drug use; it could simply be the effect of nerves on your behavior. However, you should expect a supervised drug test if another employee feels that you are under the influence.
Post Incident Test
If an accident happens at work, CVS will request that you submit to a drug test. This is because the company wants to ensure the safety of all employees, customers, and visitors in its facilities. You do not have to worry about this affecting your probationary period either which means no negative marks on your record for failing the drug test!
What Type Of Drugs Does CVS Test For?
CVS tests for most major drugs, including alcohol and recreational drugs such as cannabis that are legal in the state the test is being conducted in.
A medical reason for the presence of certain drugs may not affect the result of your test. You will have to provide proof, however, that you are using them for medical purposes.
The presence of recreational drugs, even if legal in your state, will fail you at CVS.
CVS Drug Test: How Long Does It Take?
If you are required to undergo a drug test for employment purposes at CVS, you will be given 24 hours to complete and submit the mandatory specimen collection process. This only takes a few minutes. However, there is no specific timeline in which results can be expected post-collection.
Can I Refuse a Drug Test At CVS?
You can refuse to take a drug test at CVS, but they can legally refuse to hire you or terminate you should you lose your current job with them.
Applicants who opt out of drug testing procedures may not receive an offer for employment from CVS; alternatively, employees who fail to submit for duty after their initial positive test may also face dismissal.
Post-incident testing is not common at CVS, but if they are required to do so, you may be terminated.
What Happens if You Fail the CVS Drug Test?
Are you wondering what happens if you fail your drug test at CVS? The answer varies depending on if you are an applicant or a current employee.
Zero-tolerance for drugs for its employees
CVS conducts drug tests on all of its job applicants before hiring them. The company has a zero-tolerance policy with regards to illegal substances, including marijuana. CVS’ former CEO, Tom Ryan, cites safety as the main reason behind this decision. He believes that employees who use illegal substances at work are less productive and more prone to injuries; they also increase the liability risks associated with accidents that occur in the workplace.
For applicants, the offer is contingent on passing the drug test
CVS, like many other companies and institutions, conducts drug tests on all of its prospective employees. While some applicants may be comfortable with the idea of a drug test, others might not be. Applicants who fail to pass the required drug test will not be hired for their desired jobs.
Employees who fail a random drug test will be terminated
CVS follows a strict policy in ensuring safety at work for its employees. If an employee fails a random or routine drug test, he or she will immediately lose his/her job with the company.
Employees who fail a drug test after an accident can be sued personally
CVS also has strict rules on employees who are involved in workplace accidents while under the influence of illegal substances. The company views this behavior as negligent and strictly prohibited, which is why they will terminate any employee for this.
If I Fail A Drug Test At CVS Can I Reapply?
If you fail a drug test at CVS, employees must wait six months before reapplying. Yet again, the company will require you to pass another drug screening pre-employment test before being rehired.
Conclusion: Does CVS Drug Test?
Yes, CVS requires potential employees to undergo a drug test as part of their interview and hiring process. Also, an on-site drug screen is usually conducted on current employees as a condition of employment at CVS. This normally involves a lab urine test that checks for traces of alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medication use.
Failing a drug test can lead to disqualification from being hired to a position at CVS, or being fired from your current job. On-site drug tests are used as a means to maintain the safety of employees and customers at CVS stores.