altho i myself dont see anything wrong with marijuana i am 100% sure people who smoke could provide patient care and such, maybe not while high but just because someone smoked yesterday doesnt mean they couldnt take care of me today. i know of 2 nerses that smoke everyday but still seem to do their job well.
Those nurses will be nurses only until they get injured, including a needle stick, on the job and require a drug test which is usually a policy. The hospital will then have an argument against not paying workmen's comp. If the hospital has a zero tolerance policy, the nurses may be immediately out of a job. The drug test results will be filed with the state at which time their license will be suspended. Some places of employment and state licensing boards may allow for a "rehab" period with strict conditions for a long time to follow. However, for many health care professions including EMS, the licensing board may just say find a new career.