[Weinzel]

I just started nursing school this past week and as I was reading thru my student handbook it mentioned that if any student develops a drug or alcohol program that the student would go thru TPAPN. I know what this is and I just was wondering how some of you felt about a student going thru TPAPN before even become a nurse. Also, an instructor that I had told us that there is no limit on how many times a person can go through TPAPN. I thought that this was strange, as well as possibly being dangerous to a patient. I was just wondering what some of you that are already nurses feel about this. Just seems odd to me.

Lisa

[mattsmom81]

Nurses have the same failings as the general population and can get into drug and alcohol problems like anyone else.

The TPAPN (Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses) is a good way to admit the problem and solve it...while being monitored for compliance. It helps the nurse keep a job while he/she is getting treatment. An addict who will NOT get help in such a program will likely lose the license they worked so hard for.

I think it's an excellent program and have worked with several nurses who have called it a lifesaver for them personally and propfessionally. They have been upfront with their coworkers and we have all appreciated it...no secrets...we were all involved in their success

[Weinzel]

Hi to all. I had an instructor who made it seem like such a negative thing. I did not mean to sound so ignorant, and I have done some research and talked to some nurses where I live and they all think it's a great thing. I suppose that next time I will do my research first!!

Lisa

[mattsmom81]

Some instructors stay in their ivory tower of perfection and don't come down to earth to mix with us mere mortals.

You're not sounding ignorant...it's a good question you asked about TPAPN. If we are to care for others should we not also care for other nurses? I think so.

Good luck in your schooling!! Be respectful of your instructors but keep an open mind too...some things they say need to be taken with a grain of salt.

[1964RNfromTX]

You cannot go through TPAPN as a nursing student. TPAPN will not accept anyone who isn't licensed as a nurse.

[TheCommuter]

Really old thread alert: this thread is over 4 years old.

[1964RNfromTX]

Oops! Didn't notice the year part of the date!

[Murphyrn1955]

Originally Posted by Weinzel

I just started nursing school this past week and as I was reading thru my student handbook it mentioned that if any student develops a drug or alcohol program that the student would go thru TPAPN. I know what this is and I just was wondering how some of you felt about a student going thru TPAPN before even become a nurse. Also, an instructor that I had told us that there is no limit on how many times a person can go through TPAPN. I thought that this was strange, as well as possibly being dangerous to a patient. I was just wondering what some of you that are already nurses feel about this. Just seems odd to me.

Lisa

Steer clear of TPAPN!

[Murphyrn1955]

Originally Posted by Weinzel

Hi to all. I had an instructor who made it seem like such a negative thing. I did not mean to sound so ignorant, and I have done some research and talked to some nurses where I live and they all think it's a great thing. I suppose that next time I will do my research first!!

Lisa

If they think it is great they haven't dealt with it. It is a great concept but has many failings including the counselors. The Board is better even if they are more strict.