Brand new Tpapn Texas nurse needs advice

TXRNC · Jan 28, 2015

Ok first things have you already signed your contract, if so talk to you unit manager not HR but before that you should have a case manager call her tell her you need to start your paperwork don't worry about false positives follow the rules you will be ok. Happy to answer any questions you have but one thing at a time so you don't get overwhelmed.

gabby3 · Jan 28, 2015

Don't worry one step at a time, congratulations on passing the nclex. I started in California program then moved to Florida andI am half way through a 5 year contract.

I am one of the unlucky nurses to have false positives on etg(alcohol) Most nurses don't ever have a problem with this issue. They have raised the cutoff level to 500 in most states. I rarely hear from my my yahoo etg support group since the level was raised.

Just don't drink and use etoh products. You will be fine. Most nurses in my support group don't even think about these issues.

Please tell your employer immediatly. Just be positive a lot of employers have to deal with these issues.

You worked hard for your license, you can get through this issue.

One day this will be behind you, most states is 5 years now, you only have 3 years of your life.

Good luck

Gabby

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2015

Do you have stipulations? Does your current job meet those stipulations?

RNnursebetty · Jan 28, 2015

Ok first things have you already signed your contract, if so talk to you unit manager not HR but before that you should have a case manager call her tell her you need to start your paperwork don't worry about false positives follow the rules you will be ok. Happy to answer any questions you have but one thing at a time so you don't get overwhelmed.

My unit manager in TPAPN? Waiting for them to call me back, I don't have a case manager yet and am not yet enrolled. Do you know how long the enrollment process takes?

RNnursebetty · Jan 28, 2015

The only stipulations I could think of would be passing narcotics. I'm going to be working in the interventional radiology department. I'm sorry excuse my ignorance, but what is etg and etoh products? Things like mouthwash and alcohol based hand sanitizer I'm guessing?

Overall I feel like this is a good thing for me and I'm ready to accept the challenge. Passing narcs would be the only stipulation I could think of? Thank you so much for your replies and support. Worried about this, I am excited about passing NCLEX but this overshadows it a little. It does feel overwhelming but like ya'll said, one step at a time.

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2015

The narcotic stip will include all the fun light to moderate sedation meds given by IR nurses. I hope someone gets back with you soon. You may have a manager who is willing to work with you...although you may want to scroll through this forum to get a more realistic idea of the next few months.

RNnursebetty · Jan 28, 2015

So happy. I just found out the hospital I'm about to start my residency at is TPAPN friendly. I thought my job was in jeopardy. One step at a time. I'm the kind of person who has never had a problem/temptation with narcotics, but get in trouble with alcohol in social situations away from work. I have to say, I think this might be a really good thing for me. Guess I knew deep down I couldn't still socially drink and keep my license safe. Guess things do happen for a reason, very optimistic right now!!

CryssieD · Jan 29, 2015

So proud of you! Congrats on joining the ranks of fully-fledged nurses! I hope you enjoy your job, and I'm thrilled to hear you're optimistic about the whole situation. It sounds like they're willing to work it out with you--even if you can't give narcs, they will probably be able to find a way around that somehow. You'll be fine--the contracts and monitoring can be challenging, but I think you're going in with the best possible attitude, and you will be able to gain and give back so much from the experience. Good luck with all!

BTW, there is a long list of etoh(alcohol) products you'll have to be mindful of--the best thing to do is use the list the program provides, read labels(!)--there is alcohol in some stuff you wouldn't have thought, wash your hands with non-alcohol-containing soap before giving a urine screening, and know that "I didn't know" will NOT be accepted as an excuse. Mostly it's common sense stuff--they just don't want you to urine or Breathalyzer test positive when you haven't actually done anything wrong, nor do they want to hear "it was the hand sanitizer" when they have heard that before when the truth was the person had relapsed. Err on the side of safety--if you don't know whether it's safe for you to use, don't chance it. You'll do fine!

RNnursebetty · Jan 29, 2015

Thanks so much for the reply!! Sounds good, I'll follow the list and bring my own sanitizer.

GOP-RN · Jan 18, 2016

Congratulations! You are extremely lucky that TPAPN did not make you stop working until everything was squared away with your employers. It is tedious and inconvenient but they are really there to help you. Be sure to go over your list of things to avoid (be careful with desserts, vanilla extract and pastas cooked in wine.. They are very strict but as long as you're keeping up your end they will help you be successful. Best of luck!

Stevijoan · Sep 11, 2016

Hi there!

im going through a similar issue with tpapn and the residency program. I was wondering how it worked out for you?

I self-declared for mental health. Bipolar 2. I've been treated successfully for 5 years.

I just recently got my tpapn letter on Friday afternoon and saw all of these things about how I can't work. I've already started my residency program. I don't know if I should call in to work on Monday or what to do. We aren't working in patient care areas and won't be for the next month.

I guess my question is "Did they let you start your residency as you expected or did they make you wait?"

I have a 4 year old that I am supporting on my own. I'm concerned about what they are going to say.

Thanks in advance!