Help Please!

Nurses Recovery

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I posted earlier tonight re: my situation where I tested positive for THC after an injury at work (I pulled a muscle, no patient care was involved). My background: RN, never been in trouble with the law, stupidly took Marinol w/o rx.

I was fired from my job after testing +, and just recv'd a letter in the mail referring me to TPAPN. As you can all imagine, I have been HYSTERICAL over this, not sleeping, worrying etc..I suspect my manager report to me to TPAPN as it was not a board order. The letter basically states to call/sign up to TPAPN to avoid report to BON. This would include getting evaluated by an addiction counselor/specialist.

After + test, I contacted an attorney, who basically said NOT to join TPAPN as she doesn't feel I have an addiction and that TPAPN could potentially ruin my nursing career. My questions for those who have been through similar situations:

1. Should I go along with TPAPN and get evaluated on my own w/o attorney?

2. I'm hopeful to get EEP and not TPAPN, what are my chances?

3. Should I see TPAPN counselors or find my own? Any recommendations? (Houston,Tx)

Thank you all in advance.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

My advice....follow your attorney's advice.

The BON and TAPAN IS NOT Your friend.

http://www.txmedicallicensinglaw.com/tags/tpapn/

What is EEP?

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Your manager was undoubtedly following organizational policy & the rules outlined in our own nurse practice act. Managers do not have any wiggle room in this regard, especially if the lab results are on the record. I understand that you do not feel as though TPAPN is applicable because you don't have a 'problem'. But - the fact is you took a controlled substance without a prescription, so at the very least, you need follow up re: choosing to do something that put your license in jeopardy.

EEP is TPAPN "Lite".

Follow your attorney's advice. You have no record. Lawyer up and get a job before this all comes to light. Tpapn and the Bon are not your friends. Tell them nothing.

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