Tpapn

Recovering_RN · Oct 30, 2017

I don't think a lawyer can do anything for you. The only thing they could do is petition the board for you, the board will NOT just let you go on your merry way. They will either refer you back to TPAPN or give you a board order that has similar restrictions to TPAPN, drug tests, AA meetings, 3 years, etc. The only way out is if you just quit TPAPN, and then the board will revoke your nursing license. You then won't be able to work as a nurse in Texas and won't be able to get a nursing license in any other state. If you just move out of state, the new state where you try to get a license will contact Texas BON. TPAPN is separate from the BON but they refer nurses back and forth between the two and the new state WILL find out you're in TPAPN , and you either won't get a license or you will have to sign up for that new state's monitoring program. Feel lucky, I think a lot of other states have 5 year programs!

I have found that I don't miss my drug of choice either, once I lost the ability to get it, it wasn't even an issue giving it up. What I miss most is alcohol, and I've never had a problem with alcohol before. Now that I'm not allowed to drink, I realize how common it is in every social situation I find myself in! And I'd like to take a Benadryl once in awhile too.

I really think you will have to suck it up and finish your term in tpapn or quit nursing altogether. Sucks but there's really no easy alternative that I know of. And yeah, the cost is crazy.

Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Oct 31, 2017

There is a program in TPAPN called EEP I believe it is one year long for nurses that test positive but aren't addicts. You can ask for TPAPN to review your case. Doesn't hurt to ask!

Txnurse4 · Oct 31, 2017

Thank you for your thoughtful response. Ever since I came onto the program I've been following threads like this hoping to read a success story of someone who was discharged early, but I haven't come across one. I would definitely rather be annoyed for the next two years by restrictions and cost than lose my license. It breaks my heart knowing I did all this work, only to be inches away from losing it because of my own risky behavior. I smoked pot in high school but I quit when I started my nursing program. I didn't smoke for a few years but I missed it and was comfortable at my job, so I risked it thinking I certainly wouldn't get caught. I was terribly wrong.

And I'm with you, I've never been a drinker but I realize I won't even be able to have a glass of champagne at my wedding.

Txnurse4 · Oct 31, 2017

I will absolutely look into that, thank you. I certainly will never be making the same mistake again.

RNissues · Jan 8, 2018

Hello. So I graduated with my BSN 4 years ago. The Texas BON are incredibly strict. At the time of graduation I had an 8 year old DWI and a 12 yr old possession of adderall charge that I was not convicted of. It was dismissed but the charge shows. The BON ordered me to do TPAPN. And this is before I became licensed mind you. I hired an attorney specializing in the Texas BON and they waved the TPAPN order but required me to do 2 years of random alcohol/drug tests and some limitations on my license. Basically a shorter, not as intense form of TPAPN. I never sat for the NCLEX due to this. I felt it was unfair and unnecessary. I'm now working as a hospital liaison and I use my clinical knowledge daily when assessing pt's. Plus I make more than most nurses. I made 93k last year. My point is that there are other lucrative avenues to take that allow you to use your nursing skills if Texas won't allow you to practice. The Texas BON suck!

SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN · Jan 8, 2018

Yeah everyone stuck in these black holes should look to every possible avenue of escape. If there are other ways to make a living and it fits a person's life walking away might be the best thing to do. If I could have replaced my pay / retirement benefits I certainly would have walked but I can't so its two more years & two months for me.

catsmeow1972, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2018

From what I understand, Texas is one of the more Draconian states. I am however jealous that there is some alternate for those who basically did something dumb in thier past but are not addicts. With my state, it's the program or rot in ****.

What I find sad is that from what I understand, even after successfully completing one states program, regardless of what got you there, if you are wanting to relocate to another state perhaps for a fresh start or to be near family or what have you, should you want to be licensed in that state, it is quite likely that you will have to do that states program TOO! Like punishment all over again for the same "crime." Does it ever end?

SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN · Jan 8, 2018

WOW!!! I didn't know that. I hope that's not the case. I go to group with a young lady who is waiting to finish our program so she can move to Virginia and be with her fiancÃ©. That seems incredibly stupid and cruel by any standards.

rn1965, ADN · Jan 8, 2018

I don't think a lawyer can do anything for you. The only thing they could do is petition the board for you, the board will NOT just let you go on your merry way. They will either refer you back to TPAPN or give you a board order that has similar restrictions to TPAPN, drug tests, AA meetings, 3 years, etc.
If you just move out of state, the new state where you try to get a license will contact Texas BON. TPAPN is separate from the BON but they refer nurses back and forth between the two and the new state WILL find out you're in TPAPN , and you either won't get a license or you will have to sign up for that new state's monitoring program. Feel lucky, I think a lot of other states have 5 year programs!
.

I know this thread is a little old, but it popped up today.

Hoping you may know this answer:

I currently live in TX (but not licensed here, or anywhere for that matter). I am trying to have my license reinstated (original in AZ) and I know I will have to go back there for probation, etc, and do my time there.

However, I really love my city and want to come back to TX. Do you know, once I finish probation in AZ, will I also have to do an entire program here in Texas, or will they take into consideration my completion in another state?

At this point, I am one month shy of 13 YEARS clean and sober, work a program, etc.

Thank you and have a great day!

catsmeow1972, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2018

Just out of curiosity, I wonder how it works with compact states. I know Florida is entering the compact state thing and one of the requirements for a compact state license is to not CURRENTLY be under any monitoring program. Okay, that makes about as much sense as anything but if one has a Florida compact license (obtained after surviving program) , it stands to reason that you could go to another state in the compact group and work without having to undergo the whipping post of another program, right?

I'm personally not planning on relocating, but I think if this be true, it would eliminate the unnecessary repitition of punishments.

SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN · Jan 8, 2018

Yeah in the law they have something called double jeopardy which I believe is meant to keep you from being charged / punished for something twice. One would hope that the very basics of justice wouldn't be ignored. I would hope that if you finished a program in one state and had an unencumbered license and wish to transfer to another state that that is how it would be looked at. Supposedly since I'm in the non-disciplinary (boy it sure don't feel like that) part of my states program that's how it would be for me. What would be the logic besides pure spite of making somebody do this twice especially since the jurisdiction of these BONs are governed by state lines. This ain't right. I know that sounds simplistic and baby-fied but's its wrong on many levels. The transferring nurse has paid her debt and should be allowed to get on with her life.