TPAPN positive thinking

scottaprn · Jul 23, 2015

Hi. Welcome to the site.

I have not been through TPAPN programs but I still come and read the forum here because the people on here have taught me so much. The poster's on this forum are awesome with supporting each other. You will gain a lot of wisdom from them.

All the best.

Omaapecm, ASN, RN · Jul 23, 2015

I've been on a monitoring program since 2012 when I received my RN license. I was scheduled to compete my program in October of this year and ended up drinking a couple beers one night and got called to test the next day. Can't explain how I could risk everything for a couple of beers but I did. Maybe I wasn't ready. Follow all the rules and get comfortable with your program because it will be your life! Good luck to you!

Nurselnk · Jul 23, 2015

Thank you:)

TXRNC · Jul 25, 2015

It will consume your life but it is possible to complete and yes I slipped up and got to restart all over with 5 months left but I have completed now.

Nurselnk · Jul 25, 2015

Thank you. I get worried bc right now I do not have a desire to use or drink but a nurse told me that she stores urine in her fridge for her test then puts it in breast milk bags to use when she decides to drink. So having that been told worries me that I'll do something stupid. May I ask what made you slip up? And that's great that you're finished now. Congrats:)

TXRNC · Jul 25, 2015

Really more of a anger at being told what to do even that I could not go on a family trip that was going to be a month before the end of my contract by my case manager when others I knew were allow to travel to areas that did not have test sites available. So like I said more anger management than relapse .

Nurselnk · Jul 25, 2015

Oh ok thank you for sharing. Gives me some hope!

FHL18 · Jul 27, 2015

Hi there! I am also in TPAPN after self-referring. What part of Texas are you in? We have a nurse meeting in the Dallas area that has been life changing for me and my recovery. My best advice is to fly under the radar, keep your head down and just do what you are supposed to do. Don't ever forget to check in or test. I know a girl who missed a call in three times and they extended her for an entire year. Make your meetings, work the steps with your sponsor and make your recovery first in your life, everything else second. TPAPN is a bunch of hoops to jump through, but they are doable hoops. TPAPN also doesn't equal good recovery. They require all the things that are the foundation of good recovery, but it's up to us to work a solid program and find good recovery. It can seem daunting at times but it is all worth it. I am grateful our state has an alternative to discipline program because there are still states out there that do not and discipline is the only option when one has an addiction and gets in trouble. Just a little fun fact for you, for those who SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE TPAPN, 89% of them are still sober at the 5 year mark. Those are pretty damn good odds compared to the 5-10% of people who stay sober after treatment. Try to see it as a blessing instead of just a curse. Look for the positives, the blessings in your life, and think of where you would be if TPAPN didn't exist. When one gets a board order in the state of Texas, even if it's just a warning, it never goes away. Every time someone looks at your license the rest of your career they would see it and you would have to explain it at every job interview. TPAPN goes away once successfully completed. So keep your head down and keep doing the next right thing. You CAN do this and it WILL be worth it! = )

Nurselnk · Jul 28, 2015

I actually work in sherman texas at the hospital they turned me in to TPAPN. They consider it an illness here which is absolutely amazing and had

me on paid medical leave when I was in IOP. But I stay with my BF in Burleson where I pay some rent when I'm not working. Thank you for the message. It isn't rly that bad as long as I stay honest and sober I know I'll be ok. It is just kinda embarrassing is all. What nurses group do you go to ? It it near ft worth?

verybadkitty · Aug 1, 2015

My experience in TPAPN has been very positive. The 90 meetings/90 days requirement got me involved with a wonderful NA group, I have a support group of fellow addicts who include an FNP and several other women who work in the health care industry. My case manager is very nice, too, as well as my amazing advocate who has been a tremendous resource to me.

I am halfway through a three year contract. My case manager approved me to take a cruise in Sept with my NA girlfriends. I am very active in service work with my NA group, right now I hold the finance audit position (financial bookkeeping).

I worked psych for almost 18 months after losing my ER job and being referred to TPAPN for diverting. I really hated it, although a lot of people like it better than dialysis or LTC. I recently got a wonderful job at a surgery center very close to my home, where I work in the PACU and am about to start OR training. I love it.

Very good things are happening in my life, which I give all the credit to God, by surrendering my self-will and figuring out how to get on my Higher Power's path for my life. I was clearly making a mess of things on my own. I feel like my life is so much better today, I have a four year old son who never has to remember seeing his mother high, as long as I stay on track with God's will for my life, and don't use no matter what. I am almost finished with my 12 steps, and it has been a life changing experience.

Good luck, this can be a positive experience if you just keep an open mind and follow the rules to the letter!

Omaapecm, ASN, RN · Aug 2, 2015

What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing for everyone.