TX: TPAPN and seeking jobs

[heavynurse7]

I am a brand new nurse. I had a DWI five years ago and went through a forensic psychology assessment by a board certified psychologist in order to sit for the NCLEX. The board offered me a deal in which I would voluntarily enroll in TPAPN 45 days after passing the NCLEX; part of the verbal conversation was an inference that TPAPN would waive the practice requirements so that I wouldn't be as unattractive to prospective employers. TPAPN never went through with what was inferred, and now I am a new nurse, with a job that I am going to have to resign from, and have no idea how to go about getting another job in order to fulfill my TPAPN work obligations.

Does anybody know about resources, or TPAPN friendly employers in the San Antonio, Austin, Waco areas. I could really care less what it pays, or what field it is in, I just want to nurse.

Any advice would be helpful.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

i hope one of the moderators moves your question to the recovery section.

First congratulations on graduation, and passing your nclex.

it is positive that your dwi was 5 years ago. unfortunate tpapn treats it as yesterday.

i am assuming you have the standard stipulations....as possibly no critical care, home health, maybe a narc key restriction.....and working under the supervission on another nurse.

I found learning the MDS, assessment, and working in LTC doing mds assessments, which is a computerized resident patient assessment that a long term care facility gets reimbursement for.

besides nursing homes, i have heard dialysis facilities are tpapn friendly

best wishes :)

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Hi moved to the Nurses / Recovery forum for best chance member advice.

[Tigerlily8]

You might try the state schools. I started TPAPN in June, have been aggressively job hunting since then and am still unemployed. I live in the Austin area.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

In the metro area where I live, SNF/LTC/nursing homes seem to be the largest employer of nurses with TPAPN orders on their licensure. Good luck to you!

[CattyWampus]

My thoughts are with you as you struggle with this. I'm in PA but there's a nurse-to-be in my recovery group with as similar story (DUI 8 years ago, can't sit for boards until she signs the contract with the recovery program). The nurses who have found jobs that are consistent with practice restrictions are (1) long term care, (2) dialysis, and (3) mental health.

I just started a job in a clerical/support position with a previous employer who has faith in me and I'm thanking God for this company and their willingness to walk this road with me. I hope to move into a limited practice RN position here as soon as I receive my return-to-work authorization.

Good luck!

[lonestarRN1]

I currently work in dialysis, and there are a few other nurses I work with who are in TPAPN/ under board orders. I love it. I was a critical care nurse for 10 years prior to my addiction issues, and I was worried I wouldn't like dialysis. The employer I work for has been very gracious to me. Good luck! AS far as TPAPN- DO EVERYTHING THEY TELL YOU TO DO. I had a horrendous experience with TPAPN. Fly under the radar, keep your toe to the line, make copies of EVERTHING, write down your confirmation # RecoveryTrek gives you when you check in- anything to CYA if a question arises. Again good luck!!

[CarolHathaway]

I'm sure OP has found something by now, but I've heard that Austin State Supportive Living Center and Texas School Board will hire nurses on TPAPN. I've also heard of nursing homes and rehabs being accommodating. Just wanted to post in case someone else was looking.

[verybadkitty]

I don't see that anyone has mentioned psychiatric nursing, yet. I am in TPAPN and work in a psych hospital. We have several TPAPN nurses working there. A number of psych facilities around here hire TPAPN nurses, but I'm in the DFW area. It's definitely worth checking out, though. Good luck!

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

I don't see that anyone has mentioned psychiatric nursing, yet. I am in TPAPN and work in a psych hospital. We have several TPAPN nurses working there. A number of psych facilities around here hire TPAPN nurses, but I'm in the DFW area. It's definitely worth checking out, though. Good luck!

I also worked in a psychiatric setting while I was in a The California Diversion program. RN rarely pass meds in this setting so the narc restriction is a non issue. Plus working psych has made me a better nurse.

Hppy

[FHL18]

Hi there, I am going to be starting tpapn shortly and am also in the DFW area. I would love to get a job working in a psych facility, and plan to continue working in mental health/addictions even after I complete Tpapn. Could you give me some recommendations of psych facilities that give tpapn nurses a chance around DFW?

[verybadkitty]

I PMd you!