TPAPN for RN already practicing

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I applied to renewed by license with Texas BON. I did self report getting DWI last year. BON did renew my license for 2 years with no disciplinary actions. I did receive a letter in regards to voluntarily going through TPAPN program. If I choose not to go through program I could be investigation on myself for BON. I have not drank since the DWI which occurred over a year ago. I am not familiar with TPAPN. I am not sure which track to take. If I choose TPAPN am I still am to work. I currently have a job and active License. I want to keep my job and put all of this behind me. Does anyone have experience in this area or some in site?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Welcome to Allnurses!

It's a free country, and you are free to not participate in TPAPN. However, you don't get to keep your license if your decline to participate in TPAPN. So if you want to keep your hard-earned license, you will need to participate.

1. You will be in the program for approximately two years if you voluntarily agree to participate.

2. The program forbids participants from working night shift because statistics indicate impaired nurses gravitate toward night shift to avoid detection.

3. You will not be allowed to handle narcotics and controlled substances. Therefore, your coworkers will need to pull all your pain pills, benzodiazepines, and so forth. Your coworkers will also need to administer them to your patients.

4. You will be required to attend counseling sessions regularly.

5. You will be required to submit to a weekly urine drug screen. You will also submit to random drug screens. You will pay for all these drug screens with your own money.

6. If you successfully complete TPAPN, you keep your license. If you refuse to complete TPAPN, your license is subject to revocation (a.k.a. you could lose your license).

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Thanks so much!!! I want to do everything to keep my license.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health, Psych.

Hi MochaPRN, I was wondering if you started the TPAPN program, and if so, how far along into it are you?

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This information is not entirely accurate.

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Hello Sj81, update on my situation. I have learned so much in 2 years and unfortunately I am in the same spot. I choose to go to TPAPN program as recommended, not required. The program denied me stating I did not meet requirements to be part of this program. I had to have a drug problem. I asked if I could attend the extended evaluation program since I did not have a drug problem. The BON denied me. The BON did not put an restrictions on my license such as narcotic restrictions. I did obtain a lawyer which has reduced my stress levels significantly. I was on random drug screens sometime getting tested weekly for several months for the probation I received for the DUI for two and a half years. I passed every single test. The BON wanted be to do the drug screens all over again for two years saying I only was complaint because it was required. I am waiting to go in front of a judge to settle this situation. This situation has put me under severe amount of stress, I have paid in so many was for my mistake, and would like to put this all begin me. I would never wish what the BON is doing to me on anyone, even my worst enemy. I truly feel the pain and have sorrow for a nurse that does have a drug or alcohol problem and have to go through this. I just try to stay positive on this rough road.

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