Affinity higher level testing TPAPN

Healer555 · Apr 4

Sphi_6688 said:

Hi, I am scheduled to complete my tpapn program in August and was just told I will require a higher level of testing upon discharge. This may include hair and nail testing. What are people's experience with this? I joined tpapn in 2020 with a relapse in August 2021. I've only had UA's up to this point.

Thanks in advance.

You will need a higher level of testing before discharge? I thought the testing ended at the end of the monitoring agreement?

Hair tests go back up to 3 months or more. They cut about the width of a straw. They test the newest growth. Nail tests go back the same amount of time. They take about a quarter size width from all 10 fingernails.

Sphi_6688 · Apr 5

Thank you for your reply. Yes, because I had too many missed check ins over time my case worker is requiring I have a higher level of testing at discharge. I read nails go back 6 months? I'm good either way I'm just wondering if I should jump through these hoops or as the program director if my case worker can actually do this. I have 5 months left.

Healer555 · Apr 5

Sphi_6688 said:

Thank you for your reply. Yes, because I had too many missed check ins over time my case worker is requiring I have a higher level of testing at discharge. I read nails go back 6 months? I'm good either way I'm just wondering if I should jump through these hoops or as the program director if my case worker can actually do this. I have 5 months left.

So mire or different tests in the last 5 months? The powers that be can do anything they want. If they didn't extend your time I'd do anything they ask assuming you didn't take anything you weren't supposed to. If you did maybe it won't show.

I'm guessing the logic is that they want to catch anything that may have been missed or you may not have checked in because you know you took something you weren't supposed to. In my program they test everyone must test more right before they get their lives back. Congrats for being almost done.

PsychRNXXX, BSN · Apr 5

Healer555 said:

You will need a higher level of testing before discharge? I thought the testing ended at the end of the monitoring agreement?

Hair tests go back up to 3 months or more. They cut about the width of a straw. They test the newest growth. Nail tests go back the same amount of time. They take about a quarter size width from all 10 fingernails.

What happens if you have fake nails.? Like SNS nails done all the time?

Healer555 · Apr 5

PsychRNXXX said:

What happens if you have fake nails.? Like SNS nails done all the time?

You need to remove them.

PsychRNXXX, BSN · Apr 5

Healer555 said:

You need to remove them.

Well I guess I will if they request it LOL.

Healer555 · Apr 5

PsychRNXXX said:

Well I guess I will if they request it LOL.

They really don't care about us and stuff like that

TIMFY · Apr 7

Sphi_6688 said:

Thank you for your reply. Yes, because I had too many missed check ins over time my case worker is requiring I have a higher level of testing at discharge. I read nails go back 6 months? I'm good either way I'm just wondering if I should jump through these hoops or as the program director if my case worker can actually do this. I have 5 months left.

Yes they can do that and you are extremely lucky that they didn't extend you or close your case and refer you back to the board. I would be doing whatever they asked if they're still going to let you be done on time.

Bar_11 · Aug 30

Hello there, could you update me on how this is going for you? I'm in a similar situation. Wondering how often they are testing you for hair and nails and how much is the cost, etc? You should be close to finishing by now so congrats!

Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Sep 19

Two time graduate of TPAPN here. Last in 2018. I would ask if this is customary for others in my situation. I would also ask to have the question posed to the staff. They call it staffing the question, where the group of case managers and the Head of TPAPN would discuss it. I had several things staffed both times I was in TPAPN. Many of the rules at the time were inhibiting my ability to practice as a Nurse/NP. After staffing many of the rules were bent. I felt confident in my requests with strong convictions about the handling of my case. The case Manager is there to help me and TPAPN is there to assist me in my safe return to practice. If you have demonstrated good recovery, then they may be more prone to assist you. Good luck!

JB C · Sep 19

Higher level of testing can come towards the end if your agreement and its not uncommon to have a couple of hair and/or possible nail tests in the remaining 3 months. Nail tests go beyond 3 months. Fingernail tests can go back 4 to 6 months and toenail tests can go back 10 to 12 months. Hair tests and nail tests do and will have trouble picking up one time or two time alcohol/marijuana usage, but.......nail tests are insanely accurate for detecting one time use for the substances that can get us into trouble such as Benadryl, Seroquel, and Neurontin. They are very accurate with these three and yes, they can be tested for and often are because these 3 are ones people will take without an active prescription.

Caution if you or family member or friend have an old script for Seroquel or Neurontin. Do NOT take it. Same for Benadryl. You will overwhelmingly be fine with a urine test with these, but if you take a nail test, you are likely going to get caught, even with using it only 2 times.