I'm on tpapn please help me!!!!!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2010

I don't know. I now work with a nurse on a restricted license. I wish you well.

roser13, ASN, RN · Jul 12, 2010

What's tpapn?

I'm sorry that you're having trouble finding a job. I know it doesn't make things any better for you, but alot of nurses are having trouble finding positions. I hope that you can find the energy to keep on keeping on....and keep in applying for positions.

fungez · Jul 12, 2010

Oh, gosh. Sorry about that.

If it were me, I'd apply to the worse, crummiest lowest paying places out there - the ones who can't afford to be picky. I don't mean that to sound insulting. It's just with the tpapn, they're going to consider you a liability. I worked with someone with a similar issue in another state, and not only did we have to pass his narcs, but he had to be available to leave at a moment's notice for a drug test.

Or....have you thought of a doc's office or home health? You wouldn't handle narcs in either of those places (I assume) so hopefully it wouldn't be much of an issue.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

Nurse Joey · Jul 12, 2010

My brother is currently on TPAPN, and it was insane for him to find a job. To make it worse this would be his first job as a nurse. He would find a job then his TPAPN sponsor would tell him he couldn't take it. This happened at least three times. I honestly think the Texas BON wants nurses to suffer, and TPAPN is no less strict then they are. And after 3 months of constant searching, job fairs, and chasing down leads he found a spot. Good luck, and don't be picky, try the LTC's, Home Health, Dialysis, Pysch, and pretty much anywhere that will listen.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2010

What's tpapn?

TPAPN = Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses

If the Texas BON believes that a nurse has past or present issues with any type of addiction, the nurse must agree to successfully complete TPAPN for a term of 2 years or risk the revocation of one's license. Many employers in Texas do not wish to deal with the restrictions imposed by a TPAPN order attached to the license, so these nurses typically have difficulty finding employment.

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · Jul 13, 2010

Have you considered psych nursing? No narcs there.

FLArn · Jul 13, 2010

It is not true that there are no "narcs" in psych --- many anxiolytics and antipsychotics have high abuse potential. Klonopin leaps to mind.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jul 14, 2010

Have you considered psych nursing? No narcs there.

My building is at least 87% psych. We have plenty of narcotics....can you spell Methadone?

blondiintx · Aug 23, 2010

I'm on TPAPN also and it has been a nightmare finding a job. I think the thing that has been the hardest to deal with is the way my fellow nurses treat me. I take full accountability for the mistakes I have made and I am working my recovery program, and I completed an outpatient rehab program. It just blows me away with how hateful and judgemental some nurses are towards me. I'm not saying 'Woe is me.....' I KNOW I made mistakes, but in a profession that is suppost to promote healing and compassion, we sure do eat our young and ill. I'm thinking about getting out of nursing all together at this point.

Leelee2 · Aug 23, 2010

TPAPN Haven't ever heard of this before today, is this just some program in Texas? Or do additional states have programs like this as well?? Anyone know? What type of treatment does this provide for the nurse?? What kind of restictions would an employer have to work around?

I am sorry you are having a difficult time with this...I will keep you in my prayers that doors will open up for you.:redpinkhe

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2010

What kind of restictions would an employer have to work around?

Nurses who participate in TPAPN are not permitted to administer controlled substances, carry a key to the locked narcotic drawer, or pull controlled drugs from Pyxis. Another nurse must administer these medications for them. There are other restrictions.