Need Tpapn Advice Asap!!!!

gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP · Apr 27, 2006

If you want to keep a license in Texas it's TPAPN or nuthin. There is no tolerance for any illegal drug use - and that is as it should be whether you agree with it or not. Legal is legal, illegal is not legal. Pretty cut n dried.

You can hire an atty and go before the board, but you will end up going through TPAPN anyway.

sjt9721, BSN, RN · May 3, 2006

I know that smoking pot is illegal and I know that my actions have consequences that I must own up to.

I think you answered your own question. You got caught. Now you must decide if your nursing license is worth 'the program'.

Good luck to you.

ZASHAGALKA, RN · May 3, 2006

If you decide to decline TPAPN and throw yourself on the mercy of the board - lawyer or not - expect to lose your license.

TPAPN IS your second chance. Without it, you HAVE no second chance. That is normally the board's view. But think about it from THEIR point of view: you come before them - guilty of using illegal drugs - and say that it's not enough of a problem for you to accept any punishment/remedial for it. How do you suppose that there is any way for them to say: OK, go back to handling narcs, go back to working with pts.

You are mistaken if you believe the board is there to serve nurses. The board is there to PROTECT the public by ensuring a high standard for nurses. That being the case - that that is their primary function, how do you suppose that primary function squares with a nurse that dismisses illegal drug abuse as a 'minor problem not worth taking any actions about?'

Is TPAPN difficult? Oh, yes! (I've had peers in it - and most quit first) I don't know that I could go through with it - and I'd probably turn my license in first. (But then, that's why I wouldn't DARE smoke a joint)

Could you convince me, in the abstract, that a joint on a weekend when you're off work is no big deal. Possibly. The problem is this: unlike alcohol - there is NO way to determine by a positive test whether you were impaired at work or not. And so, it doesn't matter your perspective on the issue. The only perspective at issue is there is no way to determine whether you were using at work and no possibility of taking the chance that you weren't.

Think Board = Public protection. They aren't going to take that chance, or your word for it.

It's a bad situation. I feel for you.

~faith,

Timothy.

~faith,

Timothy.

twenty-five · Aug 21, 2006

just to let you know...i am in tpapn. it sucks. the boards are just going to tell you do it or lose it. e mail me if you have any questions. i promise i have had my fair share with the boards to help answer them

If you want to keep a license in Texas it's TPAPN or nuthin. There is no tolerance for any illegal drug use - and that is as it should be whether you agree with it or not. Legal is legal, illegal is not legal. Pretty cut n dried.
You can hire an atty and go before the board, but you will end up going through TPAPN anyway.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2006

The positive aspect of a TPAPN order is the fact that you can permanently avoid the revocation of your license by successfully completing the program. Of course, you would have to stay away from smoking joints for the rest of your career.

RNRutRO · Nov 28, 2006

So, what did you do? Did you join TPAPN or fight it? And what was the outcome.

I decided to join TPAPN, but wonder if it was the right choice.

Let us know. Hope it's all working out for you either way.

sib5 · Sep 15, 2007

i just tested positive for a drug that i took from my brother that he said he got over the counter i'm being referred to tpapn and i've been given a final warning at my job. do they take into consideration the circimstances or is it just you're positive period. do they look at the fact that i've never tested positive before? i've had lots of drug screens where i work, i feel like i've been harrassed, it's supposed to be random, i've been tested every 4-6 months over the last 10 years and other people i work with haven't been tested since they were hired 10-15 years ago. i need help. i sacrificed so much to get my license. i'm stressing. i know it was stupid for me to trust my brother but i didn't take drugs on purpose. i don't know what to do. any suggestions?

RNRutRO · Sep 16, 2007

Sib5-

Was it a drug that you can get over the counter? If so, I don't see what the problem was.

Might want to get an attorney who is has knowledge about the specifics in TEXAS about your situation. It doesn't seem fair thatyou were referred to TPAPN. Was there a reason for them to test you at work? Was there a narc missing?

Do NOT sign anything until you have all the facts and what your options are. Could something else have caused the "positive" on your ua?

If you'd like, send me a private message if you have more specific questions. You will get through this. TPAPN is NOT fun, but it is doable. Especially if you play by the rules.

Good luck and big hugs your way. I know it's scary, but it's not the end of the world.

sib5 · Sep 16, 2007

it turns out that the drug he gave me was soma. in texas a controlled substance needing a prescription. that's why i'm in trouble. i'm so scared. i sacrificed soo much to go back to school and get my degree and license to lose it over something so stupid. i haven't been able to sleep, i'm scheduled for surgery tomorrow to stop the cause of the pain which is why i was trying something to relieve the pain.

Sib5-
Was it a drug that you can get over the counter? If so, I don't see what the problem was.
Might want to get an attorney who is has knowledge about the specifics in TEXAS about your situation. It doesn't seem fair thatyou were referred to TPAPN. Was there a reason for them to test you at work? Was there a narc missing?
Do NOT sign anything until you have all the facts and what your options are. Could something else have caused the "positive" on your ua?
If you'd like, send me a private message if you have more specific questions. You will get through this. TPAPN is NOT fun, but it is doable. Especially if you play by the rules.
Good luck and big hugs your way. I know it's scary, but it's not the end of the world.

sib5 · Sep 16, 2007

are you still doing tpapn? is it ok? someone said it was horrible and even when you're finished you still won't work. is that true? im scared especially since i only took one pill. i don't do drugs, i hate drugs, i just was desperate to stop the pain which i'm having surgery for tomorrow.

RNRutRO · Sep 16, 2007

Sib5-

Since you are having surgery tomorrow, is there anyway that your MD will write you a Rx for Soma? Then you can say that you've taken it in the past and that your MD gave it to you? Just curious.

Hope all goes well! Keep your chin up. Sounds like work isn't being too fair with you. And why would they check you for Soma? That's not on the normal UDS, is it?

Yes, I'm in tpapn. Yes I work, and yes, I will work when it's all done. I don't know who gave you that "advice" but remember it's all a matter of opinion. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy, but then it's probably saved my life and taught me a lot. So, maybe it's not all bad. Send me a message if you have any other questions. Chances are your doctor will write you a rx for Soma. AND it doesn't sound like you are really a canidate for tpapn. You have to "admit" to using drugs. Which was hard for me, I felt like I made some bad choices instead. But, turns out, it's been a good thing for me.

Good luck and God bless!