PNAP

Nurses Recovery

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Hello. I am just wondering if there are other individuals who have successfully completed, or are currently in, PNAP program and have a career as a nurse? I just entered the PNAP program and am doing everything possible to completely recover and be a better husband, father and nurse. There are many articles listing negative reviews about PNAP and just curious if there are any updated comments anyone has on them. Thank you.

Welcome! What does PNAP stand for ? I'm in Texas and I'm in our Peer Assistance Program. Hang in there ! I'm not too sure about your states program. Just do what you're supposed to do and you will be out of it ! How many years are you in for ?

Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

I am currently enrolled in PNAP (PA's 'Peer Nurse Assistance Program). It seems it is what you make of it. If you're ready to dive in, be honest and 'work your program' (as I've heard others say), you will probably have a much better experience than others. As with anything, people tend to complain about things much more than praising them. For every negative you hear/read, there are positive experiences as well. We just don't hear that as often...

You've already done the hard part: admitted an issue that needs addressed. Having the support of your family is a huge plus. And then you found this board, with quite a few supportive and knowledgeable individuals who have been there, or are now.

:-)

Welcome! First, stop reading the internet! It's not going to help! I am in PNAP and it's completely doable. For me, the state board requirements are just a side step for my license. I got sober, did the right thing and see the state board as something that is just easy actually. I've had two jobs so far. First one I didn't like so I got a new one. This one is in a hospital on a tele unit. I've had multiple offers. I believe people can tell if you are genuine about recovery when you disclose, I always do it in person. Hopefully you were assigned a nurse support group like I was, you can get a lot of good feedback for interviewing there. Good luck!

I have been in PNAP almost 3 years, my contract has been extended. They say Zero Tolerance and they mean it. You can not miss urine screenings. It is very strict. I wish I would have contacted a lawyer PRIOR to signing the contract. I feel it is very restricting to nurses they make it difficult to get a job, and maintain one with the demands they require. I am fortunate to be working as a school nurse, (LPN) I am also the schools secretary. The most frustrating factor to me is they set the requirements for everyone on an old basis where "everyone is required to attend AA, etc" They do not look at each person as an individual, or look at personal accomplishments they disregarded the recommendations of my counselor, whom I have been going to for 5 years, someone who knows me personally. That is frustrating to me. Being in the program has caused me anxiety, and self esteem issues that I wouldn't be experiencing If I was not required to be monitored. I would be happy to provide advice!

Hello! I am in your exact position. I reached out to PNAP to "self report" after I was confronted with diversion of opiates. I too am committed to doing everything necessary to recover, improve, and move forward in my life. However, I feel lost in this process. I was directed by PNAP to have an "evaluation", which concluded (of course) that I would benefit from enrollment in PNAP. I spoke with the case manager, who is still on the process of figuring out what is needed from me. The process seems somewhat sluggish, especially when you're not able to work. I am concerned about what the future holds because of the uncertainty at this point. Please let me know how you're doing in this process & know that I'm here to support you through this difficult time!

Hi, been in PNAP for a little over a year. 2.5 to go. Completely doable for me. Almost finished the 1 year of after care. Testing has been fine. No positives or dilutes. I'm mindful of what I eat but not crazy. I haven't stopped using hand sanitizer or anything. I have an urgent care that I go to that is open till 9pm. Once they get to know you it's fine to come in late for testing. My work place also tests. I got a non clinical RN position with the same employer (couldn't go back to ICU) with the same salary after taking a leave of absence when I self reported. It was about 5 months before I was cleared to go back to work. Was even able to collect short term disability. I realize I've been extremely fortunate with my circumstances and am eternally grateful to God. Only He could've orchestrated these favorable conditions. My case manager has been great. No problems. Questions answered timely via phone and/or email. If you do what you're supposed to do it's fine. I read everything and asked a lot of questions and networked with people in the program so I knew what to expect. It is very intimidating at first but so many others have gone through this successfully and with the help of my higher power, the support of my family, sponsor, friends and AA family I believe I can as well. So it is what you make it. You have to do the work. I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to even be in a program to maintain my license because in the past this wasn't even an option. Best of luck to you!

does anyone know if there is a way to have your random drug screens through pnap paid for by your medical card instead of out of pocket in Pennsylvania? I'm just starting program I just graduated nursing school but am being forced to enter program because I have old drug related charges from 2009 and In their words " I have a diagnosis of addiction" and even though I have been clean for 7 years and showed proof of rehabilitation I must enter the program.. I came this far I will do what they want but I'm worried about the cost of drug screens I don't see why I should have to pay for them if I can go to any # of places by me that gladly take my medical card any advice????

Boy, I wish that my medical insurance would pay for my random drug tests. I would think it could be justified for on going treatment of a diagnosed disease in the DSM. However, no MD is ordering these tests and the insurance company would most likely deny the request based upon lack of medical necessity. It's a shame as private insurance is so expensive these days

I spoke to a lady at Blue Cross Blue Shield who I hold insurance with. I told her what I was going through. She told me I could send in a claim. I did this before the end of last year but never heard anything back. I think I may call them and try again.

Specializes in Bottom wiping.

Time to complain about how awful this program is and how it just doesn't work. I tested positive for alcohol 2 months shy of my completion date and was told I had to restart my 3 years all over again. I tried to fight, negotiate, and the all mighty BON will not relent. Despite my 4 yrs of opiate abstinence, I am now deemed a raging alcoholic because I decided to drink wine at dinner and barely produced a positive screen.

So anyway, rant of the day.....I am now back in IOP (because of my positive drug screen) and hey guess what, tonight is IOP night and I was selected for random drug screen....mmmm now how to fit this into a full time job? I have the choice of 2 testing sites that are both a 40 min drive and have limited hours. So do I miss IOP and get my drug screen or do I miss my drug screen and make IOP? This is my predicament. My already flexible employer is allowing me to do one of these things.....PNAPs official response "make it work". Thanks PNAP case manager for as usual being totally useless.

Oh God!!! You gotta do IOP again for a glass of wine. Not to mention another 3 years!!! Bless you I'm not sure I could do it. Honestly, that is horrible news but thank you very much for sharing as it will help others (like me) remember this should the temptation to have a harmless drink enters our mind. This is very much like being a child again & having your autonomy stripped. I'm counting down the days till I can have a drink and send a picture to all the caring professionals upon my official release. This whole program is about having a gun to your head. What do they think will happen when they take the gun away? I know this coercion sure hasn't got me to buy into any of this recovery hokum

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