To TPAPN or not...

Nurses Recovery

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Hi all, I'm need of some guidance, advice, opinions, prayer ... whatever you can throw my way. Recently terminated for a failed drug screen without disclosure of my poor judgment of using recreational MJ. I was told by my employer that I would be referred to TPAPN. The random caught me off guard, I got scared and didn't disclose what I just should have.

I'm scared to death. To be honest. I don't know if I should refer myself. I don't know if I should just try and reapply somewhere else and hope I don't get referred ... I don't know what to do...

I want to do what is right to correct my wrong. But I'm scared I won't be able to find employment if I start this TPAPN process and I can't NOT work.

can anyone help me with some experience, advice. I'm so lost right now and I feel so broken... I'm trying to hold it together....

1 Votes
Specializes in Med/Surg, Women's Health, LTC.

From what I know, you will be referred, as the employer is required to do so.

I would call TPAPN, but, if you can afford it, seek legal guidance first, with an attorney who specializes in license defense.

Next, start going to meetings, and just get a random sheet online, and start having it signed.

Get another job now, if you can, and start socking away money. The monitoring programs are costly, and you will need the extra cash. If you can find employment where you do not pass narcs, do so. Dialysis, psych, or a community clinic.

Good luck to you, come back to this forum for support from all of us.

Hang in there and do not beat yourself up. The BON will do enough of that for you!

1 Votes
Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

And this might be the time to lawyer up. Because you don't want to face the BON by yourself. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Good luck.

2 Votes

I do sincerely appreciate the advice. I will look into the lawyer thing. Not sure where to find one but I notice when I google search TPAPN they pop up before the actual TPAPN website....

im wondering when I do begin to apply for another job, do I disclose immediately the TPAPN possibility if not already in the program? I'm truly not a dishonest person. I'm a scared person which is why I did not disclose what I should have but I do want transparency I just need to know when to use it??

Another question I have is regarding my agency status....I am employed by one. I have read that I won't be able to do agency once I enter this program. Would you suggest I continue working until the actual referral is made or just stop all together?

I don't have an issue with narcotics. Never taken them and never even been tempted. MJ is only something I used recreationally as I don't drink either. Either way I know it's illegal and I was wrong for risking it. I guess when you "get away" with something so long and you see all the legalization going on you really start to believe, "I'm not hurting anyone". Well turns out, might not be hurting anyone else but I sure did do a number to myself ...

again, thanks for the support and advice. I think that as nurses one of the best things we can do is support each other and care for each other and lift each other up in times of need. If we can do it for our patients it should come easy to do it for one another ...

1 Votes
Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
I do sincerely appreciate the advice. I will look into the lawyer thing. Not sure where to find one but I notice when I google search TPAPN they pop up before the actual TPAPN website....

im wondering when I do begin to apply for another job, do I disclose immediately the TPAPN possibility if not already in the program? I'm truly not a dishonest person. I'm a scared person which is why I did not disclose what I should have but I do want transparency I just need to know when to use it??

Another question I have is regarding my agency status....I am employed by one. I have read that I won't be able to do agency once I enter this program. Would you suggest I continue working until the actual referral is made or just stop all together?

I don't have an issue with narcotics. Never taken them and never even been tempted. MJ is only something I used recreationally as I don't drink either. Either way I know it's illegal and I was wrong for risking it. I guess when you "get away" with something so long and you see all the legalization going on you really start to believe, "I'm not hurting anyone". Well turns out, might not be hurting anyone else but I sure did do a number to myself ...

again, thanks for the support and advice. I think that as nurses one of the best things we can do is support each other and care for each other and lift each other up in times of need. If we can do it for our patients it should come easy to do it for one another ...

As far as the BON - you have not been formally charged with anything so, no - you do not legally have to disclose what could be pending until it is indeed a reality.

Regarding the agency - I am unsure but someone else could chime in.

Nurses are held to a higher standard. There are stories of nurses getting DWI not on duty and still being reported to their BON because...we're held to a higher standard. Not saying I agree or disagree. The possibility of a random drug test weighs on me and shapes my decisions, though. Hang in there.

1 Votes

If they said they're reporting you to TPAN then they are not reporting you to the board. Employers have a choice of either or. Mine went the tpap route because patient care was not in question. TPAPN will contact you via mail and inform you that you must make contact with them within a certain time or they will refer it on to the board. I was referred to TPAPN,

the board is not involved.

2 Votes
Specializes in Med/Surg, Women's Health, LTC.

I don't have an issue with narcotics. Never taken them and never even been tempted. MJ is only something I used recreationally as I don't drink either..

I only mention having a job without narcs is because often, not always, you will have a restriction for at least a year. No passing, wasting or witnessing, or keys.

2 Votes

I know from my former manager I was referred, so now, I at least know to be expecting the contact from them ... uhhh what is the Lord trying to teach me on this one?? ... well, besides the whole you shouldn't have been doing that :/

Another question I had was, if I have insurance (through my husband) will that cover any of the evaluation process? I know I have to pay out of pocket for the screens but what about the psych evaluation?

Again, I appreciate yalls support and information...you gave me back my hope and for that I'm so so grateful ...

1 Votes

Six months narcotic restriction in Texas is standard.

1 Votes

They will be required to report it and they will.

Yes get a job now that would be TPAPN friendly. Find out what the typical restrictions are. I am not familiar with TPAPN so I don't know offhand what the typical restrictions are. Some states make you stop working as a nurse for a period of time but I think most of them don't do that.

I wouldn't tell a potential new employer about it until you have to, if you have to. TPAPN might make you tell once you sign up, I'm not sure.

1 Votes

Yes, I am in TPAPN. You are required to tell the employer.You have to get approval from you case worker to work a job once you're in tpapn. You will probably be required not to work while you're going through outpatient which is what usually is recommended. You will have quarterly employee evaluations that must be submitted to tpapn. You will have the standard restrictions which are no narc passing for 6 months, no overtime, no floating. there are no working weekends or nights restrictions which may be waived.

1 Votes

I do find some comfort knowing what's in front of me. The scariest part was the unknown. But I love being a nurse. Gonna fight this battle. Glad I found a place to ask my questions and voice my thoughts. It truly does help. I hope I can return the favor one day.

1 Votes
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