PNAP & Application Process

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Hello all,

I DESPERATELY NEED PEOPLE'S OPINION'S OR ADVICE WHO MAY HAVE HAD EXPERIENCE WITH THIS. To make a long story short, I was totally up front and honest with the state board about my criminal background regarding drug charges and after reviewing my app, they referred me to the PNAP program which is the Pennsylvania Nurse Assistant Peer Program. I've been asked twice now by people on the phone from the Professional Health Monitoring Program and from PNAP, "are there any other pending charges or anything else that is pending?" I replied "no" which is true. They then asked me if I had ever been to drug rehab or outpatient in which i said "no". That part is not true, i have been to an inpatient and outpatient rehab 3 years ago for drugs. My priors that i have go back more than 7 years ago, so i figure since i never been arrested for my drug problem that i had three years ago, i didnt want to state that i been clean for only 3 years where as, how it appears on my criminal background, i have been clean for over 7 years. I havent done my drug evaluation yet but im sure theyre going to ask again, have you been to a drug and alcohol rehab? Should I tell them the truth and say yes I have been, 3 years ago and bank on the fact that they wont find out by going and checking with my insurance company or something very private like that or should i just omit that information? Because the only way they could find out is by checking with my insurance company. I voluntarily entered rehab on my own, but I dont want them not to give me a license because its only been 3 years since i been clean??

Anyone at all, please give me advice. I dont know if ive already dug my self a hole i cant get out of or if its not to late to tell them the truth, or just omit that i was at rehab a few years ago....

Thank you so much for anyone that can help or respond. Hopefully i will get sincere responses....

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Lying is never a good way to start. You may have to sign a records release in the process and it may be revealed that you entered rehab 3 years ago. If caught lying by omission you could be automatically denied a license without a chance at PNAP. Many alternative programs are standardized and based upon assessment whether you are clean 6 months or 6 years. Plus it's possible having done inpatient & outpatient rehab 3 years ago (and stayed clean) may have shortened your program more than having last criminal charges 7 years ago.

Not sure how to clarify your intent to deceive by coming clear now though, but being truthful now is better than them finding out and asking for forgiveness later.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

IMO, your lying about your past record/history will do far more damage than your having told them the truth about how long you've been clean.

You can start to get out of the hole you dug by telling the truth. It's far better for you to fess up about your past than to let PNAP find out on their own. No, fessing up doesn't guarantee that you will get your license, but it improves your chances. And yes, there is a chance that they would never find out if you kept quiet about it, but that's a big gamble that you would be taking with your license.

IMO I would contact them and provide the correct information. You may also want to contact an attorney versed in dealing with nursing matters just in case this ends up going in front of the PA BON. You can find referrals to such attorneys here: TAANA Executive Office - Home

Best of luck.

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Specializes in Bottom wiping.

Hi,

I'm in the PNAP program myself. I can tell you that it is best to be absolutely honest with them :-)

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