PNAP - need assistance

Published

Looking for advice. I tried a drug back in Jan; entire time of use was 2 days. It was a one-time, isolated incident. It wasn't detected until months later in my hair. The state of PA/PHMP/PNAP is diagnosing me as having a substance abuse disorder and want me to complete a 3 year program that is beyond overwhelming and seems to be a bit severe for a one time use. I initiated the VRP because my PNAP case manager pretty much scared me into it. I never touched anything of the sort since that brief exposure. No disciplinary history, problems, etc... does anyone else feel that this 'contract' I'm supposed to participate in is a bit harsh considering my situation? I want to decline the VRP, as I am not addicted to or abusing any substances, nor do I feel I need to 'recover' from anything. I feel it is a bit much considering the 'offence' If you can even call it that. Any advice, suggestions, feedback? Would love some insight from my peers. Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR.

Loathing every molecule of these programs as I do, it doesn't surprise me that any program would throw not only the book but the whole set of encyclopedias at a person. The missing link, however that I see is that why is the OP at the attention of the state of PA/PNAP program to begin with. What occurred to require the person to have an evaluation and thus a hair test to find said substance?

Contract being "harsh"? Yeah, these things are frequently a one size fits nobody. None of these evaluators care if you were the last reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.

At the risk of sounding 'not helpful' I think there are details missing that make it difficult for at least me to give honest feedback.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had been sick at work and not feeling well for a few days. I reported my feeling I'll to my supervisor, to which I was told there wasn't enough staff to send me home. An hour before my shift was to end, I was pulled aside and told I did t look right, and was taken for a drug test by the DON and CEO. They brought me back to work and let me drive home. The test showed I had trace amounts of THC in my system; I hadn't ingested it knowingly, but it had been baked into food at a party I was at a few days prior. That kicked off the investigation. My urine and hair was tested, to which no THC was was present; however, the remnants of that diug that I had taken months ago did show up in my hair. Now here I am with PNAP/PHMP labeling me as a drug abuser with a problem who needs this ridiculous program. I feel it's excessive. I can't justify being looked at like a full blown user and subjected to a 3 year program after an isolated incident that occurred months ago. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am in a similar situation (sorta) and tried to avoid the whole monitoring program but every path I tried to get around led me right back. Being on the OIG list will keep me from many, many jobs and i have actually had the best opportunity to move back to my home state where I have the support from my family and friends as well as away from people who know of my situation and won't run into any of them (my stuff happened in another state). I am taking the opportunity and running with it and having to live with a one fit for all type of people will be what I have to do to keep my license and my pride as well. In the end, it is a sacrifice I have RN make for my mistake and I know in the end I will be better for it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Welcome to PNAP purgatory!!!! I'm a fellow resident of this hideous program. Is it harsh? Yep!!! Unjust? For sure!!! Non-sensical? You betcha!!! I hate every minute in it and it hasn't helped me one bit. However, the reality is that you either comply (to the letter) with the contract you agreed to of much worse things (disciplinary program, extension, license revocation) will happen. You are early in the program so think hard if all this garbage is worth it. If it is you really only have one way outta this hell. Do what they say. You don't have to like it (I HATE it) but its the only way out

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi all! RN in the beginning stages of PNAP and probation. Official start of 3 year probation was Sept 12. I was placed on it for a substance use disorder/in suboxone treatment. My counselor asked me if the SBON was aware of my being in treatment. She suggested I tell the board. This was back in April of 2017. I had to see an addiction specialist in Pittsburgh ({MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME}, to the cost of $1200!) for an evaluation to see if suboxone treatment is the correct treatment. If she says yes, then I must see a neuropsychiatrist to have my cognitive abilities checked. IF BOTH say yes, I may stay on my meds and PNAP "bows out" but I will be drug tested and on probation the rest of my nursing career. I am getting unemployment at this time due to the hospital I work at not offering me another job. My question for you all is this: HOW MUCH LONGER till I can work? When does the board appointed contact spell out what exactly I can do? I work inpatient mental health. We do not give narcs often and there can be another RN on duty so I am not in charge....but what other rules must I follow besides where I work? I did get in touch with the Healthcare Providers recovery program so I don't feel so alone. Thank you. Hoping this is not the end of my career-just the start of a better one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have no charges. no disciplinary actions. no drug abuse. I was reported by a employer due to me walking out over management disagreement. should I get a lawyer for harassment?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion