TAE, RN

My eval was the exact same as yours.

Scared, No. My chemical dependency eval concluded that I did indeed have a problem with alcohol (which I don't disagree. I did not need to spend 1500 to figure that out, I self admitted it) but not a problem with drugs even though I was reported for using morphine and dilaudid. The psychiatrist that did the evaluation then recommended that I see a therapist and go to AA. I had to complete 6 weeks of sessions with my therapist before my case manager would even consider letting me go back to work in nursing. Once I did that, and my therapist told my case manager that I was safe to return to work, I began the very discouraging job hunt and had hundreds of doors shut in my face before I found my job at a detox center. I'm also in IOP but that wasn't ordered by the board of nursing, the court ordered me to go to IOP but I will still send my certificate of completion to TPAPN and the board.

I agree with Recovery_RN. You just don't want to sound resistant to the board. Just change your wording. Instead of saying they said I don't need treatment, say I went to my evaluation and this is what they recommend, I'm signed up to start (date).

Drug & Alcohol Detox and Rehab facilities! I'm in TPAPN and have a DWI on my record - could not find a job ANYWHERE with 5 years of RN experience. Got a job at a drug & alcohol detox facility and I LOVE it!!! Rehabs, detox centers, and psych facilities are more forgiving, and recovery friendly. They are all about second chances. Good luck to you.

I am on TPAPN currently for diverting. It is a longgg and arduous process, but worth it. Unfortunately, without a doubt you will probably lose your job. If you are in TPAPN, you cannot work at any job until you are given approval by your assigned TPAPN case manager. This case manager has to approve the job site as well as your position and role at that job. You are also NOT allowed administer narcotics, witness wastage, count narcotics, or have any access to narcotics what-so-ever for first 6 months of being employed at the APPROVED place of employment. You have to check in with TPAPN every single day via telephone or online and be able to submit to random drug testing at any given time. Also, you have to do 90 AA / NA meetings in 90 days and then 4 meetings per week after that. TPAPN also made me get a chemical dependency evaluation from a Psychiatrist that cost me $1500. This is a long and tedious process but it is worth it to keep your license that you worked so hard for. For me, I am greatful for TPAPN because it honestly truly helps my sobriety and recovery. Good luck to you.

Fellow nurses, I have a prospective job at an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital. I was just wonder what the typical pay is as an RN at a psych hospital. I think I'll be working nights in intake. I'm in Houston, TX. I have 3.5 yrs med surg experience. Thanks!