TxDogMom

ponymom, you obviously have never known anyone who's life has been affected by addiction. Unfortunately, those types are more prevalent than you can even imagine, especially in health care. You just never know who that drugpig selfish loser is for WE WALK AMONG YOU (some of us are in recovery, some not). You sound awfully smug over then fact that you were "directly involved in the end of two careers." Good times. Pat yourself on the back. I'm guessing you are one of those people who thinks addiction is a moral choice and a weakness of character rather than a disease? Do you also refer to diabetics as selfish losers? Don't judge what you don't understand.

I've gotten so good at inserting female urinary catheters that my coworkers have proudly named me the "coochie queen." I think it may be a crown of thorns, actually....

Sounds like a lot of us going through the same thing. I'm not sure how things are in OK but from what I hear, here in Texas they are HARSH (I'm beginning to find that out myself). If I didn't love being a nurse (26+ years) I would gladly throw in the towel and be a greeter at Walmart or something. Can't be as much stress in THAT job... just do what I am doing...HANG IN THERE.

Just got off the phone with the MRO who wouldn't even LISTEN to my list of meds/OTC's, said the ONLY way for the test to be positive is from taking medication, either for ADD/ADHD/narcolepsy. I denied taking any of these because I know I did NOT. Now I just sit and wait. sigh.

Try living in Austin, land of the "keep it weird"... those 3 words are on every menu, sign, etc. arrrgh!

Absolutely agree on this point. Refuse to sign wastes with him from now on. He'll figure it out. I'm guessing you're not the only one he is doing this to.

They said I was positive for "methamphetamines"... so yes, I have appealed and am having a MRO done. Never took "meth" or "amphetamines" in my life, just here for alcohol. In all honesty, I did try OTC diet pills for about a week and I'm guessing that is what is showing "positive." As an OTC, can the board call that a "positive?" Bad decision on my end, I know. Test date for + was 3/10, and they send me in again on 3/14 and 3/18. The one done on 3/14 came back negative, and that was done BEFORE I had the positive results of the 3/10 test. I have no doubt that the one done yesterday (3/18) will be negative as well. Ironic part is TODAY 3/19 is my 2 year sober birthday, and I am having a hard time being happy about it. This whole thing has pushed all of my FEARS to the forefront. While I am unbelievably grateful to be SOBER it is a little hard to find the gratitude at this moment, but I am trying.

thank you!

0Looking for advice from ANYONE who can help... I am about halfway through my board-ordered TPAPN program, and have tested positive on my last UA. After discussing with my CM, I am confused about what my options are and what I can or cannot do regarding work. I was sent home yesterday from work (mid-shift, and the urine was from last week), and was told by the CM that my case was going to be closed and sent to the BON. She told me that since I was "board mandated", TPAPN was unable to give me a second chance. **First issue here: TPAPN sent me paperwork for their "voluntary" program while I was in a 90-day inpatient rehab... I had no way to talk to anyone or ask questions, so I declined it since it was "voluntary." They in turn notified the board that I declined and so I was then mandated by the BON into TPAPN (so much for a "voluntary" program). I must add here that my choice for treatment (for alcoholism) was 100% on my own doing, I have never had any legal or work issues in my 26 years as a nurse. **questions: what happens next once TPAPN "closes my case"? Am I able to continue working until the board review? How long does that usually take? Does anyone recommend a lawyer, will it make any difference at all? Are there any "interim" programs I can do either with or outside of TPAPN while I am waiting for the board review, as in continued random UA's and AA program, etc, to show them I am serious about recovery (and I am even if it doesn't sound like it). Will I have an opportunity to plead my case to the board or am I just represented on a piece of paper? What usually happens to a license in this situation: suspension, revoke, etc? Does anyone have any suggestions for me at this point, I would greatly appreciate it. After 26 years, I am scared to death. I have no idea what I would do. Thanks so much to everyone in advance, prayers always welcome. Reply

Looking for advice from ANYONE who can help... I am about halfway through my board-ordered TPAPN program, and have tested positive on my last UA. After discussing with my CM, I am confused about what my options are and what I can or cannot do regarding work. I was sent home yesterday from work (mid-shift, and the urine was from last week), and was told by the CM that my case was going to be closed and sent to the BON. She told me that since I was "board mandated", TPAPN was unable to give me a second chance. **First issue here: TPAPN sent me paperwork for their "voluntary" program while I was in a 90-day inpatient rehab... I had no way to talk to anyone or ask questions, so I declined it since it was "voluntary." They in turn notified the board that I declined and so I was then mandated by the BON into TPAPN (so much for a "voluntary" program). I must add here that my choice for treatment (for alcoholism) was 100% on my own doing, I have never had any legal or work issues in my 26 years as a nurse. **questions: what happens next once TPAPN "closes my case"? Am I able to continue working until the board review? How long does that usually take? Does anyone recommend a lawyer, will it make any difference at all? Are there any "interim" programs I can do either with or outside of TPAPN while I am waiting for the board review, as in continued random UA's and AA program, etc, to show them I am serious about recovery (and I am even if it doesn't sound like it). Will I have an opportunity to plead my case to the board or am I just represented on a piece of paper? What usually happens to a license in this situation: suspension, revoke, etc? Does anyone have any suggestions for me at this point, I would greatly appreciate it. After 26 years, I am scared to death. I have no idea what I would do. Thanks so much to everyone in advance, prayers always welcome.