Question for Texas Nurses

Nurses have the same failings as the general population and can get into drug and alcohol problems like anyone else.

The TPAPN (Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses) is a good way to admit the problem and solve it...while being monitored for compliance. It helps the nurse keep a job while he/she is getting treatment. An addict who will NOT get help in such a program will likely lose the license they worked so hard for.

I think it's an excellent program and have worked with several nurses who have called it a lifesaver for them personally and propfessionally. They have been upfront with their coworkers and we have all appreciated it...no secrets...we were all involved in their success :)

Hi to all. I had an instructor who made it seem like such a negative thing. I did not mean to sound so ignorant, and I have done some research and talked to some nurses where I live and they all think it's a great thing. I suppose that next time I will do my research first!!:imbar

Lisa

Some instructors stay in their ivory tower of perfection and don't come down to earth to mix with us mere mortals.

You're not sounding ignorant...it's a good question you asked about TPAPN. If we are to care for others should we not also care for other nurses? I think so.

Good luck in your schooling!! Be respectful of your instructors but keep an open mind too...some things they say need to be taken with a grain of salt.

You cannot go through TPAPN as a nursing student. TPAPN will not accept anyone who isn't licensed as a nurse.

Oops! Didn't notice the year part of the date!

I just started nursing school this past week and as I was reading thru my student handbook it mentioned that if any student develops a drug or alcohol program that the student would go thru TPAPN. I know what this is and I just was wondering how some of you felt about a student going thru TPAPN before even become a nurse. Also, an instructor that I had told us that there is no limit on how many times a person can go through TPAPN. I thought that this was strange, as well as possibly being dangerous to a patient. I was just wondering what some of you that are already nurses feel about this. Just seems odd to me.

Lisa

Steer clear of TPAPN!

Hi to all. I had an instructor who made it seem like such a negative thing. I did not mean to sound so ignorant, and I have done some research and talked to some nurses where I live and they all think it's a great thing. I suppose that next time I will do my research first!!:imbar

Lisa

If they think it is great they haven't dealt with it. It is a great concept but has many failings including the counselors. The Board is better even if they are more strict.