I worked in critical care and was hoping someone had some information to help me because I was told I would be turned into TnPap. They said that I had pulled more meds during one month than other nurses in my unit, and I wasted incorrectly on a narcotic because I typed a 3 instead of 2mg in the Pyxis machine. I never gave anything outside of a doctors order, I was simply flagged due to giving more than my peers in one month and typing in an incorrect waste number. I was completely baffled at the way my situation was handled because my clinical manager walked me out in front of my friends/coworkers an hour after coming into work to take on two VERY CRITICAL patients. After some discussion, I agreed to a urine test and asked for some water. Then my clinical manager said I would have to be written up and take off two weeks of work. I asked to pull up patient charts and wanted to know what my rights were, they didn’t want to go over either with me. During our discussion on the matter, the interventions coordinator laughed at me when I said I had three degrees and would not risk that by taking lethal medications that could kill me. At this point they completely disregarded my confidentiality (again) and opened the door to the room for our MRT (rapid response) team to come in and get their keys/backpacks. I was so embarrassed at this point that they could treat me this way as a person, let alone as a nurse, that I walked out. Some Backstory: My situation is simple in the fact that I do not have to work because my husband makes enough money; I work because I love what I do. Critical care was a stepping stone in my career and I was waiting for my boss to come back from vacation to turn in my resignation out of respect. When this situation occurred, my boss was on vacation.
Upon walking out, I explained that I was not going to be treated this way by being mocked and that I was so embarrassed on the way things were being handled. I also said that I felt like it was extremely disrespectful due to the lack of confidentiality. I explained to my clinical manager that I was putting my notice in anyway but I was waiting for my director to get back from vacation out of respect for doing so because I had better offers on the table.
After this, they said they were turning me into TnPap. I consulted a lawyer who suggested I go through the evaluation process to go ahead and get it underway and to have paperwork documented to prove I am not using drugs. So, I self-reported to TnPap at this time and explained my situation. During my TnPap evaluation, I did a urine test ($70), saw an independent evaluator for one hour ($500), then spent $290 for a hair follicle test which was a 14panel. All tests came back NEGATIVE. My evaluator said he did not see anything that would signify me as abusing narcotics in which the drug screens verify that.
Now, TnPap wants me to agree to a “Monitoring Program” for 6 months. I am not sure if I want to accept this since I don’t have an abuse problem, it was documentation errors. I was wondering if anyone else had some helpful information to inform me on the right decision. My issue lies with the facts that TnPap does not guarantee that the BON won’t get involved regardless of doing what they say. I have all documentation showing that I don’t have a drug use problem, so I don’t understand why I would need to be monitored? I asked TnPap why I would need to be monitored when I don’t have a drug use problem, and their response was “for extra assurance”. Can anyone give me some better input as to why it would be beneficial? I feel like this program is not beneficial to individuals like me who have not done anything wrong besides misdocumentation.
I have working since I signed up for tnpap on December 29, 2019. I'm in a limited duty role until I know more about my monitoring agreement. I got to read my evaluation from the doctor I had to see in the beginning and he recommended 6 month narc restriction. So I guess I'm wondering if the time I have worked thus far will count towards the 6 months.
Does anyone happen to know that when you get your monitoring agreement and it says you have a 6 month narc restriction... Does that restriction start from the day you get your agreement OR the day you signed up for TNPAP? I'm finished with my IOP and individual counseling and about to sign my monitoring agreement. Thanks!
It starts when you get your first job using your nursing license AFTER signing your monitoring agreement. I signed my contract in June, started working in September, and wasn’t off narc restrictions til March.
I’ve been using my nursing license since January but doing a job you have to be a nurse to do you just aren’t seeing patients. Does that count?
It’s awesome that your evaluator and TNPap didn’t make you cease practice! But unfortunately I don’t think they’ll count that time. But I’d ask my case manager just to be absolutely sure. I hope you can.
TnPAP tenessee. WOW!, unbelievable. how women treat women. nursing is very catty. a simple negative result shouldve been enough. if wanted hair, shouldve told you and skipped the urine all together. I am learning that they (state) wants all who enter, to sign.. maybe they get funding this way. I really don't know. so far, I am also seeing that the monitoring agreements being offered/given to clients are not patient focused. they are all the same. state never should have offered you an agreement if all tests negative. holy crap girl. I don't think if I were in your shoes I would sign it. would get an attorney. get state off my back. then I think I'd be looking at going to HR and TURN HER POMPOUS BUTT IN! women need to have other womens (nurses especially) back. No one else is going to.
I’ve been using my nursing license since January but doing a job you have to be a nurse to do you just aren’t seeing patients. Does that count?
I would think it does, as you are using your license. Check with your case manager to be sure. In Texas, on my contract, as long as I am using my license, it would count.
Currently in the TNpap program and notified my current employer that I would be entering it due to a former employer . I was going to dispute the issue due to not all facts are straight , but was pretty much told by BON and tnpap it would cost me thousands of dollars to dispute and the possibility that I would loose my license for good. So I entered program so I could at least keep my license. Then all sudden my current employer wants me to get letters trying state the case is not completely correct! Now you knew my situation and the fact I can not afford to fight it, and all of sudden it's an issue after working 2 months , full time. After being PRN with this company for 5 + years! I feel like they think I have no other options. I may have trouble getting another job but anyone knows of places that hire and don't discriminate for being in program?
sam2brooke
32 Posts
I have working since I signed up for tnpap on December 29, 2019. I'm in a limited duty role until I know more about my monitoring agreement. I got to read my evaluation from the doctor I had to see in the beginning and he recommended 6 month narc restriction. So I guess I'm wondering if the time I have worked thus far will count towards the 6 months.