Hi all, I'm need of some guidance, advice, opinions, prayer ... whatever you can throw my way. Recently terminated for a failed drug screen without disclosure of my poor judgment of using recreational MJ. I was told by my employer that I would be referred to TPAPN. The random caught me off guard, I got scared and didn't disclose what I just should have.
I'm scared to death. To be honest. I don't know if I should refer myself. I don't know if I should just try and reapply somewhere else and hope I don't get referred ... I don't know what to do...
I want to do what is right to correct my wrong. But I'm scared I won't be able to find employment if I start this TPAPN process and I can't NOT work.
can anyone help me with some experience, advice. I'm so lost right now and I feel so broken... I'm trying to hold it together....
They will give you a list of choices with whom to do your evaluations with. They are all TPAPN preferred, and will likely give you out patient. There is no getting out of outpatient if you're deemed to have to the three year stint. BUT!!! As MJ was you're issue you may be a candidate for EEP..extended evaluation period. One year of drug tests and that is all. Ask TPAPN about it, ask your evaluator about it. Above all, do not have an attitude. The less you annoy or attract attention the better.
You will make it through this. Best case scenario for you is EEP. If you are not an addict or alcoholic, then TPAPN is not really appropriate for you anyway. Definitely ask about EEP. Your employer has a duty to report under the state law, and it is nice of them to tell you they did TPAPN instead of the board. I do not believe you have to tell your future employer about EEP, but will be subjected to random UDS and checking in. You will be required to obtain an evaluation by a substance abuse counselor who will diagnose you, and tell TPAPN their recommendations. If your not an addict, say so. A lot of people use MJ recreationally are not addicts. Nurses are just held to a higher standard.
Anyway, I wish you them best. I should be done with my 3 year stint any minute now and am so grateful to have had the 2nd chance.
I don't know what I'd be doing right now with out all the support and advice. I'm hopeful. I'm still waiting for my referral letter from TPAPN but I've been doing agency in the mean time. I'm hoping I can get a couple more shifts in before all this happens.
I truly believe this happened for a reason and I'll learn something coming out of it. And at the very least be able to help someone else out in my situation.
Im not in a program, but from the nurses I know and research Ive done due to my own recent scare, it can take some time for them to reach you. One nurse I know refused her test, so because she didnt have any evidence against her it took 2 years for them to contact her. She did end up having to enroll, but her advice would be keep working as long as you can! The sitting and waiting is no good for you. You typically cant work agency while in the progran, so enjoy it while you can now and keep saving so you can be prepared. As others have said, I dont believe you are required to tell your future employer until you are enrolled. Once youre enrolled, you will have to. Due to all of the signature and sponsors and so on. But you can do it and will make it through! I see it as two options if you truly love nursing, despite the programs being a pain : 1. 3-5 years of hell to keep your license and still have your whole career ahead of you or 2. Let it go, but accept the fact that youre letting go of a future in nursing. If you don't have a problem with drugs/alcohol, either way youre life isnt over and you will continue living.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
I know from my former manager I was referred, so now, I at least know to be expecting the contact from them ... uhhh what is the Lord trying to teach me on this one?? ... well, besides the whole you shouldn't have been doing that :/
Another question I had was, if I have insurance (through my husband) will that cover any of the evaluation process? I know I have to pay out of pocket for the screens but what about the psych evaluation?
Again, I appreciate yalls support and information...you gave me back my hope and for that I'm so so grateful ...
Way back in the stone age _ I was one of the 1st nurses to go through this process. I lost my job and insurance. We immediately switched to my husbands insurance which we did prior to open enrollment based on change of life circumstances and his insurance paid for my IOP treatment and follow-up with psychiatrist and psychologists. All the drug testing was out of pocket.
I finally received my letter so I called and spoke with my case manager. He seemed helpful and explained the process. Which is exactly as everyone has explained. Looks like I will pay out of pocket for the evaluation because the only two providers that take insurance are a 5-6 hour drive. The evaluations range from $500 - $1300 in price. They included the prices with the information. I will probably pay out of pocket just to avoid the drive. I have 30 days to get the appointment scheduled and/or completed. Tomorrow is my drug test and then I hope to get this ball rolling. He did not state that I had to stop working agency and I didn't ask. I will keep working until they tell me otherwise so I can get some $$ put away until all this happens....I'll keep posting my updates as I have them. Hoping this information will someday help another person who is in my position and scared out of their wits like I was. This forum has definitely given me hope and encouragement to fight this battle.
I was referred/reported to TPAPN for mental health issues, so my experience was a little different. I will say that it was a hard couple years, but I'm so glad I pushed through all the cost and stress. I know how terrifying it is starting off this whole process and I'm super impressed with your effort at a positive outlook! Fingers crossed you can do EEP and simplify the process a bit.
When I went to my TPAPN evaluation (the $400 one) she said that she was not recommended a narcotic handling restriction. If it’s standard 6 months narcotic restriction in Texas why would she say that?
Kel65, MSN, RN
315 Posts
They will give you a list of choices with whom to do your evaluations with. They are all TPAPN preferred, and will likely give you out patient. There is no getting out of outpatient if you're deemed to have to the three year stint. BUT!!! As MJ was you're issue you may be a candidate for EEP..extended evaluation period. One year of drug tests and that is all. Ask TPAPN about it, ask your evaluator about it. Above all, do not have an attitude. The less you annoy or attract attention the better.