TPAPN Advice

[johngray575]

Thanks for taking the time to read.

Two months ago my opioid addiction got to a point to where I was very obviously diverting Dilaudid from pt's while working as charge nurse overnight. I have been a nurse for two years. I have been sober for over two months now. I am highly aware that I need help and am now scheduled for an assessment/evaluation from a recovery clinic to see what I need to do to begin to rehabilitate myself. I am 100% committed to recovering to prevent a relapse and educate myself with the help of professionals. I have been referred to TPAPN and took the voluntary treatment. My license is currently without derogatory remarks or orders.

Here is the deal;

I have a mortgage, wife, and two children whom I must provide for. I understand that I have dug a hole and I must get myself out of it. I know this is all my fault and I must learn to deal with the shame and guilt on my own. However, I need money.

So how long would it be before I can go to work? Would it be that wrong to get a PRN position at a dialysis center (no narcotics) and not disclose the TPAPN thing and later once cleared to work get a job at a nursing home? I need income. Since loosing my job I have worked as a cook, construction, and much more as temp jobs but its not enough for mortgage.

So main question.. can I go get a PRN job at a dialysis center for sup. income without disclosing this to my case manager?

Thanks for the advice

[TXRNC]

If it's a nursing job you could be found not in compliance with the program. They are very big on follow the rules.

But take heart go to the eval start whatever treatment they recommend if it's outpatient treatment you can ask for a release to return to work within a couple weeks as long is everything is good Texas does not have a long period of time off once in treatment they can release you to work not like some states that have mandatory 12-18 months you can't work.

[Ash2213]

I feel for you John. You are in a very tough spot. I had the same thoughts when I was waiting to get into TPAPN. So far, I have found that doing the right thing and what I am supposed to do is the best way to go. For me it is part of my recovery too.

I am 10 months into my contract of 3 years. I absolutely abhor my job. I work in a very unsafe environment and am miserable..but still grateful to be working after what I did. I have until January until my 12 months of consecutive work is met. I hope I can find something else at that point.

Hang in there. Keep reading and posting here, there is a lot of support.

[Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

Dont do it. Talk to casemanager about working. I was off 2 weeks they were supportive in me getting back to work. I have 3 yrs under my belt. We all have felt the same thing you are. If you cant pay mortgage talk to your lender. This is an illness. You dont have to disclose what, but sometimes lenders will work with youif you inform them you have illness preventing you from working. I assure you it is gonna be ok, and life will be great again. Keep coming back!