TPAPN help

[barbs23]

I signed an agreement with tbon a couple of years ago that states that in order to sit for the nclex and attend nursing school i have to go to tpapn. not having money for a lawyer at the time i signed the order but now that graduation is coming up in december i am regretting not having asked money to get a lawyer. Is it too late now? Can i get a lawyer now and get this tpapn thing dropped or something not so crazy? I had a misdemeanor theft charge in '08 and went to rehab in '11 and will have 5 years sober on the 23rd of this month. All the tpapn rules and restrictions would be great if i was just getting sober but at this point it's not and i don't want it to get in the way of my employment or going on to get my bsn. Also what is up with the alcohol testing? how can you not come in contact with alcohol in the health care setting or any setting....hand sanitizer, pads, meds, perfume, ect how do they expect anyone to pass a test that is so sensitize it test positive for hand sanitizer?

[Oogie]

First, 5 years sober is quite an accomplishment great for you! If you've already signed an agreement with TxBON, you may be throwing money into the wind for a lawyer, but good luck with that. The rules are strict and they go by the rules. TxBON stance is that they are protecting the people of Texas from nurse's who've abused drugs or alcohol, since you stated you've been to rehab, that includes you. Involvement in TPAPN is their way of monitoring, supervising, documenting your ability to safely practice nursing. It is also a way to be employable. It's not easy. Once you get into a routine, its do-able. I log in each morning 1st thing to see if I'm selected for a UA, if I am I have all day to plan on how to go donate a specimen. Avoiding ETOH is not so hard, you have to read lables there a plenty of products that do not contain alcohol. This includes hand sanitizer, I buy my own at H.E.B. works just fine. You can do this, there are a lot of us out here in the same boat with you. Keep posting ...Peace...

[barbs23]

What labs do they have you go to and how much is it? What do you do if you go out of town or have an emergency or are sick and can't do a u/a?

[Oogie]

Slow down and take a deep breath, things will be OK! Once accepted into TPAPN you will be required to log into RecoveryTrek it is thru them you have contact with TPAPN, forms, monthly reports, etc. as well as daily logins. I use Quest Labs, they are all over, Texas and other states, I'm sure there are other labs you can use, I just haven't used any. Currently cost is $55 per donation, I've never had to donate more that 3 times in 1 month, that is not common. going out of town google quest labs, see where they are located close to your destination. Have an emergency, talk to your CM (case manger). I've never been so sick I couldn't go pee in a cup, if ya can't call your CM. Its a royal pain at times, but you need to focus on what you need to do each day, and make each day as positive as you can "For your own sake". Once you get into a routine, stay with it, stay off their radar (don't mess up) play by their rules, You'll be ok, lot of folks are out here on this website doing the same thing. Good People who've make mistakes. Keep Posting your questions, ... Peace...