TPAPN HELP

[Scared-RN]

Hi everyone. I live in Texas and I have been a nurse for four years, same hospital. I recently was asked to have a drug test, and I knew it would be positive so I admitted to drug diversion and use. I self reported this information to both TPAPN and the board. No prior history, no problems. Does anyone know if the board will agree to a ordered TPAPN? Or are they likely to just revoke my license?

My issue with substance use revolves around my mental state. I have a history of anxiety and depression and recent events just made me spin out. I don't have a continuous physical dependence, but will use what is available to me when I need it. First time for drug diversion, though.

Stupid, I know. I want help though.

[Recovering_RN]

Can anyone tell me what all is involved in the addiction evaluation?

Some people end up having multi day evaluations but mine was one day, about 4 hours, consisting of 3 or 4 very long (100-300 question) multiple choice tests. The tests were "graded" by machine, I assume, because he had results during that same appointment, and the second part of the evaluation was him reviewing the results of my tests (without telling me anything though) and just talking to me, for maybe 30 minutes. The talk was about why I was there, my relationships with my kids, husband, other family, my childhood, siblings etc.

The tests were like those personality tests that ask the same questions a lot of different ways. About what you like, what annoys you, scenarios are given and you say which thoughts or actions you'd probably have/do. He then sent a summary with his evaluation and recommendations to TPAPN.

[Kel65, MSN, RN]

Tests were ridiculous.

[TAE, RN]

Scared, No. My chemical dependency eval concluded that I did indeed have a problem with alcohol (which I don't disagree. I did not need to spend 1500 to figure that out, I self admitted it) but not a problem with drugs even though I was reported for using morphine and dilaudid. The psychiatrist that did the evaluation then recommended that I see a therapist and go to AA. I had to complete 6 weeks of sessions with my therapist before my case manager would even consider letting me go back to work in nursing. Once I did that, and my therapist told my case manager that I was safe to return to work, I began the very discouraging job hunt and had hundreds of doors shut in my face before I found my job at a detox center. I'm also in IOP but that wasn't ordered by the board of nursing, the court ordered me to go to IOP but I will still send my certificate of completion to TPAPN and the board.

[TAE, RN]

My eval was the exact same as yours.

[Scared-RN, BSN, MSN, RN, EMT-B]

Scared, No. My chemical dependency eval concluded that I did indeed have a problem with alcohol (which I don't disagree. I did not need to spend 1500 to figure that out, I self admitted it) but not a problem with drugs even though I was reported for using morphine and dilaudid. The psychiatrist that did the evaluation then recommended that I see a therapist and go to AA. I had to complete 6 weeks of sessions with my therapist before my case manager would even consider letting me go back to work in nursing. Once I did that, and my therapist told my case manager that I was safe to return to work, I began the very discouraging job hunt and had hundreds of doors shut in my face before I found my job at a detox center. I'm also in IOP but that wasn't ordered by the board of nursing, the court ordered me to go to IOP but I will still send my certificate of completion to TPAPN and the board.

Was there a physical assessment as well? Like labs, etc?

[Scared-RN, BSN, MSN, RN, EMT-B]

Thanks everyone for the info and support. It will be a long road, but I am hopeful, especially after talking to people who have been there.

[Persephone Paige, ADN]

You'll do fine. It will take forever, but you've done nothing so horrible yet that it can't be fixed. Just buckle up and get ready for the long ride. Best wishes

[Ash2213]

I do think the board will just refer you to TPAPN, and since you have self reported to TPAPN already, it will most likely stay confidential, e.g. won't be posted on your license...as long as you follow TPAPN to a tee. Once you are contacted by TPAPN, you will get your eval done and then start IOP unless they refer you to inpatient tx.. I had already been sober 3 months and consistently attending AA meetings when I had my eval, but was still referred to a useless IOP (sorry but it was, and a big money grab!). Anyway, I was allowed to go back to work about 2 weeks into IOP and started work at a behavioral health facility. Psych hospitals are pretty friendly, at least in DFW. I am due to be finished with TPAPN in December. It has been a long road but is definitely doable. A lot of my own issues were due to mental health like anxiety and depression and the night shift. I fell off the wagon and spiraled quickly which landed me refusing a drug test as well...

Good luck to you. I am always here if you want to PM me questions about anything. Some really awesome nurses helped me out on this board when I was just starting and I am happy to do the same.

Best to you. Hang in there.

[Scared-RN, BSN, MSN, RN, EMT-B]

Thanks so much. I heard from the board and they did refer me to TPAPN. I'm expecting to hear from them any time now. I have been clean for almost a month now and have been going to meetings, so I hope to go back to work soon. HR at my job has been really positive about me coming back in some capacity. So I am just keeping my fingers crossed and running for the mail everyday!

[Ash2213]

I would keep a record of the meetings you are attending with signatures. Once you get into the program you will have to do "90 in 90" and then 4 a week for the first 2 years. These have to be documented.. The meetings you have been attending can count towards your 90 in 90 if your case manager is nice like my first one was..! I am on my 4th case manager which is one of the worst things about the program. I lie low, don't ruffle feathers and try not to contact them at all! Good luck to you.

[Scared-RN, BSN, MSN, RN, EMT-B]

So it has been three weeks since I self-reported to TPAPN, two weeks since the board referred me to TPAPN. I still haven't been assigned a case manager. I have been going to NA meetings for over a week.....just wanted to get started on SOMETHING. I was surprised to find I am now looking forward to my meetings each day. I have been dealing with depression and anxiety with periodic episodes of self medication for years. Sometimes months or even years between the substance use. Sometimes it has been alcohol, sometimes RX meds. I feel kind of blessed that I finally got caught and am getting help. I have gotten nothing but love and support from my family, and I have been blessed to keep my part-time job at a Nursing school (I'm a graduate assistant until I graduate in August, I hope) even though I told my boss what happened. I felt she needed to know, especially since I work with nursing students and they do clinical in the hospital I work.

I have been able to keep my insurance from work, HR granted me a personal leave of absence, and once I'm under the care of a psychiatrist who says I cannot go back to work right now, I will qualify for disability. (After I finish my other job in August). So that will help a little bit with income.

I feel like I have the best situation at this time that I could possibly have with these circumstances and I don't deserve it, but I am grateful. Thanks everyone for your help and advice. I will continue to look to you all for help as I start this long journey.

Thanks everyone!!!!!

[Scared-RN, BSN, MSN, RN, EMT-B]

I have had my psychological evaluation and am awaiting treatment recommendations. I was lucky enough to find a qualified provider who only charged $300 for the entire visit and testing about 40 minutes away. How long after your evaluations did you find out if you were accepted into TPAPN? As of right now I have only been provisionally accepted, and am awaiting all the paperwork and agreement forms. This process does certainly teach you patience. After being out of work for more than a month, and self referring within 2 days, I am surprised that I am still not completely enrolled. What has everyone else's timeline been?

Thanks!