TPAPN- I’m done! Here’s my story/advice

[HTXRN2016]

So I just completed my sentence today and I just wanted to provide some insight on my experience. Partly just to document my experience but mostly to help others. Sorry this is going to be long because I’m addressing everything, but I hope it helps.

So a short backstory; I was referred to TPAPN by a travel nurse company for positive UDS. I had taken fioricet for headache that was given to me by a coworker. I honestly didn’t think too much of it not realizing it’s a controlled substance. Anyways I took my UDS for the travel assignment and it was positive. Once I got my letter from TPAPN I immediately started researching the program and came to the relization that this was not optional. However I did drag it out for as long as possible which was honestly dumb because I could’ve been finished sooner (I got my letter in Oct/Nov 2019 and started the program Jan 2020)

I started with the initial drug test which came back negative then I got my psychological evaluation. Expect to shell out at least 1k for that. The psychologist said I was low level for drug use/addiction and recommended the least restrictive term. Luckily for me I only got a one year term; which consisted of three therapist sessions and drug screening only. I was also still able to work without disclosure to my boss.  I’ve read about people getting EEP instead of TPAPN and my situation is similiar to EEP but it wasnt considered that, I was still under TPAPN  but only for a one year term.

As for the drug screenings, I only had urine (unobserved); however the agreement stated it could be whatever including hair, blood, and nails. As for the UDS I had a total of 24 for the year, averaging 2/month; however in the beginning they were more spread out like every month and then at the end of the program they started to be every week, sometimes 2x a week. The options would vary but  mainly option 1,  from what I remember I’ve had option 2, option 3, option 4,  and option 8. I was never tested on holidays or weekends. Luckily for me I work nights so I was available during the day to test; IDK how you would swing it to get tested if you work days.

My mess ups- I’ve had 1 dilute and 2 Value out of Range. The out of range was due to my urine being too concentrated as those were the days I used my first pee of the day. That was probably the most difficult part for me was giving good urine, as I didn’t want it to come back as too dilute or concentrated. Luckily I wasn’t penalized, they just tested me more frequently after I had abnormal specimens. I also missed a check in once, of course it had to be when  I only had one month left in the program. Once I realized I didn’t check in I immediately self tested and messaged my case manager even though it was after hours. She said it was fine and good that I self tested.

My recommendations are just do what you’re supposed to do. I know you don’t have control over who your case manager is but having a good one makes a world of a difference. She made this experience as bareable as possible. It definitely sucks but it’s doable. The most annoying thing is that I couldn’t drink alcohol considering I didn’t get referred for an alcohol related event. I am beyond elated now that it’s finally over!

I hope this helped, feel free to ask me any questions

 

 

 

 

 

[RN0904, BSN, RN]

Congratulations!! What a relief to have it behind you! I have 3 months left of my 3 year prison sentence and it can’t come quick enough! 

[RegularDiet, BSN]

So kind of you to post this!

[TIMFY]

How was exiting the program? were you able to get out on the day you were supposed to, or did it take a few weeks to get everything wrapped up? Congratulations!!

[Kammi]

On 3/5/2021 at 3:16 AM, RN0904 said:

Congratulations!! What a relief to have it behind you! I have 3 months left of my 3 year prison sentence and it can’t come quick enough! 

8 more days left until my TPAPN 3 year sentence is over and I can NOT wait! Congrats to you!!

[Wizard 1]

Most excellent! Congratulations!