TPAPN nurse, positive drug test-

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In need of so much support and information from fellow Tpapn nurses. I have been on Tpapn for 18 months, no problems, take only prescribed meds per dr. (Celexa, relpax, lasix, and phenergan PRN for migraines, hydroxyzine for severe allergic reaction to the sun.) my drug screen came back positive for temezapam, which I have not taken. I asked for my split specimen to be retested by an outside lab, as I know I did not take any form of benzo's. my case manager was not very helpful, in fact, I called about the positive before they even knew it existed. I was told by my CM, that unless I say that I took the drug, I cannot continue in the program. I am self reported to Tpapn. Pending the second test, I have been suspended from work and am at risk of losing my job. I do not know where to go from here. From what Tpapn CM tells me, false positives, do not exist in their system.

Anyone else have a similar experience with false positives...

Thanks

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Specializes in adult health , critical care.

Mcrntx, I would go get another urine drug screen a Hair Test done at the same lab where you test. I would also contact an attorney ASAP. If you did not take the Temazepam then you need legal help and all the evidence you can get to back you up! Good luck and sorry you are going through this if you really didn't take the drug!

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I agree with jmo, it would be worth the money for hair screen and lawyer, it seems Tpapn's word goes straight to the board. A positive means your guilty (and its up to you to prove your innocence) Scares the hell out of me every time I go for a UA, and I'm reluctant to take anything PO, even Ibu. I grow tired of living in fear.

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

I agree!! That is a nightmare! Definetly talk to an attorney and hopefully a hair follicle test can be of use.

I finished our state's monitoring program in 2001 and didn't have a similar experience then but 3 yrs ago I had a seizure at home and was taken to our ER. The doc that saw me ordered a UDS. Came back pos. for PCP!! I was blown away!! I showed him my med list and they verified it with our pharmacy. He just kept asking where I had bought the PCP and refused to listen when I told him I hadn't taken something like that.

I finally talked him into reordering the screen because I KNEW it was wrong. He said ok but I had to let them do an in and out cath.

Of course, it came back neg for PCP and ANY other illegal drug - he came in and the first question out of his mouth "where did you get the clean urine for the second specimen??" He totally humiliated me - after d/c I got a copy of my visit for my primary doc - and when I saw both UDS results the values made NO sense. The spec gravity wasnt even close to any possible results. None of the numbers matched up - I don't know if maybe they got numbers reversed or what would explain it.

Anyway, I would at least speak to an attorney and definetly try to do a hair follicle test. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

Anne, RNC

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So, I did hair test on Friday- results pending. Second test from Tpapn is back, but recovery trek would not give me the results and my case manager is on vacation until after Labor Day. Just some additional info, I had test done July 29- neg. August 5, negative- observed by court official, august9-positive per Tpapn, August 15- negative, August 22- neg . Now, does this even sound possible given the 14-21 day detectable period of benzodiazapines.

Can't get a response from Tpapn, I am off work, and frustrated. Guess its time for a lawyer, lie detector test, or whatever else I can use to defend myself.

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So, I did hair test on Friday- results pending. Second test from Tpapn is back, but recovery trek would not give me the results and my case manager is on vacation until after Labor Day. Just some additional info, I had test done July 29- neg. August 5, negative- observed by court official, august9-positive per Tpapn, August 15- negative, August 22- neg . Now, does this even sound possible given the 14-21 day detectable period of benzodiazapines.

Can't get a response from Tpapn, I am off work, and frustrated. Guess its time for a lawyer, lie detector test, or whatever else I can use to defend myself.

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Quick update. Tpapn called, the second lab could not reconfirmation the original test, the lab now, wants to send to 3rd lab, but CM says they will staff my case at 930 am tomorrow to discuss. I should have answer tomorrow, I have faith in The Lord and myself, as I know I did not take anything.

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

That's just crazy!! Let us know how it goes - good luck! I'll be praying for u!

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Ok- you have me wondering - how have things turned out? That's my biggest fear is to come back positive for something by mistake!!!!!!

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

I know, Blessed!

OP, how are things going now??

Anne, RNC

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

I hope things are working out. I couldn't imagine what you must be going through. Keep us posted. You will be in my thoughts in the meantime.

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I know this is an old post, but I thought I would provide my circumstances. I have been in TPAPN for 2 years and had a false positive on the EtOH test. I was called by my CM and thoroughly HUMILIATED and degraded. I asked for a second run on the specimen since it was split. The 2nd run came back utterly negative. If you know 100% you did nothing wrong, don't let TPAPn bury you. I never received an apology and get nervous every time I test. I have had the worst luck with TPAPN, so I'm not surprised to hear of another false positive. In fact, my advocate had a false positive for Meth while in the program. It was never explained and she didn't get an apology either after having her name dragged through the mud. When I finish this program I want to become an advocate so that I can help others navigate safely and with confidence. We are people too!

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