TPAPN Nurses

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 31, 2007

I recently had a coworker who took part in the TPAPN program, but for issues that are different than yours. She had an addiction to pain pills. Since the TPAPN order appeared on her license when looked up on the internet, she had difficulty finding employment in reputable places. This nurse started her career as an RN in the ER, but had to start working at a less prestigious nursing home that was hurting for staff.

When she was my coworker, she was not permitted to have the narcotic key in her possession.

happybunny1970 · Jun 2, 2007

Wow, that's weird... People in TPAPN are not supposed to have anything show up on their licenses -- that's only supposed to happen if there is action taken by the Board against a person's license. The whole point of the program is to give people a chance to straighten out whatever issues they have WITHOUT it coming to a board order.

Granted, people in the program may have a difficult time finding a job due to restrictions and paperwork, but their actual license is supposed to remain clear as long as they are compliant with the program.

joelpap1 · Jun 3, 2007

Not so, I graduated from nursing school in May of 2006 and was written a letter from the BNE to take part in TPAPN with stipulations. I could not practice as a GN or function as a nurse. I have to wait for the "green light" from my nurse manager to accept a job.

I received a DWI in DEC. 97 and have several recommendations from nursing instructors stating my ability to practice and function as a level 1 nurse. Ladies and gentlemen, we, as nurses, have to stand up for our profession and let us govern ourselves without the politics. My wife is a RN and when she told me about a union wanting to start in Texas, I told her not to listen. Soon afterwords, I was handed this injustice. I am not political about this incident, but when does the truth get to be exposed...NEVER!!

Police and Firefighters have unions to govern their profession why not nurses?!? Police and Firefighter unions follow steps to ensure their personel are taken care, i.e., professional assistance to help them cope with problems before action is taken.

Nonetheless, I am stuck fending for myself with no assistance except to acknowledge what the BNE wants me to do.

joelpap1 · Jun 4, 2007

Honestly, does anyone have something to say?!!? If one really thinks about TPAPN, what is the purpose?? No representation, just TPAPN which is a representative of the BNE... A union could do so much for disabled nurses with out having to answer to a state funded entity... How many of you have often wondered about someone or even know of somebody that has a problem without reporting due to reprocussions to the nurse in question???? Unions have to start at the bottom to get the attention of experienced nurses; under staffing, inexperienced nurses, and mandatory overtime to provide safe patient care. Unions can overcome this problem with representation for many and help those in need of help; also, monitor those who do not need harsh restrictions for past misdeeds. I recommend we move forward and look to the future. Representation is key to success for all nurses in Texas..

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 5, 2007

Representation is key to success for all nurses in Texas..

I seriously doubt that Texas nurses will ever have union representation, because Texas is a right-to-work state.

Here's a map of the right-to-work states alongside the unionized states. You will notice that the unionized states tend to be on the West Coast and the Northeast part of the country, whereas the right-to-work states tend to be heavily concentrated in the South.

http://www.nrtw.org/rtws.htm

Its A Calling · Jun 7, 2007

GET AN ATTORNEY!!! Texas board does NOT approach things with a minimal view of restrictions. I personally found an attorney made a world of difference on old issues. Also TPAPN nurses find it much harder to get a job. Restrictions can be the same but without the TPAPN designation it seems much easier. Good luck!

hippychic121269 · Jun 12, 2007

I find that TPAPN has been a huge road block for me. I joined TPAPN willingly, due to a 3 month ordeal with vicoden. Not addiction, abuse. However, TPAPN does not distinguish between the 2. I have had a horrible time trying to find employment. I have 15 years of experience in the ED, no one wants to hire me and that 3 month period was during August 2005 - October 2005.

Anyone with suggestions would be great.

hippychic121269 · Jun 12, 2007

I also agree with the union statements. My husband's union is awesome, he works at an energy production plant, receives premium pay, vacation, retirement, benefits, ect. I wish that nurses in general had someone on their side fighting for us. Our understaffed working conditions. The fact that we can't leave until relief shows up......and so on.

caliotter3 · Jun 12, 2007

Ten years with no further problems seems long enough to me. With the proper sign off from professionals, I would think you would be cleared. Instead you're being treated like it happened yesterday. Hope you can get through this without becoming too discouraged.

joelpap1 · Jun 13, 2007

:welcome:

joelpap1 · Jun 13, 2007

I fully understand your ordeal. I, too, am in similar situation. I did everything my case manager told me to do(Addiction specialist, and a Hospital that specializes in behavioral medicine) both have written to TPAPN stating that I have minimal to low desire for abuse. No luck. That is why I am writing about union representation. A union could do a lot for nurses not just for addiction but in all aspects of the profession.. we, at sometime have to stand up. Many nurses are retiring leaving the next generation of young nurses to finally move in the right direction with new ideas about dealing with the pressure nurses face today. Lets move forward.

As far as jobs, I applied at a dialysis clinic and was accepted. Try clinics first. More than likely you will get hired. Good luck.