TPAPN and Tx BON

Nurses Recovery

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Looking for advice from ANYONE who can help...

I am about halfway through my board-ordered TPAPN program, and have tested positive on my last UA. After discussing with my CM, I am confused about what my options are and what I can or cannot do regarding work. I was sent home yesterday from work (mid-shift, and the urine was from last week), and was told by the CM that my case was going to be closed and sent to the BON. She told me that since I was "board mandated", TPAPN was unable to give me a second chance.

**First issue here: TPAPN sent me paperwork for their "voluntary" program while I was in a 90-day inpatient rehab... I had no way to talk to anyone or ask questions, so I declined it since it was "voluntary." They in turn notified the board that I declined and so I was then mandated by the BON into TPAPN (so much for a "voluntary" program). I must add here that my choice for treatment (for alcoholism) was 100% on my own doing, I have never had any legal or work issues in my 26 years as a nurse.

**questions: what happens next once TPAPN "closes my case"? Am I able to continue working until the board review? How long does that usually take? Does anyone recommend a lawyer, will it make any difference at all? Are there any "interim" programs I can do either with or outside of TPAPN while I am waiting for the board review, as in continued random UA's and AA program, etc, to show them I am serious about recovery (and I am even if it doesn't sound like it). Will I have an opportunity to plead my case to the board or am I just represented on a piece of paper? What usually happens to a license in this situation: suspension, revoke, etc?

Does anyone have any suggestions for me at this point, I would greatly appreciate it. After 26 years, I am scared to death. I have no idea what I would do.

Thanks so much to everyone in advance, prayers always welcome.:(

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Welcome to allnurses.com

Thread moved to Nurses in Recovery forum for the best response.

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thank you!

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I was in a 3 year monitoring program, had only a few months to go and tested positive for etg. Never had any problems prior. I had to voluntarily surrender my license until board review. I ended up getting 4 more years and instead of a monitoring it became a probationary agreement which means I have a discipline on my record. It was literally the worst case scenario. I never had any marks against my record or any legal problems. My monitoring agreent stemmed from a DUI I received 10 years prior to getting a nursing license.........I did get a lawyer who was of no help, but I would still recommend one. Good luck and I wish I had better news for you. I'll cross my fingers for you.

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They may suspend your lic for one year and monitor you instead of tpapn, they can give you a "stay" meaning they dont actually suspend it. They may refer you back to TPAPN. You need drug screen to show sobriety. After reading board minutes regarding board monitoring vs tpapn the board monitoring us shorter and there are fewer drug screens. The downfall is thats it becomes public record where tpapn is confidential.

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I'm sorry this happened. It is a frightening experience. I weathered probation with the BON and I can state that the time comes when you won't care what info is out there about you. You can see it through. I may incur the wrath of other posters her so forgive me. ...but will someone please state the naked truth instead of vague intimations and euphemisms such as, ..."a u/a came back positive." Healing really started for me when I was able to call a spade a spade and say loud and clear without self-loathing: "I drank 3 glasses of wine while on-call and got charged with a DUI." We love you no matter what. You can walk through anything. Get a sponsor and work back carefully the anatomy of your relapse. You can and will get a job when on probation honey. Love and ((((hugs)))) Paidmydues

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So sorry this is happening to you. Its too bad that tpan doesn't tell you what you tested positive for, because most positives without using is for urine etoh due to diabetic, and or ETG which is another form of alcohol which can be positive without drinking, just from exposure to everyday products.

At least CA and FL will tell you what you tested positive for and let a MRO(medical review officer) review case.

From what the other posts say is that you can be referred to probation monitoring and still work. Hang in there

Gabby

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Specializes in ICU.

My only advice is to go on the tx bon website and read what others have been handed down. Until you get a notice saying your license is suspended then keep working. Definitely go to AA, start over 90/90 and have proof that you're doing this. Hire an attorney in Austin that has experience working with the board.

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They said I was positive for "methamphetamines"... so yes, I have appealed and am having a MRO done. Never took "meth" or "amphetamines" in my life, just here for alcohol. In all honesty, I did try OTC diet pills for about a week and I'm guessing that is what is showing "positive." As an OTC, can the board call that a "positive?" Bad decision on my end, I know.

Test date for + was 3/10, and they send me in again on 3/14 and 3/18. The one done on 3/14 came back negative, and that was done BEFORE I had the positive results of the 3/10 test. I have no doubt that the one done yesterday (3/18) will be negative as well.

Ironic part is TODAY 3/19 is my 2 year sober birthday, and I am having a hard time being happy about it. This whole thing has pushed all of my FEARS to the forefront. While I am unbelievably grateful to be SOBER it is a little hard to find the gratitude at this moment, but I am trying.

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post what diet pills, to help others avoid. hopefully you still have the container?

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Specializes in ICU.
They said I was positive for "methamphetamines"... so yes, I have appealed and am having a MRO done. Never took "meth" or "amphetamines" in my life, just here for alcohol. In all honesty, I did try OTC diet pills for about a week and I'm guessing that is what is showing "positive." As an OTC, can the board call that a "positive?" Bad decision on my end, I know.

Test date for + was 3/10, and they send me in again on 3/14 and 3/18. The one done on 3/14 came back negative, and that was done BEFORE I had the positive results of the 3/10 test. I have no doubt that the one done yesterday (3/18) will be negative as well.

Ironic part is TODAY 3/19 is my 2 year sober birthday, and I am having a hard time being happy about it. This whole thing has pushed all of my FEARS to the forefront. While I am unbelievably grateful to be SOBER it is a little hard to find the gratitude at this moment, but I am trying.

Keep your head up!

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Just got off the phone with the MRO who wouldn't even LISTEN to my list of meds/OTC's, said the ONLY way for the test to be positive is from taking medication, either for ADD/ADHD/narcolepsy. I denied taking any of these because I know I did NOT. Now I just sit and wait. sigh.

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