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.
Been there done that...yes you can still work after TPAPN closes your case and refers you to the board. Your contract is over with them. You will, at some point, receive a letter from the BON stating you are under investigation for violating your TPAPN agreement. It could take up to a year for all this to unfold. In the meantime continue you drug screens with Recovery Trek. You just need to call them and let them know you are doing this on your own. I did 2 a month. Continue your meetings too. When the BON eventually finds you guilty and they always do, you will have to sign a contract with them for another 3ys. Provide them with your negative drug screens and meetings. The BON's program is less stringent than TPAPN. They require 2 meetings a week and MUCH LESS paperwork. If you are a repeat offender with them they may suspend you for a year. Highly unlikely if this is your first time with them. Stay strong, clean and good luck!!!
I am in the same position as you. But am in Ca. I was almost finished with my 3 year probation and I drank alcohol and was positive. I was told I have 5 days to explain myself and also write a Plan of Action. I will be turning it in on Friday. I am so nervous. Worst possible scenario is they revoke my license. I hope your situation turned out ok! I wanted you to know you are not alone.
My experience had been terrible with Tx Bon. I was in the program for a year without incident and never tested positive. I finally found a job and was supposed to turn in a work aggrement. I had told my boss several times not to mention I had highlighted the areas my boss was supposed to sign and initial. My boss told me he faxed it and put the original in my case file. Two weeks later I was terminated because the new DON chose to eliminate my position all together. So I'm once again unemployed and my lazy ass case manager who never once called to even verify that I was even working there. He told me he didn't make phone calls. That lazy bastard kicked me out of the program which was voluntary and now I'm board ordered. They don't realize without us their lazy asses wouldn't have jobs. And my nurse advocate called once and left. ******** message never called back. That call was a year ago. The whole set up is ******** that I'm sure they can't even take seriously.
peachfuzz
19 Posts
Been there done that...yes you can still work after TPAPN closes your case and refers you to the board. Your contract is over with them. You will, at some point, receive a letter from the BON stating you are under investigation for violating your TPAPN agreement. It could take up to a year for all this to unfold. In the meantime continue you drug screens with Recovery Trek. You just need to call them and let them know you are doing this on your own. I did 2 a month. Continue your meetings too. When the BON eventually finds you guilty and they always do, you will have to sign a contract with them for another 3ys. Provide them with your negative drug screens and meetings. The BON's program is less stringent than TPAPN. They require 2 meetings a week and MUCH LESS paperwork. If you are a repeat offender with them they may suspend you for a year. Highly unlikely if this is your first time with them. Stay strong, clean and good luck!!!