Travel nursing after completing monitoring program

[Recovering_RN]

I am about a year away from completing TPAPN, Texas's Peer Assistance program for substance abuse. After successful completion, there will be no indication on my license that there was ever a reprimand, no stipulations etc. It's supposed to be confidential and nothing will show on my license. If I apply with a travel agency, will I have to disclose this? I'm specifically worried about applying for licenses in states other than Texas. Does the application process ask about previous substance abuse problems? Will the travel agency I sign on with ask about this?

[NedRN]

The agency application may have such questions, but usually they only ask about convictions. License applications are much more invasive in their questions (although they vary all over the place) and the penalties for lying and getting caught are severe.

However, from what you describe, you have virtually zero chance of being caught. Frankly if you did, you might have a nice case against Texas. I don't like lying to BONs, but I think I might in your situation as just easier than full disclosure. There could be a chance of being caught if you relapse and the process in Texas now allows disclosure. So I would clarify that possibility before making a decision about what to say on a license application. Also ask what kind of information they share if you apply for a license by reciprocity - you can also ask this same question of Nursys, who usually verifies prior licenses as sort of a database for BONs.

I will say that you will still be eligible for a license in most any state if you reveal the full situation, but it will take longer and you will have to write a long reason why you can be trusted not to be impaired in the future. I don't believe this kind of information is ever available on a BON site publicly, so you won't be tainted at your agency or at an assignment hospital. Strictly between you and the BON.

[noctanol]

ALL disciplinary actions show up on the Nursys database and employers are using it now because it covers all compact states. With that said, as long as you're done with the disciplinary action then you are free to practice wherever. Having been "punished" before doesn't affect whether you get a job or not. I know 2 nurses with diversion/TPAPN disciplinary actions and we're able to get a job right away after they were done with their 3 yrs of TPAPN!!