New here. Advice for addicted nurse in Texas??

[wendik]

hi everyone! I am in Texas. I surrendered my RN in March 07, been clean since. I finally joined an IOP becasue I needed documentation (and of course the treatment). I am getting ready to reappy for licensure, and suggestions, comments, or just encouragement would be great. I have no idea what to expect. I have no idea how to return to the field. I am looking for a nurse support group here in Austin, but cant find one. I just want to be able to network with others. HELP!!!

[thezman]

I would start by contacting Mike Van Doren, the director of the TPAN:

Chemical Dependency Program

Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (A)
Michael Van Doren, RN, MSN, CARN
7600 Burnet Road, Suite 440
P.O. Box 9877
Austin, TX 78766
p: 1-800-288-5528 ext. 106
f: 512-467-2620
e: mvandoren@texasnurses.org
Web site: Welcome to Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses

And sign up for Nurses in Recovery, an excellent online webgroup:
To request participation, send an e-mail
to: aanurses@ontosystems.com

Type the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject field.

Best,

Art Zwerling

[recoveringtxrn]

I have been in TPAPN twice before, and completed it both times. Believe me, it would be better for you to self-refer than to have a third party refer you. The program is 2 years and is rigorous, but is worth the effort if you wish to continue practicing as a nurse in this country!

[newme]

Why is it better to self refer to TPAPN?

[recoveringtxrn]

By self-referring, you gain certain immunities (like not being reported by the Board). A third-party referral (like being referred by the board or your employer) prohibits you from benefitting from these immunities. (Check out TNA's and TPAPN's sites).

[jenniferleigh]

Be careful look at my post on the last page of the all who suffer link