We would like to help correct some of the most common myths and provide facts.

MYTH: TPAPN only serves nurses that have substance use disorders?

FACT: TPAPN helps monitor and support nurses with other mental health conditions that may impact their ability to practice safely in addition to or in lieu of a substance use disorder. If you have questions and are not quite sure TPAPN is the right place, you are always welcome to call or email us. We are happy to give you more information.

MYTH: TPAPN is a program of the Board of Nursing?

FACT: TPAPN is a non-profit program of the Texas Nurses Foundation, which is under the corporate umbrella of the Texas Nurses Association. TPAPN does contract with the Texas Board of Nursing to provide the Peer Assistance Services, and while we meet on a regular basis and collaborate, we are entirely separate entities. We are the alternative to discipline program for Texas nurses.

For nurses experiencing a SUD or other mental health condition, early intervention such as a referral to TPAPN, may be helpful to avoid practice act violations and/or board discipline, allow nurses greater access to care, and ensure that through recovery the nurse maintains safe practice. We strongly encourage early intervention for any individual experiencing health issues including substance use and mental health conditions. Early intervention typically increases positive outcomes and limits issues secondary to illness.

MYTH: All nurses in TPAPN are on the same program?

FACT: Each nurse has an individualized therapeutic monitoring plan that is both person-centered and in alignment with best practices. We continuously solicit feedback from our stakeholders. We utilize that feedback in concert with the newest science (or evidence)-based practice. These changes have resulted in varying tracks and monitoring for 1-5 years, dependent on the individual’s needs.

MYTH: Nurses in the TPAPN program are unsafe to practice?

FACT: The above statement is not only patently false, but also harmful. This statement contributes to increases in stigma and bias. Anything that contributes to stigma and bias when it comes to MH and SUD issues serves to decrease nurse help seeking behavior. If we want nurses that are fit for duty, whether they are a TPAPN participants or a nurse struggling in silence without support or monitoring, we must make it safe to seek help and care for any health issue they may experience. The nurses in our program all have a direct Case Manager that are helping ensure there is adherence to the individualized therapeutic monitoring plan.

The monitoring plan begins with a psychological evaluation and may serve as a fit for duty exam depending on the functionality of a nurse experiencing a TPAPN qualifying event or diagnosis. From individual therapy, support groups, peer support or drug test monitoring—just to name a few of the individualized recommendations—the nurses in the TPAPN program are working hard towards their recovery. A monitored nurse is a safe nurse.

Alternative to Discipline Programs have demonstrated that recovery-oriented monitoring is effective, with robust data of maintenance of recovery even five years after completion of the program. Please see the guidance for employers available on our website or contact us if you would like to explore more about how TPAPN works with employers and the many safety nets that are in place for nurses participating in TPAPN.

Thank you for taking the time to read the facts. Should you ever have any questions about the TPAPN program and how we are working to help support nurses through recovery & wellbeing please reach out. We would love to debunk any other myths or answer any pressing questions.

If you're interested in learning more about TPAPN’s services for yourself, how to refer others, educational opportunities that TPAPN offers, or volunteering with the program to become a peer support partner, please reach out. We would love for you to join us on our mission of “nurses helping nurses” through overall recovery and wellbeing. TN