The Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN) is operated through the Texas Nurses Association (TNA). However, TxANA has representative on this program. TPAPN encourages nurses to seek help with psychiatric or substance use disorders. TPAPN is a non-punitive, confidential and voluntary alternative for RNs and LVNs with concerns related to substance use and mental health. More information provided below:
https://www.texasnurses.org/mpage/TPAPN
http://www.aana.com/GettingHelp
T'Anya Carter, CRNA, Ph.D.
773-502-4752
tcartercrna@icloud.com
A note from T'Anya Carter, CRNA, Ph.D:
A few years ago, a very dear friend of mine nearly succumbed to substance use disorder (SUD). The experience left a lasting impression in my brain and on my heart. Instead of keeping the experience to myself, I needed to help others so they wouldn’t have to travel that road alone. Ever since then, many hours have been devoted to learning more about this disease and how it affects everything and everyone around the afflicted CRNA, including family and friends. I have joined committees on both the state and national level to assist CRNAs in various stages of their recovery. I serve as one of two State Peer Advisors for the AANA, and I also function as a Peer Support Partner, as a liaison with Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses, or TPAPN.
Recently, I obtained my PhD from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. My area of expertise centers around the barriers recovering CRNAs encounter when they attempt to re-enter practice following SUD treatment. Overall, there are many challenges to re-entry for the CRNA, their colleagues, and for their prospective employers. In as much, a supportive work environment was revealed as the greatest facilitator in successful CRNA re-entry.
With SUD being a very real job hazard due to our complete accessibility to the drugs, there remains a substantial amount of stigma and shame regarding the fact that SUD is a disease. Similar to other chronic diseases, if left untreated, SUD can be fatal.
When I am not talking about CRNA re-entry into practice, making sandwiches for the homeless, or watching the Rangers play, I pass gas in Dallas to many unsuspecting souls several times a day. In most cases, they never see it coming. And in our world, that is considered a job well done!
Feel free to contact me any time with any questions or concerns.
