New here. Advice for addicted nurse in Texas??

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!!!

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

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!

Why is it better to self refer to TPAPN?

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).

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