Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN) Explained: Support, Recovery & Your Nursing License
Burnout, moral distress, and shifting post pandemic realities have changed what it means to practice nursing in Texas. We take a clear, compassionate look at the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN) with Program Director Brittney Majefski, exploring how confidential, evidence based monitoring helps nurses recover, return to safe practice, and keep their careers on track—without defaulting to punishment.
Brittney breaks down exactly who TPAPN serves and why it’s more than a substance use program, with dedicated tracks for mental health. We unpack how referrals work—self referral, employer or peer referral, and board routes—what stays confidential, and when the Board of Nursing becomes involved. You’ll hear how individualized plans begin with baseline assessments, then blend toxicology testing, therapy or treatment, medication management, and employer collaboration to create a practical, person centered path forward. We also dig into supportive worksite restrictions, why “a monitored nurse is a safe nurse,” and how TPAPN’s earned advocacy model lifts restrictions as stability returns.
A highlight of this conversation is peer support: trained nurse volunteers who provide trust, empathy, and lived experience rather than surveillance. We confront the stigma that too often blocks recovery and retention, and we offer actionable guidance for leaders who want to support staff without compromising patient safety. Not sure TPAPN is right for you? We share alternatives like EAPs, hospital wellness programs, NAMI, SAMHSA, and state resources for early help before practice is impacted.
If you’re a nurse weighing a self referral, an employer navigating a return to work plan, or a colleague trying to be that safe person, this deep dive offers clarity, courage, and next steps. Subscribe, share with a nurse who needs it, and leave a review to help more clinicians find recovery, support, and safe patient care.
______________________________
About Brittney Majefski:
Brittney Majefski has been a Registered Nurse since 2013 and holds a masters degree in nursing education. Brittney has held a variety of positions over the years from direct care, infection control to various leadership positions including Assistance Director and Director of Nursing at a Residential Treatment Center for Adolescents. In addition to her work as a Director of Nursing, she worked for The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing from 2021 to January of 2023 as a clinical instructor and course facilitator for the AE Psych-Mental Health course. Her passion for education and mental health are what drive her to continue to advocate for continual improvements to the field of nursing wellness. Since January of 2023 she has served as the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses Program Director and holds and ANCC certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse. She is a proud TNA/ANA member, has written for the Texas Nurses Magazine and presented research and poster presentations at State conferences. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Organization of Alternative Programs . Brittney hopes to continue her advocacy for nursing by helping promote open conversations to all nurses, hospital administrators and legislators regarding promoting nurses’ overall wellbeing.
On a more personal note, Brittney enjoys the outdoors, reading, traveling & spending time with her family and friends. She has been happily married to her husband of 17 years who is a first responder for the City of Austin.