[sironside]

Here is the story. When I was 17 I took myself to the hospital because I was suicidal. The same thing happened when I was 19 for the same reasons. A few months later I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 2 and put on many meds including lithium. I am now almost 22 and in nursing school, I havent had any depression or manias since 19 and I have been off of all meds for 5 month and doing great. I am worried that when the board of nursing checks my background for the NCLEX that they might hold my hospitalizations against me, figuring I'm not competent. Does anybody know if this is true?

[woody62]

Originally Posted by sironside

Here is the story. When I was 17 I took myself to the hospital because I was suicidal. The same thing happened when I was 19 for the same reasons. A few months later I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 2 and put on many meds including lithium. I am now almost 22 and in nursing school, I havent had any depression or manias since 19 and I have been off of all meds for 5 month and doing great. I am worried that when the board of nursing checks my background for the NCLEX that they might hold my hospitalizations against me, figuring I'm not competent. Does anybody know if this is true?

Some states ask on your application if you have ever suffered from a mental illness or are under treatment for a mental illness. My advice, answer yes. They generally ask what for and a letter from your shrink detailing any medications and if he feels you are currently suffering from a mental illness or would it interfer with your ability to function as a nurse. I have been diagnosed with biplar disorder since the 70's. I have never hidden the fact and it has never had a negative impact on my ability to get a job or get a license or to renew a license. And I have not suffered an episode in eleven years.

Woody

[lostdruid]

I am bipolar as well, recently diagnosed. I seriously do not believe it will have any impact whatsoever of you being able to be licensed. If they ask for a letter from your psychiatrist or doctor, one issue that might come up is why you are no longer taking your medication. Bipolar doesn't simply go away, there is no cure. It is a brain chemistry problem and even if you've gone a few years without any depressive or manic episodes, it is unlikely that this will continue permanently. Unless of course you were misdiagnosed.

If you answer honestly (assuming you are even asked) and you have to get a letter attesting to your stability, I suspect that a doctor might possibly be reticent about doing that if you aren't following your medication regimen. How could he feel comfortable signing off on a patient that is not complying with their meds?

Why you aren't taking your meds is totally none of my business, and please don't feel like you have to explain why. I just wanted to air my opinion and let you know of the possible situation this might put you in.

Take care!

[olderthandirt]

What meds are you on that have kept you from having an episode in 19 years? Cripes, I cycle sometimes several times during a day. Mostly my episodes last several weeks and I am NEVER completely OK>

[underpaidrn]

Originally Posted by sironside

Here is the story. When I was 17 I took myself to the hospital because I was suicidal. The same thing happened when I was 19 for the same reasons. A few months later I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 2 and put on many meds including lithium. I am now almost 22 and in nursing school, I havent had any depression or manias since 19 and I have been off of all meds for 5 month and doing great. I am worried that when the board of nursing checks my background for the NCLEX that they might hold my hospitalizations against me, figuring I'm not competent. Does anybody know if this is true?

I have to ask - you stated that at 17 you took yourself to the hospital. Where are your parents or other family members? Do you have a support system? You are so young and I feel for you. It's a difficult thing to deal with, but look at what you have accomplished. I have friends who are bipolar and are some of the best nurses I know, so to answer you question, I don't see how it could stop you from getting a license. Just be honest. Never try to hide anything. I wish you the very best of luck.

[Suesquatch]

I know other nurses who have been diagnosed with mental illnesses, and one who has been sedated and removed from the unit. She still has her job. I should think you'll be fine.

[woody62]

Originally Posted by olderthandirt

What meds are you on that have kept you from having an episode in 19 years? Cripes, I cycle sometimes several times during a day. Mostly my episodes last several weeks and I am NEVER completely OK>

Are you asking me? I haven't had an episode in eleven years. And the only medication I have been on is lithium. I had several episodes, in the 90's but I was also suffering from severe clinical depression. And was treated with several different antidepressants and several very long stays in the hospital.

Woody