[Deidre Shiobhan]

Delayed sleep syndrome - something that I've just discovered but it's a rather common problem. One feel tired but cant sleep , 2 of my colleagues are depressive 1 on regular meds but the other on and off. Tried talking to one of them for a long time but doesn't work, HOW? just hope that 1 day they'l recover and their life will improve.

[grace90]

Originally Posted by MD1211

well, I was just wondering since it is in a required declaratory order for the BNE application/licensure. I am not trying to rub anyone the wrong way.

Hmmm... I don't remember having to answer any questions like that for taking the NCLEX.



I know it's been said before, but if every nurse who had any type of mental illness or even short-term depression was not allowed to work- ha ha- I guess the pt's would just take care of themselves cuz there'd be almost no one licensed.

[GeminiTwinRN]

I never had a question like that when I applied for my BON for application for licensure. That seems to me to be an invasion of privacy for sure!

MD1211- what state do you practice in? just curious!

[EricEnfermero]

Here in Texas, the BNE wants to know about diagnosis/treatment within the past five years for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and certain personality disorders (paranoid, antisocial and borderline). They also ask about drug or alcohol addiction.

[jzzy88]

Originally Posted by MD1211

well, I was just wondering since it is in a required declaratory order for the BNE application/licensure. I am not trying to rub anyone the wrong way.

I didn't mean anything to be taken like I was angry, so sorry if you got that impression. I just wanted anyone to know that they are protected under the Americans with disabilities act and have a right not to be discriminated against. I'm in California and there is no question on the BON application about mental illness or drugs. They only require disclosure about prior convictions. They do fingerprint checking and that's the only checking they do. I may contact a lawyer if I were concerned and it seems very backwards that Texas would require that. There is a website and organization that is called Nurses with disabilities (I think it's called that). You can do a google search if you don't find anything. You can also google the Amer s/ dis Act and you should find that it encompasses mental disabilities also.

I am very surprised that the BON in Texas would ask about that, since they don't require disclosure about other illnesses. I would ask a lawyer and contact the association of nurses with disabilities. The BON in Texas might be breaking the law by requiring that type of disclosure,
J

[jzzy88]

Here is a link I thought would be helpful that explains the American's with disabilities act.

http://www.jan.wvu.edu/links/adalinks.htm

[sharona97]

Eric is this fairly new for the boards to ask of their applicants? I worked in Texas in the 80's and don't remember that. I know change is constant.......

[krisssy]

I have a NY license. When I applied for a Florida license they asked about any history of mental illness or drug dependency within the last 5 years. Krisssy

[sharona97]

WOW. This surprises me I guess. I would think those questions would be asked at the nursing application process. I worked in FLA 1998 to 2000. I did a license transfer at that time. (Hubby was transferred). I find this very interesting. Thanks!

[woody62]

Originally Posted by sharona97

WOW. This surprises me I guess. I would think those questions would be asked at the nursing application process. I worked in FLA 1998 to 2000. I did a license transfer at that time. (Hubby was transferred). I find this very interesting. Thanks!

I looked up Florida's application. Yes, they do ask about mental health problems. And there is no law or rule against them doing it. The ADA protects you from employers, it does nothing to
protect you from licensing agencies. And employer can ask about pre-existing problems when they hire you and have you undergo their physical. And failure to disclose is a reason for termination.

Woody