[krisssy]

I had the same experience. I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I was taking a refresher course in a university hospital in my area. My preceptor told me to go into each patient and introduce myself. The patient's door was slightly ajar, so I walked in. The nursing assistant was giving a comatose patient a bedbath. She screamed at me for not knocking. I left the room. Later at our post clinicals meeting, I told the instructor what happened, and I couldn't stop crying. I never went back to the course or to nursing. That was three years ago. I just took a job at a drug and alcohol rehab as a volunteer (not nursing related), and I am hoping to work my way slowly back into being strong enough to get a nursing job. I think, in that situation, if I had asserted myself, I wouldn't have cried. From the PTSD, my self esteem is low. The psychiatrist who prescribes the Cymbalta and Buspar that I am on told me to try psychotherapy to work on the PTSD. I don't have all the answers, but this is my story. Maybe you can relate to it. Krisssy

[zoeboboey]

Originally Posted by jon_kulas

Have time to find" Comfort in your strangeness"

Wow I like this! I have always "enjoyed my insanity/weirdness"... ok, well maybe not always ... sometimes it interferes w/ my life. But anyways - thanks for the positive message!

Originally Posted by ERnurse07

I am also a nurse who has bipolar II disorder - my challenge is keeping a job (etc...)

Sounds like me ER, I do very well at first, WOW - I wish I could maintain like that! But almost inevitably - it fizzles to nothing or to a crisis. I'm so tired of it. I guess part of the trick is not to restart new jobs but rather to hang on to the one I have for as long as possible!! Many places are very reasonable about giving you leave time. Unfortunately in my case this leave time is never long enough!!!

I think a big part of what takes so long is I just get afraid and sick of the fact that it will probably happen again. I've been out of nursing now for 4 yrs mostly because of that. I'm still not sure if I should go back to it or not. Hospitalization and starting over w/ housing and etc., are very expensive! And I've been very stable the last 2 yrs. I hate to give that up.

Anyway - ((((((((((( Jen ))))))))) Welcome to our little community

Originally Posted by krisssy

... I am hoping to work my way slowly back into being strong enough to get a nursing job. I think, in that situation, if I had asserted myself, I wouldn't have cried.

Hi Krisssy! I haven't seen you online in a while! Anyway - you have a good plan it sounds like! But as far as looking back - boy have I rewritten my last couple episodes, over and over, different end results. But unfortunately that doesn't do me any good, sigh...

Take care all o ya's!

[ERnurse07]

Hi to you both and thanks for the replies - Krissy I also had PTSD many years ago and thankfully I was able to over come that challenge - pyschotherapy works if you have the right therapist - that can take time.

Zoe - thank-you for the message - I had a thought that perhaps someday writing a book about being a nurse and dealing with mental illness - but who knows - at least it wasn't a manic thought LOL - I hope you decide to come back to nursing - we sure need nurses - I am going to read and practice as much as I can - to try and keep the next job anyway thanks for the welcome and I shall keep you all posted.

[sharona97]

Originally Posted by ERnurse07

I am also a nurse who has bipolar II disorder - my challenge is keeping a job - and I wonder if anyone else has had this difficulty - I find I do really well - then I have a mood episode at work (usually crying for whatever reason) - anyway - I am trying to tackle this from a counselling and medication aspect - I concerned that I will find myself with too many burnt bridges - I really hope someone else has had this challenge and that you might have some advice. I have yet another interview this week - and lord knows I have had enough orientation sessions that I could run one myself - looking forward to hearing your comments and suggestions.

Jen

Hi Jen,

I have had a recent flare of PTSD. Both my mom is actively dying and my mother-in law has had a serious stroke,Poof, I cried at the drop of a hat, anything. So I truly understand your concern. I hve an appt tomorrow and hope to find out ways to battle the triggers.

I wish you much luck and hope you are feeling better soon.

[zoeboboey]

Originally Posted by ERnurse07

Zoe - thank-you for the message - I had a thought that perhaps someday writing a book about being a nurse and dealing with mental illness - but who knows - at least it wasn't a manic thought LOL

What are you talking about?? Our manic thoughts are GREAT! (too bad many of them are humanly impossible lol... )

Seriously - your goal is not out of reach. Have you ever read The Unquiet Mind? ( An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness: Books: Kay Redfield Jamison). She's a Dr who has bipolar, I found it pretty helpful in the ahh, I'm not alone, sense. And I just got a book by Patty Duke about her experiences w/ bipolar. Haven't read it yet.

I encourage you to write - you never know! I would read it!

Originally Posted by sharona97

Hi Jen,

I have had a recent flare of PTSD. Both my mom is actively dying and my mother-in law has had a serious stroke,Poof, I cried at the drop of a hat, anything. So I truly understand your concern. I hve an appt tomorrow and hope to find out ways to battle the triggers.

I wish you much luck and hope you are feeling better soon.

and I just want to say ((((((((( Smoocheroonie )))))))))

[sharona97]

Originally Posted by zoeboboey

What are you talking about?? Our manic thoughts are GREAT! (too bad many of them are humanly impossible lol... )

Seriously - your goal is not out of reach. Have you ever read The Unquiet Mind? ( An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness: Books: Kay Redfield Jamison). She's a Dr who has bipolar, I found it pretty helpful in the ahh, I'm not alone, sense. And I just got a book by Patty Duke about her experiences w/ bipolar. Haven't read it yet.

I encourage you to write - you never know! I would read it!



and I just want to say ((((((((( Smoocheroonie )))))))))

Hey Zoe, I've read the Patty Duke Book, it was awesome. FYI!

Sharona

[student2wice]

I recently in 2006 had to prematurely end my nursing education because of my disability. I now have a chance to complete my education at another school. I had 9 credits left. My question is this concerning my background check which has a 3rd degree misdemeanor of disorderly conduct and a summary charge of harassment. Primarily this is because when my disability was active, I was taking a nursing exam and I became visibly anxious, I was asked to leave. I asked why? and got no response. I continued taking my exam and the next thing I knew the police were called adn I was being escorted off the property. I called the test center after the ordeal was over and no one answered so I left a message, the phone cut off and I had to leave another message. Later I was charged with harassment. Does anyone else have this type of insensitivity? So with the new school I am going to have to discuss what's on my background check. Could this prevent me from continuing on in school? What is your opinion?

[krisssy]

I, too, suffer from an anxiety disorder. I may start hyperventilating in a stressful situation where I become fearful. I don't know how your anxiety manifested itself in the testing situation, but I do know that most schools now offer testing in a separate environment if you have a disability that could interfere with your ability to take tests. Perhaps you should look into this before choosing a new school. The best of luck to you, and I am glad to hear that you are going to finish your nursing education. You did come so far.Krisssy

[zoeboboey]

Originally Posted by student2wice

I recently in 2006 had to prematurely end my nursing education because of my disability. I now have a chance to complete my education at another school. I had 9 credits left. My question is this concerning my background check which has a 3rd degree misdemeanor of disorderly conduct and a summary charge of harassment. Primarily this is because when my disability was active, I was taking a nursing exam and I became visibly anxious, I was asked to leave. I asked why? and got no response. I continued taking my exam and the next thing I knew the police were called adn I was being escorted off the property. I called the test center after the ordeal was over and no one answered so I left a message, the phone cut off and I had to leave another message. Later I was charged with harassment. Does anyone else have this type of insensitivity? So with the new school I am going to have to discuss what's on my background check. Could this prevent me from continuing on in school? What is your opinion?

Seems to me you could/should have been able to appeal or something! This is wacky!

All I can say is it can't hurt to try, and be prepared to answer how you deal w/ your anxiety now. Good luck!

Originally Posted by krisssy

I do know that most schools now offer testing in a separate environment if you have a disability that could interfere with your ability to take tests.

Excellent point, hadn't thought of that. I wonder who you would talk to about that, and at what point in applying to or getting into school. Disability rights advocate? I dunno...

[angelchick]

I am a nursing student who also has bipolar and depression. I was kicked out of my 2nd year of nursing (long story) when the "higher up's" found out about my illness. I had 5months off and went to the humans right commision, and other agencies for advice and help, I fought like I have never fought before, as nursing is my passion. After being put through Psyc evaluations and science exams and practicums I was declared fit to practise and continue, this has however left a bitter taste in my mouth, (which I am working on letting go). I start back today actually, but only have one paper to do (two classes a week til may) Then full time again, this caused me to loose a year, and have to pay for an extra year.
I have fought my illness for 20 years, and am finally in a position of wellness, (through medication and therapy), where I can pursue my career.
Unfortunately all I have had is blocks put in my way, I have found that the nursing school I attend sets one up to fail! We are encouraged to ask questions and to share our thoughts, yet when one does they get told they are out of line or incoorect or get labelled a "problem student".
I am passionate about advocating for patients with mental illnesses, and I believe, despite what I have been told, that since I have been through it, understand it, and am a firm believer in "wellness and recovery", that I am an ideal canditate for nursing in mental illnesses. I am rushing this as I have to go to school in 15mins, lol, but I am really really happy to see this being addressed, or at least spoken out loud about, I am so tried of being labelled and judged and FIGHTING that label to prove my capabilities. We as nurses, of ALL professions should have the MOST understanding and compassion for those with mental illnesses!