Nursing and Depression

[Kim O'Therapy]

Can a diagnosis of depression and treatment (in or out patient) for it destroy one's chances of getting RN licensure?

Thanks for any information you may contribute. :kiss

[RENAISSANCE RN]

not only would there be no nurses if you eliminated people, there would be no MD's. I think it is responsible to take care of yourself. It is just like taking insulin for diabetes.

[Jo Dirt]

I just speculate that most but not all come from some type of dysfunction and that they are more prone to have depression/anxiety issues. I'm not saying all but alot. I know will take offense but that is not my intention. If you are "normal" bless your heart but for the rest of us, it's comforting to know we're not alone.

I've never seen a family, ANY family, whether they were high class or middle class or low class, that did not have some kind of dysfunction. Of course, there are varying degrees of dysfunction, but it is in every family. I think that is the worst thing tv has done. Too many times people would watch the Waltons or Brady Bunch or yes, Leave it to Beaver, etc. and think that was normal and then it would make them feel even worse about their family situation. It's downright sad to realize what life is really like for most everyone.

So, don't feel bad. Realize that what is considered normal is not normal and if depressed/mentally ill people were excluded from participating in society the streets would be empty.

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

I have heard something to this effect.... but would also like to know the truth.... I am licensed in 3 states, and none of them even asked that question.... is it certain states, or is it something very recent, like within the last 2 years?

[weirdRN, RN]

I don't know how you could be a nurse and not be depressed.:roll

I went to my PCP yesterday: severe headache, aura around objects, dry metallic taste in my mouth, BP:190/110, Nausea, Vomiting. Got a couple of shots and a couple of med changes: Lopressor BID, Imitrex, and an Order to REST. *I'd sure like to be able to do that without the phone ringing calling me to work*

It has been suggested that working in the facility where I am currently employed, under the conditions that I work, that I may be a walking case of depression. :roll

[Tiwi]

I'm not sure what the figures are in the US but one in five ppl in Australia have a mental health condition. It doesn't take much math to look around you and see how many ppl this could be...

I have had major depression, and am still on SSRI medication. I am currently working as a nurse. I can't see why it would affect your registration. If you have an acute physical illness then you have to go off work, and have treatment. If you have an acute mental health condition, same thing. But then you return when you are well, in both situations.

Best of luck