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A Returning Vet with PTSD...Can I become a nurse?



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Oct 07, 2009 07:29 PM

A Returning Vet with PTSD...Can I become a nurse?


I have served 10 years in the US Navy SEAL Teams and was assigned a disability rating upon exiting the military because of PTSD. I have always wanted to work "bedside" in a hospital and help people get there lives back together. I love to serve people and I can not think of a better place to perform that action. I have been the "one" in the bed and now that I am out of the military I want to pursue a career in nursing. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if having PTSD would keep me from being able to serve as a nurse or if it might make my PTSD worse? Are there any Vets out there who are like me but managed to find a way to serve as a nurse without having your disability get in the way of that service or worsen because of the nursing career choice? If anyone can give me any advise I would greatly appreciate it.Thank you in advance for your help.

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9 Comments
No. 1
from zenman
Old Oct 07, 2009, 07:37 PM

Default Re: A Returning Vet with PTSD...Can I become a nurse?
You can do anything you want to do. I don't see a problem as long as you take care of yourself.
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No. 2
from Cursed Irishman
Old Oct 07, 2009, 07:43 PM

Default Re: A Returning Vet with PTSD...Can I become a nurse?
Hasn't stopped me or anyone else I served w/ who've gone on to nursing; if anything its therapeutic.
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No. 3
from just_cause
Old Oct 07, 2009, 08:00 PM

Default Re: A Returning Vet with PTSD...Can I become a nurse?
.... it might stop you from serving as a nurse in the military if related to some sort of med board out processing from your previous enlistment.
Congrats on the career decision - I'm sure you will have some great contributions to the nursing community and patient population~
v/r
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No. 4
from codyerin
Old Oct 07, 2009, 10:21 PM

Default Re: A Returning Vet with PTSD...Can I become a nurse?
Originally Posted by just_cause View Post
.... it might stop you from serving as a nurse in the military if related to some sort of med board out processing from your previous enlistment.
Congrats on the career decision - I'm sure you will have some great contributions to the nursing community and patient population~
v/r

Yeah...I'm not planning on returning to the military...I was just wondering if the nursing environment would be a positive career choice for someone with PTSD. I believe I would find it rewarding and "therapeutic" as Cursed Irishman said. I just wanted to hear from someone who has "been there done that" so to speak. I am trying to get the VA to approve a Ch 31 Voc Rehab so that I can afford it (I'm a single parent with no G.I. Bill...long story...I was stupid when I was younger...nuff said). I can't justify having them help me though if it won't work out in the long run, so I was trying to get some inside information from those who would know the best. Thanks for all your posts. Hope to run into you guys some day...I'll be the one with the SEAL Team 5 cap on!
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No. 5
from RNSpouse
Old Oct 07, 2009, 10:44 PM

Default Re: A Returning Vet with PTSD...Can I become a nurse?
Codyerin, Thank you for your service!



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No. 6
from jeckrn
Old Oct 07, 2009, 10:48 PM

Default Re: A Returning Vet with PTSD...Can I become a nurse?
Yes you can. As others have stated it can be therapeutic for you. But one area that might be good for you is working with vets who are also suffering with PTSD. You will have a bond with them that others will not. As a nurse who has worked at the VA I have seen how being a vet can make a difference when you are working with a patient since you have some common background.

Good luck on your endevors and hope things work out for you.
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No. 7
from carolinapooh
Old Oct 08, 2009, 03:00 AM

Default Re: A Returning Vet with PTSD...Can I become a nurse?
Originally Posted by jeckrn View Post
Yes you can. As others have stated it can be therapeutic for you. But one area that might be good for you is working with vets who are also suffering with PTSD. You will have a bond with them that others will not. As a nurse who has worked at the VA I have seen how being a vet can make a difference when you are working with a patient since you have some common background.

Good luck on your endevors and hope things work out for you.
Even with my limited prior service and my military brat upbringing it was obvious I had a connection with the VA veterans I worked with during RN school that the other students didn't have. I totally agree with this.

Good luck to the OP.
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No. 8
from codyerin
Old Oct 09, 2009, 04:37 PM

Default Re: A Returning Vet with PTSD...Can I become a nurse?
Thanks for all of your posts! They have been very helpful...if anyone one has any more insights please feel free to impart your wisdom. I am curious exactly how this might be therapeutic. It would be helpful to understand that when I talk with my VA counselor who is helping me decide what career path I should choose. Thanks again!
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No. 9
from Spencer2002
Old Oct 10, 2009, 07:46 PM

Default Re: A Returning Vet with PTSD...Can I become a nurse?
Don't take this the wrong way, but I have worked with nurses that truly had /have mental problems. Have come out and told everyone on shift that they take Prozac and Effexor. Most nurses I know are divorced and on antidepressants. If you privately manage your PTSD and don't let it affect your nursing job or whatever your decided, YOU WILL BE FINE.
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