future nursing student with disability?

[LanaBanana]

I haven't posted here much but have become addicted to reading all the posts on AllNurses! I love it! But I have a question that I need some advice for. I'm 27 and have been on disability for a few years because of depression and TMJ disorder (5 surgeries). I have always wanted to get into the medical field and when I'm in my medical classes I thrive. Last year I started out in a 2 year medical assistant program and soared through the first year with straight A's, including phlebotomy which terrified me! Then I decided to pursue nursing, which is where I am right now. I will finish up my CNA course in 2 days and take my certification test next week. I will hopefully be starting the LPN program in the spring. I really feel like once I get to where I want to be in life I will feel better. My depression (possibly bipolar) is sort-of under control, we're still adjusting meds, but I'm functioning at a good level. I'm concerned about actually getting in to the nursing field though. First, I'm concerned that getting a job will be hard because I've been on disability and not working for so long. IF I can get a job, do you see the depression being a problem? I know there's lots of nurses on ad's. I'm also hesitant about even telling my instructors about being on disability. Perhaps I'm afraid of them telling me I shouldn't be a nurse. What do you guys think? I SOOOO want to be a nurse.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I recently graduated from an LVN program. Throughout the school year I had to deal with an autoimmune thyroid disease (Graves disease) that caused my mood to be labile as well as a whole slew of physical signs and symptoms.

This is my personal opinion and it is based on my personal experiences. I would imperatively avoid telling your nursing instructors that you have a history of depression. Additionally, I wouldn't tell them that you were on disability for a number of years. First of all, it is not really any of their business. Also, depression and mental illness are still stigmatized by some people. I was treated respectfully by all of my nursing instructors until I revealed that I had hyperthyroidism. Afterward, one of my instructors said, "Maybe this is the wrong career for you." Another instructor became nosey and terribly intrusive every single time I appeared tired.

I congratulate you for doing well in your CNA and MA courses. I completed the MA program five years ago and it is totally different from the LVN program. Good luck in your future endeavors! :)

[TeleRN44]

I, too, congratulate you on your accomplishments!

While I can see Communter's point of view, I don't completely agree. I agree with her that there is a stigma attached to being bipolar and you may not want to open yourself up to that. The particulars of your personal issues are just that, personal, but you can let them know, at a minimum, that you are under the care of a doctor. I worked with a bipolar nurse for a while and my employer had no particular issue with her disease.

I am a cancer survivor. I am a year and a half out from treatment and have transient neurological deficits. While they don't interfere with my ability to do my job, I felt it was easier to tell my employer about my condition. I've found them to be understanding and supportive of my needs. For example: Dr's who are difficult to get appointments with on my days off, so I may need to leave a little early. It was easier for me to be open with them, in case I need medical leave down the road.

Additionally, I am in the process of applying to a LVN-RN bridge program. I have spoken to the Dean of Nursing about my situation and she was extremely supportive.

I fully recognize there is a difference in how our society looks at and judges individuals diagnosed with cancer and a bipolar disorder, but I thought offering my experiences would provide you with some comparison, as they are both medical conditions.

If you have a dream and you feel in your heart that you can handle the rigors that come with it, don't let others (instructors or whomever) dictate what path you ought to take. I wish you the best of luck.

[LanaBanana]

Thanks guys! As far as telling instructors, I'm not sure if I have a choice (to an extent). In my CNA class, which is at the same school, we had to fill out a health form and list all current meds. Well, putting Lithium and some of the others is kind of a give-away for bipolar and depression. I don't really know if they even look at those though, except to mark down that we turned them in.

This sounds kinda dumb, but I'm sort of jealous that at least you guys have a "physical" reason for feeling bad. Does that make any sense or does it sound as stupid as it looks? I just always feel somewhat inferior because my problem is psychological and they can't just do a blood test to prove it's real. I also have fibromyalgia, which is kind of in the same boat.

I'm glad you guys are doing well with your diseases though!

[jjessie3d]

I am 50% disabled with major depressive disorder (as per the military). I just got a job as an LVN at a VA hospital working on the extended care floor. They asked me to get a letter from my psychiatrist stating that I was cleared to work (which he did) and haven't had any problems. When I start working, I'm not going to make it public, but at least now I'm covered and won't run into problems down the road if I have any other problems with the depression. Let me know if you have any more quesitons.