by codyerin

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.

Re: I'm a Returning Military Vet with PTSD....Can I become a nurse?

I've friends who have PTSD who are police officers so I really don't think nursing is closed off to you. Each human being handles this differently. Are you still in therapy? How do you handle stressful situations?

School is stressful, no denying that.

What area of nursing are you considering? Surgical, ICU, Medicine? I would avoid Psych, to many emotional burdens there.

I think you would bring valuable experience to any ward.

Re: I'm a Returning Military Vet with PTSD....Can I become a nurse?

Originally Posted by Fiona59

I've friends who have PTSD who are police officers so I really don't think nursing is closed off to you. Each human being handles this differently. Are you still in therapy? How do you handle stressful situations?

School is stressful, no denying that.

What area of nursing are you considering? Surgical, ICU, Medicine? I would avoid Psych, to many emotional burdens there.

I think you would bring valuable experience to any ward.

Thank you for your post. I go to counseling and I work out a lot and take meds. Staying in shape has always been important to me so it's not a big step. I'm not suffering like some but I do have to cope with it. I would like to go into Neurology or maybe ICU. I hope things work out but if not...it's not the end of the world. I just like to help people and Nursing seems like a great place to be able to make a big impact in people's lives. Thanks again for the post.

Re: I'm a Returning Military Vet with PTSD....Can I become a nurse?

Everyone handles stress differently. I work in the ICU setting which some people would consider highly stressful, however I consider my job to be pure therapy. I love going to work, doing my job, and then leaving to go home. Pure and simple.
But to answer your question, I see no reason at all that PTSD would mean that ya couldn't become a nurse.

Re: I'm a Returning Military Vet with PTSD....Can I become a nurse?

I suppose it depends on your symptoms. Do you have bursts of anger? The first one you have at work towards a pt, you are DONE. Any drug abuse? The first time you come up dirty on a UA, you are done.

You have to be sure you aren't self-sabotaging. I don't think it's impossible but you'd have to do an honest self assessment.

Maybe ask your counselor what he/she thinks.

Re: I'm a Returning Military Vet with PTSD....Can I become a nurse?

First of all, I would like to say a big "Thank You!" and a "Hooyah" for your service to our country. Wow-the nursing profession should be honored to have someone like you join our ranks. Nursing is very stressful but then you would know just a little bit about stress having been 10yrs as a Navy SEAL. The years of military discipline would actually carry over well for you in the nursing profession.

As for the PTSD, as others have mentioned, you would probably do well to stay away from areas that might trigger intense emotions or flashbacks. Doing clinicals might even help you narrow down the areas that you are well suited to and those that you might not handle so well. Who knows, the "stress" of bedside nursing may just be therapeutic for you as it is for some others.

However, your experiences, both physical and emotional and your obvious care and concern for people will make you an excellent bedside nurse. It's always easy to see the nurses that have that "touch" with their patients-the ones who go the extra mile-and the ones who don't. You have so much to offer with your life experiences and it sounds like a great deal of enthusiasm and drive.

God bless you and thank you again for all that you've done in sacrifice and service.

Re: I'm a Returning Military Vet with PTSD....Can I become a nurse?

I am a Navy Seabee vet and a RN. I worked for the VA a few years before going to Indian Health Services. I have worked with RN's and CNA's who are veterans and have diagnosed PTSD. They are awsome with the patietns. I've also taken care of many PTSD patients at the VA and with IHS. When my tour with IHS is over I'm going back to the V.A. to work.

My advice to you is.. Go for it!

Re: I'm a Returning Military Vet with PTSD....Can I become a nurse?

Thanks for all of your comments...I really appreciate it and it has helped me make the decision to pursue this...thanks again and I hope to see you guys out there!