by worriedintexas

PLEASE HELP! I'm seeking advice from any LVN or RN that has been aproved after being diagnosed with bipolar. I was diagnosed as a teen, and sought treatment for 5 years. During that time I felt that I wasn't really gaining anything from the meds, except the weight. I have not taken any meds for 3+ years and have been fine since. Since enrolling in school, I have been seeing a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist feels I was misdiagnosed. She feels that I may have been depressed, but that I am a well functioning adult. I went through school with awesome grades, and have the support of my instructors. I'm still scared. Please tell me that someone has been approved.

Re: Has anyone received their license after submitting declaratory for bipolar?

Well, I can tell you that I've known quite a few licensed, practicing nurses with BAD, although I don't know whether they declared it when seeking licensure or just got away with being dishonest about it.

Re: Has anyone received their license after submitting declaratory for bipolar?

yeah, i've heard that. i'm starting to think i screwed myself by being honest.

Re: Has anyone received their license after submitting declaratory for bipolar?

In my state the question asks if you have a mental illness that could prevent you from being a competent nurse

Re: Has anyone received their license after submitting declaratory for bipolar?

Originally Posted by worriedintexas

yeah, i've heard that. i'm starting to think i screwed myself by being honest.

All I meant was that I didn't know the details of their licensure., just that they had licenses. I was certainly not implying that withholding information would be the smart or better thing to do! Honesty is always the best policy when dealing with the BON. If they find out at some later point that you lied or simply withheld information that they asked for, that by itself is grounds for them to refuse or revoke your license.

If mental illness by itself were a disqualification for nursing licensure, there wouldn't be so many licensed, practicing nurses with mental illness. I've known nurses who had multiple psych hospitalizations who were still licensed and practicing. The point of the process is not to identify and eliminate everyone who has a problem -- what the BON wants to know is that your illness, same as any physical disability or limitation, is not going to impair your ability to practice safely.

We're talking about entering an occupation in which people's lives depend on our personal honesty and integrity -- I always think it's a huge shame (and an ominous sign for a particular individual's career future) when someone is willing to start out by being dishonest. Congratulations to you for doing the right thing!

Best wishes for your journey!

Re: Has anyone received their license after submitting declaratory for bipolar?

Thank you very much for your support. I do feel that I did the right thing, but I'm scared of the label. Going through school and hearing the discriminations against mental illness from nurses, doctors, instructors, and also my peers, has really opened my eyes. I feel that my brush with psych has really given me a better view of patient care, it has had a humbling effect on the way I give care all patients. I just pray I get the chance that I have earned.

Re: Has anyone received their license after submitting declaratory for bipolar?

Well, apart from the BON, you have the same right to privacy regarding your medical hx as anyone else -- you're not going to have to wear a "bipolar" label at work, or anything! You don't have to disclose anything to co-workers, and, as long as you show up and do your job, no one's going to think anything one way or the other. I assure you, statistically, there's a good chance that, whether you know it or not, a fair number of your co-workers will have psych diagnoses, also.

Best wishes!