Depression, schizophrenia, while going through pre-reqs?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I know it seems like a personal question but is anyone experiencing depression (mild if not major), schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, bipolar etc... while trying to get through the nursing pre-reqs?

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In most states, people with a history of psychatric disorders are prevented from obtaining a nursing license. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar and/or schizophrenia, I would seriously look into this before spending years and $$$ obtaining a nursing degree and not being able to be licensed or to work as a nurse.

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Specializes in LTC.

I had major depression through my teenage years, but I've acctually gotten through that so I really can't be of much help there.

I also don't know about liscensing issues like hellonurse pointed out.

I did however do a search and found a couple of threads that might interest you on nurses with mental illnesses.

Best of luck to you!

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/bipolar-nurses-151394.html?highlight=bipolar+nurses thread on bipolar nurses

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/nurses-struggling-mental-illness-94244-2.html?highlight=bipolar+nurses nurses with mental illness

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I have been diagnosed with Bipolar II (actually had to help my doctor with the diagnosis during undergrad because I was on meds, but not getting any better, and almost failed out of school). It was extremely difficult, and I still struggle with it, but it is so much better and controlled. I thought the world was ending when I had to beg my university to let me stay; I had to do this twice. I HATED trying to explain to administrators, who had no medical background, a mental illness that I didn't know much about (do they do the same with people recently diagnosed with, say, diabetes? Do they grill them and make them explain every single reason why they didn't perform well over the last semester/year? I think not.) But I fought hard. They made me change my major to something "easier" than Biology, despite me telling them that an Anthro major wouldn't help me at all with my future medical career's pre-reqs, but as soon as I got my Bio grades up, I switched back. They were for certain that I wouldn't graduate in 4 years. My last semester was hell, and it about killed me due to my heavy class load, but I graduated on time. My GPA was horrible, and that prevented me from getting into a BSN program the first year after graduation, but I took more pre-reqs so I could apply to more programs in the area, and I am now in my third week of a BSN program and doing very well. :) I was born for this. My illness may have set me back a year, but I'm only 23. Plus, it has taught me SO much about medicine, the public's reactions/misconceptions about illnesses, life in general... that it will be a huge help when I am practicing medicine. It will help me be a better nurse. Maybe not on all days... it sucks to feel crappy for no good reason yet have to function like everyone else... but even then, it will be a reminder of what most of my patients are going through.

All of my professors know about my diagnosis, and they haven't said a thing about me not being able to be licensed. However, I've never been suicidal, admitted for Tx, etc. -- don't know if that makes a difference or not as far as the law goes.

Sorry this entry is so long. I just want to encourage you. Be strong, be tenacious, and know that so many successful people, from nurses to actresses to writers to prime ministers, have or have had mental disorders. Don't be shy about seeking all the help you can. I know how hard it is when no one, including friends, professors, or a boy/girlfriend, seems to understand you. There might be resources close by you that could help, even if it's a nurse who has gone through similar difficulties. Best of luck to you!

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I know it seems like a personal question but is anyone experiencing depression (mild if not major), schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, bipolar etc... while trying to get through the nursing pre-reqs?

The ADN program at our Community College requires us not to have been diagnosed for anything like that for the past 5 years....every school has different requirements so check where you apply.

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You really need to see a psychiatrist. Get evaluated and treated. That is the first and foremost concern.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
In most states, people with a history of psychatric disorders are prevented from obtaining a nursing license. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar and/or schizophrenia, I would seriously look into this before spending years and $$$ obtaining a nursing degree and not being able to be licensed or to work as a nurse.

Can you list specific states that prevent individuals with a history of mental illness from becoming licensed?

I don't believe this information is accurate.

Active, ineffectively- or un-treated mental illness may disqualify one from licensure, but I don't believe that a hisory of mental illness does in most states.

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Specializes in Oncology, Research.

The second poster's comment seems suspect. I couldn't find anything in the Florida nurse practice act that disqualifies someone with a mental illness from obtaining a license. Plus, wouldn't that information have to be volunteered? I know that psych nursing jobs require that you be out of rehab for at least five years prior to employment. I know my nursing school only asked for any health history that would interfere with my ability to attend class, not about mental disability. Would be interesting to find out specifics if indeed the presence of mental health prohibits licensure. Sounds descriminatory.

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:yeahthat: I can't imagine that a person with a treated disorder would be prevented from entering a professional field like nursing...but maybe I'm wrong? Wow, this is really an interesting consideration and one I never thought of. I'll be interested in seeing what people who know more about this and the regulations have to say...

God bless you & others who struggle with problems of this nature!

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The community college near me posts their requirements on their nursing program website. While it is lengthy, what with criminal background checks, hepatitis and rubella vaccinations, CPR requirements, etc, it says nothing about having to disclose any information regarding mental health.

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i currently suffer from depression and with medication and a lot of prayer...i can do anything and so can u. i would call the nusring board and ask them specifically about the problem u are dealing with.:uhoh3:

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Specializes in Med Surg, IICU, Telem, LTC.

Hi there,

Seem to me you first need to find out what is wrong you and then get treatment for it. I know sometimes when you don't have support while going anything that takes alot of time it does get lonely. I hope you will find someone to talk to about how you feel.

I will be praying for you,

SweePolly :nurse:

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