ADHD, depression, and anxiety disorder as a nurse

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 28, 2012

Hello, and WELCOME to Allnurses.com

Not knowing you or your individual situation, I'd have to say that a lot depends on whether you take medications for your conditions, if you're seeing a psychiatrist or psychotherapist regularly, and how strong your drive is to become a nurse. This is not a career for the faint of heart---you must understand that stress is a constant companion not only in nursing school, but out in the working world.

That said, there are a great many nurses with psychiatric illnesses who are successful in their jobs; for example, I have anxiety and am diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but I've reached management level (DON in an assisted living facility) and am reasonably good at it. A friend I went to nursing school with who has ADHD works as an assistant director in the Behavioral Health unit at a 400+ bed Magnet hospital. And I'd be shocked if there weren't at least as many nurses with depression as without it!

Whatever a nurse's health issues, most will thrive if they can find their 'niche'---the right area of the profession for them. Do some research, look around at the different specialties and see what might appeal to you. Generally, you'd want to avoid jobs where it's super fast-paced and the adrenaline flows freely, like the ER or critical care; on the other hand, a paperwork job might bore you to death with the lack of adrenaline, so you have to weigh your options carefully.

Good luck to you!

thekid · Oct 25, 2012

echoing what Viva said..you may have to try different things to see where you "fit" ..I have bipolar depression too and I found a job that allows me to work from home most of the time so that is a huge benefit.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Oct 26, 2012

What do you do from home? I would be THRILLED with a job that could be done at home, at least some of the time.... :yes:

MidwestBetty · Oct 26, 2012

Yeah I'm curious what could be done at home too?! :)

LindseyOh · Oct 31, 2012

Thanks everyone! I am really trying super hard on everything, so many of my classmates kind of laugh or poke fun on how much I study. I guess in the long run it will be well worth it. Now that we are getting into skills too it is better because I get to be up and moving vs just sitting listening to the teacher talk.

afjgnp · Nov 9, 2012

Yes PLEASE! As a nurse with MS and Crohn's and who has been treated for cancer, WHAT NURSING JOB DO YOU DO AT HOME???!!!

OH PLEASE! I am running out of ideas to find a job that DOESN'T whip me.

Thanks