Air Force RN reserve candidate with depression?

[joie.de.vivre]

Hi, everyone. I've been an RN since 2013 and I'm in the application process for the Air Force RN reserve program. I have yet to share this with my recruiter but I was first diagnosed with major depressive disorder in 2016 when my grandmother died. I didn't have to go on medication or start inpatient or outpatient treatment but I do have some small scars on one of my arm from some cutting I did. I've been fine but with the stress from working during covid, I did have to get some counseling for about six months. I wasn't intending to lie on my application but now I realize with having to turn in medical records, I am concerned that those two episodes might disqualify me from getting through. Do I still have a chance if I'm transparent about my history?

[rthale, BSN, RN]

They will ask for all the documentation from MD, counseling and psych appointments to determine your eligibility. Since your last bout was recent (COVID), it may cause a little hiccup. Just provide exactly what they ask for, no more. It’s a tedious process. 

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

If it was me, I'd get some laser scar removal and not mention it.  You'll definitely need a medical waiver for self mutilation if you do mention it, and it's never clear whether waivers will be granted or not.  Plus, busy medical recruiters (who have no shortage of applicants) don't have much incentive to fight for a waiver for you.

From my perspective, your situation is minor.  I've seen all kinds of people with mental health problems far worse than yours join the military and nothing ever happens to them when they don't mention it at MEPS and later need treatment.

I think the more important question is would you be able to function as a nurse while handling the stress of gunshots and explosions?  Do you think you're good to go or not?  

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

I'm not usually a fan of lying, but the MEPs process is absolutely ridiculous.  I would say the vast majority of people lie to some extent.  They try to scare you will all this 'lying is a crime stuff' but no one is ever held accountable.  Because your medical records are private (HIPAA) unless you authorize disclosure, there would never be a way to prove you withheld info. Truth be told the MEPs standards are unreasonable, and the military would never meet it's force strength goals if they had total access to everyone's medical records.

[joie.de.vivre]

10 hours ago, jfratian said:

I'm not usually a fan of lying, but the MEPs process is absolutely ridiculous.  I would say the vast majority of people lie to some extent.  They try to scare you will all this 'lying is a crime stuff' but no one is ever held accountable.  Because your medical records are private (HIPAA) unless you authorize disclosure, there would never be a way to prove you withheld info. Truth be told the MEPs standards are unreasonable, and the military would never meet it's force strength goals if they had total access to everyone's medical records.

Is it typical for the application to include consent to release medical information? That consent is included plus information of my past and current PCPs. 

 

On 6/25/2021 at 12:53 PM, rthale said:

They will ask for all the documentation from MD, counseling and psych appointments to determine your eligibility. Since your last bout was recent (COVID), it may cause a little hiccup. Just provide exactly what they ask for, no more. It’s a tedious process. 

10 hours ago, jfratian said:

From my perspective, your situation is minor.  I've seen all kinds of people with mental health problems far worse than yours join the military and nothing ever happens to them when they don't mention it at MEPS and later need treatment.

I think the more important question is would you be able to function as a nurse while handling the stress of gunshots and explosions?  Do you think you're good to go or not?  

This does make me feel a lot better about my chances. I would like to think I'd be able to function. Although I wouldn't doubt I'd be shocked with all the noise in action but I've gotten over the initial shock in high stress situations at work and went through the motions in emergencies. 

[rthale, BSN, RN]

19 minutes ago, joie.de.vivre said:

Is it typical for the application to include consent to release medical information? That consent is included plus information of my past and current PCPs. 

You sign a release but the only documents they get are ones YOU provide. They tell you what they want and it’s up to you to fetch it. You pretty much get to paint your own picture 

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

Correct, the only documents they get are the ones you provide them.  The consents you sign are only to allow them to use the records you give them.  Just have your doctors' offices send the records directly to you.  You choose what to pass on.

They don't have the resources to go digging beyond that anyway.