Bipolar Disorder and Nursing in NC

U.S.A. North Carolina

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Hi everyone! I heard something today that didn't seem right to me. I was told by a mental health professional that a nurse with bipolar disorder cannot work in NC without jumping through some serious hoops...ie he/she would have to have a "mentor" ? This doesn't seem right, as I know that people with bipolar disorder that manage their illness can lead very fulfilling lives. Do any of you know how NC looks at this?

Thanks!

Charlotte:heartbeat

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Hi everyone! I heard something today that didn't seem right to me. I was told by a mental health professional that a nurse with bipolar disorder cannot work in NC without jumping through some serious hoops...ie he/she would have to have a "mentor" ? This doesn't seem right, as I know that people with bipolar disorder that manage their illness can lead very fulfilling lives. Do any of you know how NC looks at this?

Thanks!

Charlotte:heartbeat

The NC Nurse Practice Act says that for a nurse to be licensed they have to be mentally capable to practice. However, I do not recall having to send medical records or anything to the BON when I applied for my license, but it was so long ago I cannot remember.

I would give the BON practice consultants a call (you can find the number on the the ncbon.org website) and see what their take is on this. I have never heard of a nurse with a mental illness that had to have mentor- I don't see why someone with BPD would be singled out when there are lots of other types of mental illness.

If you find out more info from the BON, please update because I am wondering about this now.

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Hi everyone! I heard something today that didn't seem right to me. I was told by a mental health professional that a nurse with bipolar disorder cannot work in NC without jumping through some serious hoops...ie he/she would have to have a "mentor" ? This doesn't seem right, as I know that people with bipolar disorder that manage their illness can lead very fulfilling lives. Do any of you know how NC looks at this?

Thanks!

Charlotte:heartbeat

How could the board possibly know that someone has bipolar disorder?

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How could the board possibly know that someone has bipolar disorder?

From what I've read, it appears you are required to undergo some sort of examination pertaining to your "fitness" to practice in the field. They apparently evaluate both your physical and mental health. I don't know about anything more than that, though (like the consequences if they determine you may not be mentally fit).

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthesia, ICU, ED.

Where did you read this? The only exam I recall taking to determine "fitness to practice" was the NCLEX, that and the work "physical" that my employers put me through.

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How could the board possibly know that someone has bipolar disorder?

I've seen on some apps for Licensure a section where you have to check if you have certain conditions. I even had to get an 'exam' for my driver's license.

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Where did you read this? The only exam I recall taking to determine "fitness to practice" was the NCLEX, that and the work "physical" that my employers put me through.

That might be the examination that I've read about, but I've very clearly read, on several school's websites, that you have to be deemed mentally and physically able to practice. To get more specific than that, I'd have to go back and look it up, which, honestly, I'm probably not going to do.

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