Bipolar and going into nursing

[PghRN30]

I have gotten into nursing school, starting an 18 month diploma program in Feb, and just sitting here thinking about things it hit me tonight when I was thinking about all the things I have to do before then and one of them is a physical (which i don't have the paper work yet so i dont know if it asks) and now I'm wondering if my having a diagnosis of Bipolar is going to cause me issues with nursing school, getting licensed, or getting a job.

I am completely compliant with treating it, and have not had an episode in almost 2 years, and that one was caused by when the med im on when generic, so i was automaticly given that and I went into a bad mixed episode on it. Have been on name brand only since, and completely stable. Other then that episode, I have not had any other episode since I have been on my currant dosage of the med I am on. I also have learned to manage mood shifts caused by triggers, or how to cope with the triggers without letting it trigger a mood shift. On top of all that, my bipolar is relatively mild. My currant diagnosis is bipolar NOS. I think my Dr just does not care to put it in a specific "bp 1, bp 2" label since if you really consider it the label doesnt matter for anything, as long as you are acknowlege it is a bipolar disorder and are treating to symptoms to reach a level of stablility. But as far as severity, more depressive then manic, and severity of my manic episodes would probably put me somewhere between type 1 and type 2....either VERY severe type 2 or very mild type 1 as far as mania. I know myself enough to know that sleep and stress will be my biggest issues with going into nursing, as both can trigger manias for me....but i am aware and so can see those issues as soon as they pop up and know how to cope with them before they are anywhere near being an impairment, or even noticable to anyone other then myself.

[PghRN30]

Thanks Trubie and KnitWitch. Thats pretty much the kind of thing I needed to find out. I have no issue with disclosing that I have it or having to get my psychiatrist to write a letter stating that it will not be an impairment for me to work as a nurse, because it is not, i know it is not, and i know my Dr would verify that for me. I completely understand how a condition like this could require some acountablity for stability...I know how it can be at the more severe end and how much it can affect decision making and thought processes in a very negative way. I just dont want to have to disclose it and it be automatic ruling me ineligable for either school, licensing, or a job. However i do think it is rather un thought through to ask for this kind of disclosure because the ones that would be forsed to disclose it are the ones that are treated and stable....those that are untreated are the ones that will deny they have it, and so not disclose it, and those are the ones that the BON should be worried about.

[GaGal777]

:heartbeat :heartbeat :heartbeat :heartbeat Hi! I had been contemplating for a very long time about becoming an RN due to bi-polar disorder. Like yourself, I am stable with meds and know what my triggers are. I spoke to my doc about my passion to be a RN and expressed to him that on an application it asks of any illnesses that would prevent you from doing your job and if you put yes, you'll never even be considered. His reply was....The illness is not going to prevent you from doing your job but not taking your meds will. A psychologist said "LEGALLY" they are not suppose to ask that question because your medical history (under patient confidentiality laws) is your private buisness and the only way they would know is if you told them. HOWEVER....like some of the posters have already said, if something was to happen and you had not told them about your condition then they'll find some reason to get rid of you. As far as the insurance...a lot of employers do have a 1 or 2 year pre existing condition clause. So that is something else to think about.

As for myself, I want the employer to know up front about my disability. That being said, This is what I plan to do. Believe me, I have been thinking about this for a very long time. I am currently on social security disability.

I know social security has a "ticket to work" program so I am going to take advantage of that. With this program I keep my disability benefits, including my medical and prescription coverage for up to 5 years after I start working. I have up to 5 years to prove I am able to work and if I'm not, I'll continue to get my benefits. So that will cover me medically in case my employer has a pre-existing condition clause. Also, with a statement from your doctor saying you are able to work will be a great big help. Make an appointment with your local social security office.

Before you go, make a list of questions and concerns to take with you.

I hope this helps. Good Luck!

[PghRN30]

Make an appointment with your local social security office.

Before you go, make a list of questions and concerns to take with you.

I hope this helps. Good Luck!

Why? I have never been on disability, what could they possibly do?