Bipolar and nursing?

Aneroo, LPN · Apr 15, 2005

I would check on the Ohio boards.

I do not see why someone could not get boards b/c they are bipolar, esp if they are compliant with their medications. I had a client who is a nurse and has dissociative identidy disorder (multiple personalities). I could imagine that if someone who could possible lapse into another personality (and that personality might not be a RN) while on duty can get a icense and a job, then someone with biploar certainly could. -Andrea

Jolie, BSN · Apr 15, 2005

My father has been bi-polar most of his adult life, but denied his illness. For years we suffered, unable to get him the help he needed. Last year, he finally agreed to voluntary treatment. I won't go into specifics here, but we were very disappointed with the quality of his medical (psychiatric) care while in the hospital. The one bright, shining star in his care was a student nurse. She confided in us that she had requested to be assigned to my dad because she, too, was bi-polar and had long denied her illness as well. I can't begin to describe the insight she offered us. She was truly an asset to my dad's care and our understanding of this illness.

Your friend could be, as well. I can't imagine that with proper documentation of treatment, he would be denied the opportunity to become an RN, any more than anyone with a chronic illness. Best of luck to him!

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Apr 15, 2005

I don't know what the laws are, but I do not think it is legal to discriminate based on diagnosis alone. I work with 2 nurses who are bipolar, well regulated, and they are some of the best I have ever worked with. I only know they are bipolar because they have mentioned it.

Ross1 · Apr 15, 2005

It is important to understand that there is a difference between bipolar I and bipolar II. Bipolar II, does not include full-blown mania. People with bipolar II experience a milder form called hypomania....which is less severe and does not cause the same level of impairment in social functioning.....in fact......people can be very functional and productive while hypomanic.

Aneroo, LPN · Apr 16, 2005

Correct- so long as you've had ONE manic (or hypomania) episode, you get the dx of bipolar. -Andrea

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 16, 2005

Oh boy, if bipolar people aren't allowed to become nurses, then what am I doing with a license??

It's like any other disease: as long as it's controlled, it shouldn't even be an issue. Bipolar people aren't all raving lunatics, not even when they're in the middle of a manic episode (I tend toward the occasional hypomanic phase......the only time I even know I'm in one is when I notice that I'm suddenly having a lot of really super great days in a row, I talk more and faster, and I get by on less sleep and less food than usual). We work, we go to school, we vote, we raise families, and so forth........we just have to work a little harder than most folks at maintaining an even keel emotionally. That's where meds help a lot, and when we take them faithfully, we're pretty much like everyone else. :)

NURSESUZ · May 27, 2005

Oh boy, if bipolar people aren't allowed to become nurses, then what am I doing with a license??
It's like any other disease: as long as it's controlled, it shouldn't even be an issue. Bipolar people aren't all raving lunatics, not even when they're in the middle of a manic episode (I tend toward the occasional hypomanic phase......the only time I even know I'm in one is when I notice that I'm suddenly having a lot of really super great days in a row, I talk more and faster, and I get by on less sleep and less food than usual). We work, we go to school, we vote, we raise families, and so forth........we just have to work a little harder than most folks at maintaining an even keel emotionally. That's where meds help a lot, and when we take them faithfully, we're pretty much like everyone else. :)

Dear mljrn97--THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!! You have made my day. I am hypomanic at times (Bipolar II), PTSD, Dysthymic, and also have Panic D/O. When I have 1 good day, I am happy...2 good days, I'm on a roll...3 good days, I'm ecstatic, and then I start to droop again. Like a plant that gets watered only once a week. But, I have begun to realize that I will perk up by taking my meds, talking to my therapist, and not by sitting in my chair, paralyzed by fear and anxiety. I have a friend who says, "Move a muscle, change a feeling". Some days I live by that one! Thanx again. :thankya: :thankya: