Can I be an RN with a mental illness?

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Hi,

I am a medical transcriptionist currently and have 14 years experience in nearly all modalities except pathology. Due to changes in the field including voice recognition, lower pay, and offshoring coupled with the desire to have a more "hands-on" job in the healthcare field, I have decided to go into nursing. The local community college offers a 2-year (ASN) RN program. However, I have bipolar illness but have done well since being diagnosed in 1998, and have been employed as an MT since my first AS degree in 2000. I have no criminal history.

My question is, will I be allowed to practice as an RN with bipolar disorder?

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I have an ex friend who I went through an LVN program with & she will be an RN soon. She is bipolar & had no issues working & getting into the LVN or BSN program. The only mistake she made was when she renewed her LVN license she lied & said she wasn't ever bipolar. She got in trouble with the TX BON but was able to keep her LVN license & take the NCLEX for her RN license. She has stipulations on both licenses.

So yes, you can be a nurse. Just don't lie to the BON, they will find out. :p

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Thanks for your reply :) I'm very relieved to know that bipolar disorder in itself wouldn't limit me.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Forensics, Addictions.

Yes. I am.

No licensing board has ever asked about my illness.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Well I don't know how it is in every state. I just know in Texas BON asks specifically if you have ever been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

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How did they find out she was bipolar?

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I have an ex friend who I went through an LVN program with & she will be an RN soon. She is bipolar & had no issues working & getting into the LVN or BSN program. The only mistake she made was when she renewed her LVN license she lied & said she wasn't ever bipolar. She got in trouble with the TX BON but was able to keep her LVN license & take the NCLEX for her RN license. She has stipulations on both licenses.

So yes, you can be a nurse. Just don't lie to the BON, they will find out. :p

I live in Texas, no bipolar but wonder how they would find out anything like that?? Isn't there privacy issues about giving patients medical history?

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I live in Texas, no bipolar but wonder how they would find out anything like that?? Isn't there privacy issues about giving patients medical history?

They ask you when you are filling out the application.

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They ask you when you are filling out the application.

So the onus is on you to be honest when answering that question, but I would not put it past some medical professionals to take it upon themselves to report a person to the Board if they find out they are a nurse or going to become a nurse, irrespective of any directive to report that information or keep it private.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
So the onus is on you to be honest when answering that question, but I would not put it past some medical professionals to take it upon themselves to report a person to the Board if they find out they are a nurse or going to become a nurse, irrespective of any directive to report that information or keep it private.

Well I would hope all medical professionals would be honest if their licensing board asked them any questions.

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I am an aspiring nurse as well, but currently a mental health professional so I am only giving you my professional opinion. If you are asked the question you should be honest about your diagnosis. You have a mental illness which is just a medical diagnosis that carries a huge stigma in our society. The key is you being responsible with managing your symptoms with medication and coping skills. It is not the diagnosis that will get you in trouble, it is the lack of managing the symptoms. Best wishes on your nursing career.

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Why not as long as all your symptoms are managed. You could work as an RN after all if you have say diabetes or hyperlipidema. Besides, you don't have to tell any one. You'd be protected under the ADA.

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