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?
Many notably successful people are living or have lived w/ mental illness.
I will tell you that one of the most brilliant, compassionate & accomplished nurses I've ever worked w/ lives w/ Bipolar ds. The patients adored her, even the most difficult/challenging patients, Drs/Surgeons respected her & co-workers spoke well of her.
Things like this make me sad. A person with diabetes wouldn't have to ask if they could be a nurse. Mental illness is a real illness, not some sort of character flaw. I would say that since you are actively treating your mental illness, that it would no more impact your nursing care than if you were a diabetic that was actively controlling your diabetes. I'm still a student, but from what I've observed, it is a wonderful profession with so many options and I think you may enjoy it. I wish you luck in whatever you decide to do.
I think it depends on where you live. In Virginia, there has been a recent change so anyone who is a nurse and is diagnosed with a mental illness or is hospitalized for a psych related illness has to be reported to the BON.
I have major recurrent depression and I've been a nurse for 8 years. Did fine in nursing school. Take your meds and take care of yourself and you will be fine.
I have been treated for depression for 20 years and later more specifically bipolar tendencies due to PTSD... I take my meds but even some days are tough... but I have been a nurse for over 15 years holding levels of management,lead, educator... it can be done.. just be sure you take of yourself, therapy, meds if you need it..
You can absolutely be a nurse with bipolar disorder. Make sure, for your own health, that you know your limits. Nursing school is stressful enough without the added difficulty of bipolar disorder.
Also, make sure you always disclose to any future employers any medications you take that could affect your ability to provide care. You're definitely not alone. I take occasional medications for an injury I sustained several years ago on the job. Just make sure your hiring manager and employee health nurse have your prescription and OTC medications listed in your file for full disclosure.
N. Joy
1 Post
Absolutely!
Many notably successful people are living or have lived w/ mental illness.
I will tell you that one of the most brilliant, compassionate & accomplished nurses I've ever worked w/ lives w/ Bipolar ds. The patients adored her, even the most difficult/challenging patients, Drs/Surgeons respected her & co-workers spoke well of her.
Follow your heart & ignore the naysayers.
All the best to you.