Can I still be an RN if I was in a Mental Hospital?

Eru IlÃºvatar · Mar 28, 2015

I was admitted for depression for being homeless, but now I'm back in college trying to get my life together. Can state boards or employers find this out? I'm 26 now and I have had a pretty hard life thus far and I'm just so scared that this will hind me in my endeavors.

I don't think this should be a hindrance in your career prospects at all. If you have already moved on from that phase of your life you are as good as anyone else to be able to practice once licensed.

Just remember to keep this information private unless it may affect patient care in some way.

Good luck and you'll see that life will shine a ray of hope upon you.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2015

No. Your medical records can not be obtained by the BON or your employer. This is a private matter between you and your doctor. What you choose to disclose in a pre-employment physical is up to you.

BeachsideRN, ASN · Mar 28, 2015

Depending on your state you might have to disclose it to the board before starting school but it shouldn't preclude you from nursing school or practice

caliotter3 · Mar 28, 2015

I would keep the information private.

AGACNPTX · Mar 28, 2015

Some state boards may ask if you have ever been hospitalized for psychiatric reasons or diagnosed with particular psych disorders. I would get in touch with your state board anonymously to find out if this will come up in the future. And never offer this information unless you are required to

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2015

Were you convicted of any crimes?

scottaprn · Mar 28, 2015

Some state boards may ask if you have ever been hospitalized for psychiatric reasons or diagnosed with particular psych disorders. I would get in touch with your state board anonymously to find out if this will come up in the future. And never offer this information unless you are required to

This is true in Ohio. It is one of the questions they ask and you have to give an explanation. I agree with not mentioning it until it comes up but be prepared with your answer and information if it does.

elkpark · Mar 28, 2015

It's important to answer honestly and fully any questions asked you by the BON on licensure applications; they are much harder on people for lying to them then they are, in most cases, for whatever the original issue was the applicant was trying to hide from them. They may find out, they may not. Either way, that, by itself should not hinder your pursuing a career in nursing. I've known a few nurses over the years who had a hx of psychiatric hospitalization (more than one, in some cases), and it did not affect their licensure or careers.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Mar 28, 2015

The question varies by state.

Illinois: Have you had or do you now have any disease or condition that interferes with your ability to perform the essential functions of your pro-fession, including any disease or condition generally regarded as chronic by the medical community, i.e., (1) mental or emotional diseaseor condition; (2) alcohol or other substance abuse; (3) physical disease or condition, that presently interferes with your ability to practiceyour profession? If yes, attach a detailed statement, including an explanation whether or not you are currently under treatment.

to me, the relevant statement is "presently interferes with your ability to practice your profession..." So, I'd say you were good.

NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN · Mar 28, 2015

You were diagnosed with depression. Many nurses are on medication for depression. I don't think this is one of the psychiatric problems that the board is concerned with unless you were currently depressed to the point that you could not safely function as a nurse. You should be fine.

ShelbyaStar · Mar 28, 2015

I've noticed some nurses listed on the MN BON with the reason being listed as being committed. However, it sounds like they were needing to be committed when they were already working. I don't think it would matter that this happened before even going to school, but check.

If you do need to disclose it, they seem pretty receptive to getting you set up. Not disclosing something that you are supposed to, not so much.

But there are plenty of nurses out there that have struggled with mental illness so I'm not sure where the line is drawn.