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

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 30, 2015

There are many different ways that information could come to the BON other than them having access to your medical records.

And many of these ways are not HIPAA violations.

Example: while the medical staff caring for the OP can't disclose that info to the BON without the OP's permission...the roommate/visitors in the hospital at the same time are NOT bound by HIPAA and may disclose--inadvertenly or otherwise--that that's how they are acquainted with the OP.

It may be unethical of this person to violate the OP's privacy, but it's not illegal.

It really comes down to how the questions are worded on a specific state's application forms; but one has nothing to gain by being less than honest with the BON, and quite a bit to (potentially) lose.

This. Ultimately, what to put down on a BON application is the decision that only the OP can make, and they will have their reasons behind it. However, should the OP (or anyone) choose to be less than honest with the BON, then they need to be willing to accept any consequences that may arise from their choice.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Mar 30, 2015

Interesting thread, with good info.

Only thing I can add, OP, is that you DO need to change your username now (unless you are a licensed RN or LPN/LVN you CANNOT call yourself a pediatric nurse in your UserID). If you like, you can be something like "pediatricnurse2B", "futurepediatricnurse", etc. :)

Good luck to you!

Jenngirl34RN · Mar 30, 2015

I know on my state's BON application you have to disclose if you have a psychiatric condition (but not that you were hospitalized). The next question is about what you do to control the condition. As long as you have addressed the issue ( by meds, therapy, or a combo) so that it will not impact your ability to care for patients you can still get a license.

Julius Seizure · Apr 3, 2015

Many state BONs ask on the paperwork if you have been hospitalized or diagnosed for any mental health reason in the past 5 years. That is what they ask in Texas.

If you have, and you disclose it, you will have some 'splaining to do, but I think the board would be ok with your story. It will probably just add some extra hassle to explain it to them. Depending on the circumstances, the board may even ask nurses to go through a special peer assistance program, like what nurses with addiction problems go through. Its "voluntary" (yeah sure). Like Viva said, its very invasive.

I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear that a lot of nurses simply choose not to disclose. If you choose not to, and you get caught, that's a whole other set of trouble.

Choose carefully, and good luck to you.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2015

There is a question on your board applications about if you have ever been treated for a psychotic disorder which then goes on to describe, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, hallucinations, delusions etc..... It also lists certain medications used for these disorders. If your only diagnoses was depression don't volunteer any other information. It's non of their business. Only if you were held against your will for more than 30 days and have a permanent firearms restriction which is in the NCIS data base will your background come into question. If you are doing well now move forward in your life. Good luck.
Hppy

That varies by state. My state doesn't ask.

Squirrelmedic · Jul 18, 2015

In Florida, you have to admit if you were admitted when applying. I was always honest with my school that I needed help a few years back during a nasty divorce (he did very cruel things) and now I have to go before the boards while everyone tests. My mother wanted me to tell them what he did, but today my doctors substitute is from the medical board. he just told me to say I had a sudden and unexpected divorce, but I have since grown leaps and bounds, completing a 2 yr program in 2 years with honors and I have obtained a position in the ER. I am praying it is enough and they are going to screw with me. I did not deserve the things he did and said and it would break my heart to reclaim my life.