Can you be a PMHNP w/ mental illness?

[AspiringRN-MSN]

Hello all,

I've been browsing around this site trying to find info on this subject. I've seen a variety of answers about taking controlled substances (legally with a script) and how this may impact your job prospects. I am going to be upfront and honest, I suffer from panic disorder, GAD, and fibromyalgia. I have scripts for these conditions from previous doctors. I only use them as needed. It is never a daily or even weekly use.

So my question is this...can you be prescribed narcotics and benzos and obtain your license to be a PMHNP? Will you be seen as a liability since you have the ability to prescribe meds and you have a psychiatric condition (my anxiety)? What about just being a psychiatric RN? I have not started the BSN program but if my own mental health and pain issues are going to get in the way of my goal, then it is not worth the money, time, or effort to pursue this. I have other degrees that I need to pay off, so this has to be a reliable job for me. It is a sad thing to think about, but I want honest answers.

thank you!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

MOved to Nurses with Disabilities forum for more pertinent answers.

[AspiringRN-MSN]

Anyone have any thoughts?

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I would just be careful. You may have a better insight if you look more general such as looking at physicians and mental health issues. It is sad, but a lot of providers opt not to get treatment for their mental health issues out of concern of being viewed unfit. It is a hot topic more. I think they generally look at depression or suicidal thoughts than anxiety though.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I think you might be getting ahead of yourself here. You'll want to get through your nursing program before you make any long-term plans. Who knows, you may wind up becoming an awesome psych nurse and decide not to pursue further education. Or you may love it but want to go on. Or, you may hate it and decide to do something else entirely. It's too early in the game to know how things will turn out.

One thing to remember about working psych with mental health issues: it's almost never appropriate to disclose them to patients, even though you may identify with their experiences. Nursing is not about the nurse, it's about the patient and they usually don't benefit from having a nurse who overshares. They can also use it against you, as many psych patients are manipulative and will not hesitate to throw you under the bus.

As far as your use of benzos and narcotics, you will of course not want to take them before or during work. You will pop positive on a urine drug screen which is the usual procedure when you take a job, but as long as you have a valid script for them you shouldn't have any problems.

Hope this is at least somewhat helpful to you. Having mental illness stinks, and I sympathize with you because I have my own set of issues. Good luck to you...I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do.