Can PTSD related to Combat prevent licensure?

[SkySoldier]

Im new to the forum and I've been trying to find an answer to this question. Im a second year nursing student who will graduate in June. I met with my clinical instructor the other day who is retired Airforce. My service as an Army platoon medic in Iraq came up and the topic of PTSD along with it. I didn't tell her I was dx with PTSD when I came home for fear of being kicked out of the program. She did say that if I was ever to be Dx with PTSD that it may hinder my licensure. I was Dx right when I got out 4ish years ago for severe nightmares which have gone away. I have never had a problem with social/occupational/or daily activities. I did meet with a counselor for 1year who specialized in Combat related PTSD and it was very educational. Can I be prevented from taking the NCLEX?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Firstr of all, thank you for your service.

Secondly, don't tell anyone. I have no idea of your legal status but if we were to deny licensure to evety nurse with a psych diagnosis we'd have four of us left.

And it isn't anyone's business.

Good luck to you!

[TopazLover, BSN, RN]

You carry an old diagnosis of PTSD. Do you have symptoms that would prevent you from doing the duties as a nurse? if not, don't tell. If you have current symptoms then get help for them.

Unfortunately in this country, I don't know about others, MI is still a diagnosis that carries a stigma.

Thank you for your service. I am sure you will be a great nurse and will be able to use your experience to show compassion to your patients.

[SkySoldier]

Thanks for the responses. You two have kind of hit on what I was thinking. We are actually studying psych this quarter and PTSD and I don't show any of the S/S that we are learning about. I may have at one point many years ago but not now...so I kind of feel like it is no ones business. Thanks.