Consequences after mental health disclosure for registration?

[AlexSN]

Hi everyone,

I have ADD, depression and anxiety, all of which are well managed and my doctor is confident that I can perform the duties of a nurse without any problem.

My understanding is that I have to disclose my conditions to the BCCNM (BON for BC, Canada) when I apply for registration.

I feel like I could be opening a can of worms, but I still think it would be better to disclose than for them to find out later (and lose my license).

The not knowing is killing me, though.
Would there be consequences I have to deal with, if not soon, years down the road? Does anyone know what can go wrong after disclosure of mental health issues to BON?

I will not disclose my mental health issues to my employer, but is there a way for them to find out from my registration?

If you have any experiences, witnessed/ heard any stories, or have any idea on possible consequences of disclosure, please share. If anyone else is in my shoes, please share your story too. It is terrifying to be alone in this.

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the Canadian Nursing forum 

[Lucydog14]

You arent obligated to tell anyone about your mental health issues at all. Even if you did they cannot discriminate in that basis. Lots of healthcare professionals deal with depression and anxiety.  You are not alone. The ADD is irrelevant. Keep your personal information private. 

[Nurse28, BSN]

You do not have to disclose this. These are common mental health issues and does not put patients at risk. Do not disclose this, it's not any of their concern. 

[GBC_Student, BSN, RN]

I agree with the other comments. Your mental health is no one's business but your own.

[amandab13]

Nope. Don’t tell them. None of their business. You don’t need to tell them anything. 

[themanz]

I would suggest disclosing all your physical and mental conditions to the College. It is better if you run into problems down the road once registered and working. Disclosing to your employer doesn't need to be done, unless the college decides to restrict your license dt mental health and telling your employer becomes a term of your license. Likely they won't, but it is better to fully disclose your conditions to the college rather then something coming up down the road and them finding out you had tried to be deceitful (by not sharing your condition when you ought to have).
I have anxiety and have been previously hospitalized on a form 1. Disclosed this info to the college in the province I live after I had written my exam in Sept/15.  It took me a while to get the guts to write my disclosure letter and they got back to me saying they didn't think it would affect my practice and got my license that November. You'll be OK, just keep getting the support you need to manage your conditions throughout your career and try to fight the stigma for yourself and others with mental heath conditions.

[Lucydog14]

On 11/21/2020 at 8:47 PM, Lucydog14 said:

You arent obligated to tell anyone your personal health information. Thats not being deceitful. They cannot penalize you for keeping that private.

[prettyheadache, BSN, RN]

Don't do it. You're right, it's a can of worms - and none of their business. If you're fit to practice, you're fit to practice. Period. None of their business what goes on in your head ?