Depression, BiPolar Nursing School Essay

Trauma Columnist · Aug 13, 2006

Personally, I would not put this in my essay. However, not because it is mental illness, I don't think ANY illness belongs in the essay. It should be about your desire to be a nurse.

I do congratulate you on getting back on track.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2006

I don't want to scare you, but some nursing boards are very leary about nurses being on certain drugs. Assuming you are on medication to control your illness I would contact the board of nurses in your state to find out if your medication will present a red flag when you apply for a license. Texas asks, and people on medication are sometimes asked to get information from their physician. It does not mean you WON'T be eligible, but some states are keeping track. I congratulate you also on your difficult journey and your courage to step out into the world of nursing. Good luck in your studies!

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Aug 13, 2006

If the school says to send a resume, I would send one, even if it has some holes. Monster.com has some great info on building resumes under atypical situations like long gaps in work history. While I understand your hesitation, you don't want them to automatically 'File 13' your application because it's missing a piece.

As for putting the mental illness info in your personal statement, I wouldn't. I agree with TraumaRUs that the focus should be on the reasons for choosing nursing. If you get an interview for the program and you still feel comfortable disclosing the information, that might be a better time to do so.

firstyearstudent · Aug 13, 2006

If you are confident that your condition will not affect your ability to complete the program and work as a nurse I wouldn't mention it.

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Aug 13, 2006

If the school says to send a resume, I would send one, even if it has some holes. Monster.com has some great info on building resumes under atypical situations like long gaps in work history. While I understand your hesitation, you don't want them to automatically 'File 13' your application because it's missing a piece.
As for putting the mental illness info in your personal statement, I wouldn't. I agree with TraumaRUs that the focus should be on the reasons for choosing nursing. If you get an interview for the program and you still feel comfortable disclosing the information, that might be a better time to do so.

:yeahthat:

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2006

Don't bring up the issue of any depression or bipolar illness. In this day and age it is not unusual for men to be stay at home mom's, caretakers of their own parents, or laid off and have to take re-training in a new career. One of my brother-in-laws has been making a fine living for years recycling junk from his neighborhood which he takes to recycling centers as his own boss. Make something up if you have to that sounds good and normal. A smart, savvy interviewer is going to ferret out if you have any behavior problems when they talk with you.

firstyearstudent · Aug 13, 2006

Don't bring up the issue of any depression or bipolar illness. In this day and age it is not unusual for men to be stay at home mom's, caretakers of their own parents, or laid off and have to take re-training in a new career. One of my brother-in-laws has been making a fine living for years recycling junk from his neighborhood which he takes to recycling centers as his own boss. Make something up if you have to that sounds good and normal. A smart, savvy interviewer is going to ferret out if you have any behavior problems when they talk with you.

Daytonite, you always give such great advice. I am surprised that you would tell someone to "make something up." Perhaps this person could just inventory what they've been doing with their time and put a positive spin on it, without mentioning that they've been recuperating from a mental illness. I wouldn't put that in the same categoy as lying...

shock-me-sane · Aug 14, 2006

a big negative on including any mental health issues in your letter.

as far as the resume. so what if you have holes? you have been doing your pre-req's correct? i am going to assume that you have worked before. put together a resume that has the jobs that you have had on it. you need to turn something in or they may consider your application incomplete.

Lori RN_09_2b · Aug 14, 2006

I'm a nursing student with bipolar disorder, and I'm generally pretty open about it. I'm happy to talk about it and share info and try to change people's outdated opinions. I don't, however, think it's wise to include that in your essay. I've found that people, when they meet me, think I'm perfectly "normal" and wouldn't be put off by my condition, but I could see someone reading the same info on paper and not giving me a chance. I wouldn't risk it.

Lori

stephen_kor · Aug 14, 2006

Thanks to everyone who give their thoughts. I suppose I had just better lay low and not bring up the subject in my essay. As far as my resume I will somehow manage to bring it up to snuff with my previous work experience and going to school. Again, thanks for all the thoughtful comments!

Stephen

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2006

daytonite, you always give such great advice. i am surprised that you would tell someone to "make something up." perhaps this person could just inventory what they've been doing with their time and put a positive spin on it, without mentioning that they've been recuperating from a mental illness. i wouldn't put that in the same category as lying...

i say that when it comes to getting a place in a nursing program or a job, all's fair. the powers in charge don't have to know what goes on in your personal life. shame on them if they ask--if they do, they deserve whatever bs answer they are given. i've been a manager for many years, seen many resumes, know that much can be faked, and know that good interviewing will bring forth the worst in people. this is one of the major reasons people are interviewed. i think it's a bit ridiculous to have students reveal their prior work histories as part of the selection process. to my way of thinking it has nothing to do with the teaching of nursing which is what the school is supposed to be focusing on. it's a bit prejudicial since a 19-year old is going to have little to no working history compared to a 40-year old. and it serves what purpose? if they are looking for a lousy work history a skilled interviewer can try to get that from an interview. i guarantee you, i can come up with a resume full of 100% false, verifiable information in about an hour. is that fair to anyone? obviously, the people asking for these resumes haven't learned that this can be done. the school can also put a more positive spin on the question of a resume or work history and ask it a different way. why not just ask for a essay on why you want to be a nurse. the bottom line here is that the program, all programs, are trying to screen for students who they feel are not going to be a waste of their valuable time and resources. they will ask you to write essays, interview you, ask for letters of recommendation and ask all kinds of questions trying to determine this. in the end, they really only know when they get you sitting before them in the classroom or at a clinical site and actually see how you act and perform under the gun. until then, you all have to play the game to "get in" to the school.

and just a word to those who have guilt about their past illnesses. . .keep them there, in the past. no one wants to hear about them. reveal them at your own peril--especially if they involve mental issues. put yourself in the place of the people who have to chose candidates for these programs, or any job. do you think they want to hear about your struggles with mental health? (they might if it means an automatic passing you over for a place in the class.) do you think that maybe it sounds like you still need to be talking to a counselor if you have to rehash that stuff? keep it mum. if you are well now, it doesn't need to be discussed by you to anyone--so keep it to yourself. and, i mean to yourself. don't be telling other students your life history on prozac. many times the decisions about who gets into these programs is purely personal on the parts of the selectors. why give them something to exclude you? there are times when you can go too far with honesty.