Depression with psychosis student

stefonee356 · Oct 10, 2012

I am not sure. I was told by my doctor that they DO look at your "mental" condition when you are trying to be a nurse (Im assuming when you take your NCLEX?). He said they don't want someone who is "mental unstable" treating patients.. that it's too much of a risk. I am not 100% certain. Have you tried calling the BON?

beegee85 · Oct 10, 2012

No i haven't. I'm kinda new to all of this. I dont want to put in all the work of nursing school and then find out afterwards that its all for nothing you know?

stefonee356 · Oct 10, 2012

I totally understand! I was diagnosed at a young age with depression (got it from my dads side of the family). My doctor told me that if I plan on doing nursing and can do without my medication than that it would in my best interest to NOT take meds because this could prevent me from getting my license when i become a nurse. I haven't taken any in about 3 years and am fine (most of the time, I have my days just like anyone else). You should call the BON and check to see what they say. It's better safe than sorry!

beegee85 · Oct 10, 2012

Exactly thanks. I am on a lot of meds, anti-depressants and anti-psychotics. I cant go without them I go downhill really fast. I cant even miss a day.

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2012

I don't have what you have, but I do have a mental illness. I am a nurse. I am not in Florida, but I am a nurse with a mental illness. So, the answer is yes.

beegee85 · Oct 10, 2012

Thank you... man i hope so.

kythe, LPN · Oct 10, 2012

I've learned over time that it is best to keep things like this to myself whenever possible. Don't lie about your issues if it directly comes up, but you can stick to a "don't ask don't tell" personal policy.

I've been an LPN for 5 years now, and suffer from Major Depressive Disorder. I have had psychotic episodes when under a lot of stress. But there is no one at work who knows this. I recently took a medical leave of absence and my manager found out in the course of things that I have depression, and fortunately she was very supportive. But I've been working there for 2 years before this even came up.

I remember being asked to declare medications I'm on in some of the paperwork when applying for nursing school, but many people are on anti-depressants and it isn't an automatic disqualifier. They don't need to know the severity of a diagnosis (I wouldn't even write the diagnosis if they don't ask for it), especially if your problems are controlled and it won't affect your work. I think they are mostly looking to weed out problems like drug addiction, especially since you will be working a lot with medications.

Mental illness is a grey area when it comes to disabilities protection. I have worked with other nurses who have various mental illnesses, there are no laws preventing people from working. But you do have to beware of stigmas however, which can be very real even in the health profession.

beegee85 · Oct 10, 2012

That helps a lot... thank u

sbostonRN · Oct 10, 2012

Yes, I think you can be a nurse with any sort of illness. Just be aware that nursing is a very stressful profession so make sure you take care of yourself. Continue seeing your therapist/psychologist, and discuss your concerns with him/her. Have coping mechanisms in place so when things get tough you have something to turn to. I don't have major depressive disorder but I do have anxiety (developed while in nursing school no less!) and the coping mechanisms are a big thing for me.

retiredlady · Oct 10, 2012

You need to ask yourself, if you handle stress very well. Nursing school is very stressful and being a neonatal nurse can be extremely stressful with life and death decisions of tiny babies and stressed out parents. ( I know this, because I have done it) Just something you need to think about. I don't want to discourage you, but you have to think of everything before you go through all that schooling I would suggest first being a CNA. I did this and you learn a lot and are better prepared. Or maybe volunteer in the newborn nursery and observe what goes on. Good luck to whatever you decide.