Disclosing Depression in A Nursing Job Interview

[student456]

Hi,

Do you think that if you disclosed that you suffer from depression during a nursing job interview, you wouldnt get the job?

For example, if you were applying for a psych nursing job, could you answer the question why are you interested in this field with "I've personally suffered from clnical depression and I think that I can help patients...etc?"

I love allnurses! (This is my first post but ive been coming on here for 2 years :) )

[RebeccaJeanRN]

While a person actually might be a better psych nurse because of one's own personal history & experience, clinical depression is not something I would want to disclose in a job interview. You might be interviewed by someone who appreciates your personal experience and honesty, or by someone who is turned off by it or feels some unexpressed concern. Since nobody knows the hidden biases that may exist in the minds of interviewers, I think it would be better to show empathy and compassion through other means than voluntarily disclosing one's own past struggles with clinical depression.

(I'm curious...is there a particular reason you asked this question? Did you not get a job and wonder if it was because you offered this personal information?)

[nurse4theplanet, RN]

I wouldn't do it.

It's really none of their business. Why even risk leaving yourself open for discrimination (because there is always somebody who will discriminate...)?

In psych, saying that you have dealt with depression before and because of that you feel better able to help pts can do one of two things: (1)make you more appealing because you have a clear understanding of the disease or (2) make you less appealing because you may sympathize with patient's or force your views upon them about how they should deal with it.

So...I say do not disclose.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

I don't, because it is really none of my employer's business. Kind of up there with religion, politics and family situations.

As a matter of note, sometimes working in a department, in which you have "personal" experience may work against you. There are times when it is a bit better to have some distance. I personally flash back on my own experiences when working w/someone with the same disease, and may be less empathetic at times.

[Halinja, BSN, RN]

This didn't work the last time I tried it, I hope it does this time. There is a thread with basically the same question on it, with many answers. (disclose or not disclose)

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/do-you-have-diagnosis-mental-illness-164119.html

Here goes...hope it works!

[student456]

thanks all for your replies. no im still a nursing student and was just wondering about this :)

[gradgitated]

I wouldn't volunteer any information regarding your medical history. Although some people would appreciate your honesty and not let it affect your employment, there are others who would be put off by it.

As a person who has lived with clinical depression for 11 years I am still amazed by the number of health professionals who are uninformed or misinformed about it (thank you, Tom Cruise). I know from personal experience that it is a potentially devestating but very treatable condition.

I wish you luck in your job search, and also with your depression. We have to be careful that the stresses we encounter on the job don't put us in a tailspin....knowing your limitations and the warning signs of deepening depression are very important. Take Care !

[RENAISSANCE RN]

I agree, although you are not ashamed of this dx. It leeds the interviewer to be too subjective regarding your person...

I stand by the adage a lady never tells her weight, her age, or her mental health status...

Plus depression is a treatable MEDICAL illness.... Just like diabetes.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I agree with the above, it's not a good idea.

Although many alcohol rehab places hire nurses in recovery.

[nuangel1, BSN, RN]

no don'y disclose .its your business

[mamason]

I don't think they need to know that. Unfortunatley, it could work against you. I always think it's a good idea to keep my personal life away from my employment.:wink2:

[TrudyRN]

thanks all for your replies. no im still a nursing student and was just wondering about this :)

Absolutely keep as much of your personal life private as you possibly can. Not just on interviews but at school, at work. You never know who is harmless and a true friend and who wants to use information against you and exploit you.

Get into the habit now of keeping your personal life as private as possible.