Disclosure of Depression to Nursing School

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After toiling away for 2 years at prereq's I finally received the letter..."Congratulations! I am please to offer you admission...". However, my elation was short lived after reading over their information packet which includes a health assessment form.

The form is fairly standard; check if you have ever experienced: Mental/nervous condition.

This has been a concern of mine since I began contemplating becoming a nurse back in 2004; see thread: https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/depression-military-discharge-career-nursing-81986.html

So here's the problem that I have, or possibly have created in my head :uhoh3:, do I tell them? Since my school is being paid for by the Dept of Veterans Affairs as a result of my disability, not listing it would appear suspicious. And of course the omnipresent statement "Falsification of any information in the questionnaire will result in dismissal." nags at my sense of integrity.

Over the years this site has been a great source of inspiration and support. Please share any experiences or suggestions that you may have. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Developmental Disabilities, LTC.

My gut's telling me not to disclose it...my brain's telling me it wouldn't make any difference if you did.

You know...how is it any of a school's business whether or not you've ever suffered from anxiety or mental illness. Especially with all the classroom lectures you're about to get rammed down your throat about HIPAA and disclosing medical information...

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If theres a likelihood that the school will find out- I would disclose it. However, I would write that its being treated..., meds... Ive read of people being dismissed due to mental illness. After VT, I think schools may be hesitant to accept students with mental illness.

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Specializes in SICU.

I don't see how your depression is anyone's business, truly.

How about if you accidentally leave it blank?

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

Under the ADA, they can't discriminate based only on a diagnosis.

Either leave it blank, or disclose it. But don't check off NO.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I would definitely be truthful if asked. If not asked, no need to disclose. However, since you do have an honorable discharge (coded medical) it might be found out - I would not lie!

BTW nuc school is TOUGH - congrats on your service. From a former JO3.

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Family Practice.

Well for one I really don't think it's any of their business. If your competent enough to finish your pre-reqs and get excepted into the program, what's the relevance. And also if you read alot of these threads you'll find most of us do suffer from mental/anxiety disorders, me included. I would wonder if they mean repeated hospitalizations, or just medications. Everytime that question has come up, I put "No", because it doesn't interfere with my work performance. If on the other hand I had major issues that would possibly effect my judgement and work performance, I would let them know. If it is something they would never know unless you told them, I would say "No". Good Luck in whatever you choose and congratulations on being excepted to the program.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

I believe telling the truth would be best. If need be a call or an interview with the admissions officer may allay your fear. I wouldn't lie.

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I disclose it and my Lexapro to anyone who askes. Including complete strangers, like youse guys.

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Like I said, the VA is paying for my training under disability benefits; had it not been for that I'd forget that block and not give it a second thought.

And that was a good point about VT. It's a shame that anyone with a mental disorder applying to a school would be lumped into the category of potential school shooter.

This whole thing really make my stomach turn; for the past two years my depressive symptoms have been mild at worst. However, this situation really get my anxiety levels up there.

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I haven't been dx'd with depression, yet like most people in the world I'm sure I've got it, but I have had a major medical issue that I thought would put me out to pasture for getting into nursing school. Although I don't have any neurological nor physical handicaps it was possible that if someone saw my dx they would think that I was just waiting to die. Forget it!! I'm not!

*Anyways* (I do have a point!)

When I applied to nursing school the papers for our physical didn't have anything like that, but there was a six page paper for the doctor to go through. (i.e. lift 25 pounds, fine motor skills etc.) My doctor who I had been dealing with for 6+ years was very serious about the whole list of things and he tested me on *everything*, but he did sign off on the paper saying that I was capable of doing nursing tasks. (Thank goodness!) If the paper specifically says have you or are you dx'd with depression then I would be truthful, yet if possible I would make a point to talk with whom ever will be reading your application and if need be talk with you doctor about signing off that you are competent if it goes that far.

Yet, most people realize that depression is pretty common these days. Good luck!!

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Specializes in Developmental Disabilities, LTC.
This whole thing really make my stomach turn; for the past two years my depressive symptoms have been mild at worst. However, this situation really get my anxiety levels up there.

Aw, now I feel bad! I would call the call the school if you're that worried about it.

I had to disclose my DUI before classes started - I called and asked someone why they needed this information - she was very helpful, reassuring and pleasant - said my record was no big deal (at least, as far as school went:lol2:).

I had a teacher tell me every day that she was going to fail me in the clinical I was taking with her - I called somebody in the department and asked what would happen if I failed the class (would I be dropped from the program, when would I be able to take the clinical again). Once again, totally calmed me down. Told me to stick with it, try and pass (which I did) and we'd worry about failing when the time came.

One of the girls in my program was diagnosed bi-polar. And an anxiety disorder. Had a panic attack at clinical once. And that's the just the one student I knew about - depression is such a common disorder - I'd bet dollars to doughnuts at least one person in my program was being treated for it.

I'd recommend calling your school. You'll feel better. :icon_hug:

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