Do I have to report depression/suicidal ideation to the Texas BON?

Sour Lemon · Sep 23, 2019

55 minutes ago, wolac992 said:
I was hospitalized for depression/suicidal thoughts for ten days, I got out a few days ago. One of my supervisors said I may need to report this to the Texas BON. But on the BON website it states that schizophrenia, bipolar, antisocial, PPD, BPD and any other psychotic conditions must be disclosed. I didn't have any psychosis just Major depressive disorder. I am on zoloft, rexulti, and trazadone if it matters.

I would go by what the BON states, of course.

And fair or not, I would be horrified if my employer had this sort of information about me. I'd probably try to move on to a new position very quickly, if possible.

I hope you are feeling much better.

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Sep 24, 2019

I had someone close who is an RN have to be hospitalized for the same thing. I was helping them through the admission process and I specifically asked the PMHNP if there was a concern with the BON. The PMHNP stated it was not a problem though I did my due diligence and checked things out on the board's site. My reading was that depression is not a concern. Having said that, if your employer or management know, then watch your back. They SHOULDN'T do anything but there is certainly still a lot of stigma attached to mental health as we all well know.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2019

Hugs... I hope you’re doing better. No I wouldn’t report that to the BON — we have as much a right to privacy as anyone, and depression isn’t a danger to pets.

Agree with previous posters about your manager though. Not cool.

Nunya, BSN · Sep 26, 2019

If BONs got reports about every nurse who had depression and/or suicidal ideation they wouldn't be able to do anything else. Trust me, there are millions of nurses in your shoes. Don't worry about it, just keep on with your treatment.

kimbot72 · Jan 31, 2020

Sour Lemon,

Really sorry your going through this. When an employer has the right to know your medical history they have gone too far in my opinion. Only you and your provider know the depth of your care and what should be reported. The right thing to do is to inform the BON but I would be very cautious. I self reported in 2016 for alcohol use/abuse, (however you want you want to view that) after having sought treatment on my own. My nightmare began. There is no room for error once the BON has been informed. From my experience we are seen as what afflicts us and not as people. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

God Bless

Nunya, BSN · Jan 31, 2020

If everyone had to report depression to their BON they wouldn't be able to do much else. ?

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Feb 1, 2020

I would not report. I would not mention it to another soul at work.

NurseBlaq · Feb 1, 2020

I wouldn't report to the BON. People, including nurses, go through bouts of depression throughout life. No need to stigmatize/label yourself in the eyes of the BON unnecessarily.

My daughter suffers from major depression but refuses to take medication and I've been watching her decline for some time now. Unfortunately, she has deemed me the mood police because I wanted to have her receive inpatient help. She really needs it but I can't force her because she's now legally an adult. I'm really afraid of getting "that call" since she decided to move out, out of nowhere. I don't know how to convince her otherwise and her faux friends are in her ear giving her bad advice. Of course, they don't know her history but I do and I'm afraid.

But enough of my family drama. I'm glad you sought help and wish you the best on your journey to finding mental peace.

Dances with wool · Feb 8, 2020

Glad you are okay. I’ve been there. To have my care covered I was hospitalized where I worked and so almost everyone knew. At first I was horrified but everyone was so supportive of me. We lost one of our nurses to suicide and it was terrible. She was no call no show for two days and lived alone so they did a welfare check and found her. She had just lost her mother.