During interview for Psych RN, would it help or hurt to bring up . . .

[On The Way]

During interview for Psych RN, would it help or hurt to bring up that as a senior in high school 30 years ago I attempted suicide and stayed in a psychiatric hospital for a few days for observation?

I’m thinking that, on the one hand, it could increase my chances of being hired as I point out that I can empathize with depressed patients and also serve as a role model of someone who made it through. (Like drug counselors who’ve succeeded in getting off of drugs are preferred by drug addicts. J )

On the other hand, bringing this up may backfire as it might just make me look unstable, or it may be irrelevant (because perhaps RNs don’t even have enough verbal interaction with clients that this would ever come up—i.e. in-depth discussions with clients is outside of RN job classification), or bringing up personal details might be a “no-no” no matter how much it might seem relevant to help someone.

The facility I’m applying for has acute, in-patient, and day programs for both adults and adolescents.

Any tips on this issue?

Also, a similar question: Would it help or hurt to bring up that I am going to continue going to school to become clinical psychologist?

Possible pros: Shows that I care about this field and want to stay in it.

Possible cons: Interviewer might be worried that school would be more important than job. Interviewer might be worried that I would step out of defined range of RN job classification. (Which at this point I'm not even exactly sure what that is.)

Any tips on this 2nd question?

Thanks all to taking the time to look at this post. I will check it throughout today and rest of week.

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

I would not say anything. Any of your medical history is none of their business and should stay that way. I can not see this helping, only hurting.

[On The Way]

Thank you, Hearts. I added a 2nd question about mentioning continuing to go to school to become clinical psychologist. What do you think about bringing that up?

[elkpark]

Do not volunteer any information about your health, esp. regarding your mental health. It's none of their business, and the situation you describe will not help you (it wouldn't necessarily hurt your chances, but it definitely won't help them).

If you want to get the job, do not volunteer that you are planning on changing fields. All that tells a nurse interviewer is that you're not seriously interested in psychiatric nursing and will not be sticking around long.

[On The Way]

Thanks Elkpark. It's going to take a long time to become clinical psychologist, so I thought being in psychiatric nursing during those many years would be a win-win situation! Plus, out of all nursing specialties, psych really is the one I'm most naturally drawn too.

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

Ok her is how I did it. And I got two jobs this way. I mentioned that I want to become a CNM some day in the future but that I am excited because now they have distance learning programs where you only have to go into SF for class ones a week and then train with CNM locally and since the program is only part time I could totally continue to work. But I want to do a little living first and just focus on work.

[On The Way]

Thanks Hearts. Very smooth! :)

[Music in My Heart]

Definitely concur with the preceding...

Your personal medical history has no place in ANY job interview.

The clinical psychologist thing... I wouldn't hire you right there... you're admitting right up front that this is just a stepping stone for you. If anything, talk about your interest in advancing your education as a psych nurse... CNS kind of thing...

[Rhone]

I agree with everyone else, you don't want to talk about the personal stuff. There's a high probability that it will hurt your chances of getting the job, and it's very unlikely to help. Also, in terms of professional boundaries, you aren't really supposed to be talking to the patients about your personal issues.

Regarding your education plans, that is something that can make you look good if you are furthering your education within your field and you make it clear that the education will not interfere with your working the hours/schedule of the job that you are applying for. It helps convey that you are motivated and a high achiever. When I interviewed for the job I just got, I let them know that I plan to go on and get my RN (I'm an LPN now) and eventually be a family or psych NP; but I also made it clear that the job would be my first priority and I would select a school that I could fit into my schedule.

In your case, though, even though you plan to stay in Psych, you don't plan to continue in nursing, so I wouldn't suggest bringing it up.

[On The Way]

Thanks Rhone and Music in My Heart. Everyone seems to agree on the personal info part. Glad I asked here first! I guess I'll also avoid the school issue as well.

I'm really disappointed that I have to keep these things to myself since I believe both would help me be a better psych nurse for the many years until I'm able to transition. Oh well.

[elkpark]

I'm really disappointed that I have to keep these things to myself since I believe both would help me be a better psych nurse for the many years until I'm able to transition. Oh well.

If that's the case, then both will help you "be a better psych nurse" regardless of whether or not you talk with others about them. It would be highly inappropriate for you to discuss any personal psych history with clients, and it could potentially hurt you to discuss it with colleagues and supervisors. And how would discussing your future professional goals help your clients or co-workers?

Best wishes.

[Music in My Heart]

I'm really disappointed that I have to keep these things to myself since I believe both would help me be a better psych nurse for the many years until I'm able to transition. Oh well.

For what little it's worth, I agree with you.