former/potential nursing student with schizophrenia

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Hello everyone. I need some advice. I have a bachelor of science degree already. I was enrolled in the associate degree nursing program at the local community college, but I have schizophrenia and got sick from all the stress during the first semester so I didn't finish the program. I was in and out of the hospital for a year after that trying to get meds straight. I really want to be a nurse but don't know if I can do it or not. I need some advice on trying to go back to nursing school or not. All advice appreciated.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I don't know any nurses with a dx of schizophrenia. But I do believe that persons with mental illness can succeed in nursing! I'm one of them!

I know many nurses who have mental illness.

May I ask what types of symptoms you have / had related to schizophrenia? Schizophrenia has many forms.

I do have a relative who is graduating PA school who had this dx.

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Well I sometimes have auditory and visual hallucinations and I can get very paranoid and start believing people are out to get me unless I am on meds and watch stress level.

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Thanks for what you said about success.

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Nursing is a high stress job. My suggestion to you would be to invest in a CNA class and try working as one for about a year. This should give you a better idea if you'll be able to handle the stress of the medical world. Best of luck to you!

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I should have mentioned that in my initial post I'll edit it. I do already have my CNA I. I worked at a group home for a year and half before starting nursing school.

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Specializes in critical care.
Hello everyone. I need some advice. I have a bachelor of science degree already. I was enrolled in the associate degree nursing program at the local community college, but I have schizophrenia and got sick from all the stress during the first semester so I didn't finish the program. I was in and out of the hospital for a year after that trying to get meds straight. I really want to be a nurse but don't know if I can do it or not. I need some advice on trying to go back to nursing school or not. All advice appreciated.

I believe the best person to turn to for advice would be a PMHNP. Bonus points if they worked an an RN first. An NP would have knowledge of the stresses of school and work, and a psych NP would understand schizophrenia well enough to give you a valid response.

Good luck! I hope you find answers!

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That is a good idea thank you.

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That is a good idea thank you.

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Specializes in General Surgery.
I should have mentioned that in my initial post I'll edit it. I do already have my CNA I. I worked at a group home for a year and half before starting nursing school.

You need to be a CNA in the acute care setting.

Nursing is high stress.

Good luck.

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