nurses under the care of a psychiatrist

Nurses General Nursing

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Can a nurse get treatment from a psychiatrist if they have general anxiety disorder or depression without losing their license? Just wondering.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

absolutely yes

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ok thank you. My mom was killed in a car accident two years ago and I really would like to talk to someone about it because I really didn't have time to deal with her death because I had just started nursing school. Now school is over and it just hit me like a freight train. I need to talk about it so I can grieve. Also, anxiety is not fun. Usually hits me at night when I am trying to sleep, I guess I have time to think. Anyways, I miss her terribly and I think I am just experiencing a normal reaction to a traumatic loss.:crying2:

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

Probably the best bet for you would be to contact a mental health center and get an appointment to talk to a therapist (usually a social worker). Most psychiatrists don't do counseling or therapy. They're tied up prescribing most of the time.

Good luck and peace be with you! My heart is with you. I think it's admirable to seek help, no matter what type.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
ok thank you. My mom was killed in a car accident two years ago and I really would like to talk to someone about it because I really didn't have time to deal with her death because I had just started nursing school. Now school is over and it just hit me like a freight train. I need to talk about it so I can grieve. Also, anxiety is not fun. Usually hits me at night when I am trying to sleep, I guess I have time to think. Anyways, I miss her terribly and I think I am just experiencing a normal reaction to a traumatic loss.:crying2:

I'm sorry to hear about your mother. Of course you can seek treatment confidentially and not lose your license. In fact, I am sure that the BON would rather that you admit you need help and obtain it rather than hold it in and allow it to become determental to your practice. In fact, what if you run into a patient who had a similar injury or someone who looks an awful lot like your mother and suddenly, you break down? Nursing school can be a big distractor, and now that it is over, you are probably wishing that your mother was alive to see your accomplishment, which can make the grieving process last a bit longer if not treated. How long ago did your mother die? I wish you the best.:redbeathe:heartbeat

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

pagandeva is right--sometimes someone seems like a loved one and we have troubles dealing with old memories...in the psych biz we call that a "personal interface issue." It's good for you personally AND professionally to seek help coping with your terrible loss!

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Oncology, Psych.

I'm very sorry for your loss. You can and definitely should get some help with the grieving/anxiety process now that you feel ready. If you are working right now, check with human resources to see if your facility has an EAP, aka employee assistance program. These are third-party programs, which are independent from the hospital/office/wherever you work, that workplaces hire to help their employees with issues such as mental health, legal problems, etc. Often times there is a toll-free 24-hour hotline you can call with any number of concerns. It's confidential and there are some great resources out there. Sometimes EAPs will even help you set up counseling/therapy/whatever you decide and even cover some of the cost of an appointment or two. Reach out and see what's available to you. Best of luck.

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I'm so sorry for your loss, sweetie. Of course you can and should get the help you need. Many nurses are in therapy. You will be far from the first. I would find someone who specializes in grief counseling. And try to remember that your mother wants you to be happy and healthy. She loves you dearly. Hugs.

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

I have major depression with cyclothymia. I see a psychiatrist for medication monitoring ever three months. My manager knows that I have depression and that I am being treated for it. I have never had anything happen to me in regard to a patient care/ safety issue and I have never had an admission to a psychiatric facility. The board cannot pull your license just because you have a psychiatric disorder unless you practice unsafe nursing.

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I am sorry for your loss. Get the help you need so you can help others. Dont put off grieving, you need to do it. It's a process as I am sure you know. Good luck and God Bless

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I agree with Stellina...most big employers have EAP people who can help you confidentially and with a lower financial bite....

and lots of insurance will pay for sessions of counseling/therapy....

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I'm with Whispera! Try and find a LCSW (licensed counselor social worker) for some counseling. You are much, much less likely to end up on meds as they don't prescribe whereas psychiatrists RX meds for a living. Check with your medical insurance company to see who is contracted or pay for it yourself. Ask friends or your MD if they can suggest someone. But get some help..you will feel so much better for it!

There is a time in everyone's life that they can benefit from a little counseling...and losing your mom is one of them!

You think there is a nursing shortage now? If the BON eliminated all the nurses who are seeing a counselor,on anti-depressants, anti-anxiety meds or psychotropics over 3/4 of the hospitals in the US would shut down! LOL!

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