I am interested in being a psychiatric nurse, but im mentally ill.

[rapidash425]

I have a mental illness and my nurse that has known me for the past 3 years would want me to recover and go into a field that would interest me. I have gotten different responses from different case managers at my clinical site. They told me that I can go for whatever I want. I was told by the head of the nursing department, that if I have a problem like that, not to go into the nursing program. I really wish I can be the good guy going into this field. I saw "girl, interrupted" and would really like to help people like myself and give them support just like my nurse has done for me. She is very compassionate and very trust worthy. I was told by a person on a chat line that I would have to decide what I would do in my life and not listen to people who were not in my shoes. I would have to have my own judgment on whether I would go into the nursing program or not. I have all of the prerequisites to apply. All I need to do is get my fingerprint clearance card, take the HESI A2, and take one last class to get put on the waiting list, Human Anatomy and Physiology 2. I just don't know what I should do. (I have thought about other careers, like pharmacy technician, phlebotomy technician, medical lab technician, and medical assistant.) I just need help on someone who can give me better advice. Thank you.

[2011NursingStudent]

I don't think employers look at your medical history before hiring you (unless you sign some kind of consent for them to do so). If you've received treatment and you feel like you're fine, that's not something you'd have to discuss and its not like you'd put it on your resume. Just keep personal issues under wraps, not like your personal issues have any reason to be discussed in the workplace anyway.

[staceym]

I say do it as long as you are stable and I mean that with all the respect in the world. It would be great for those you work for bc you've been in their shoes and you can relate. I feel like when I'm going through something tough, it's always comforting to know I can get through it when others have and believe in me. Just my thoughts.