I think I got the job! But I have a ques...

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It's a psych nurse job on a children/adolescent unit.

The interviewer said that 'we, as MH professionals, need to be mentally healthy to do this job'. I am under treatment for depression and PTSD. I am stable and compliant, but is it deceptive or inappropriate for me to work in this field? I do not want to be unethical, but I also think it's private what I am in treatmeny for.

What do you think??

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As a mental health professional, I have to laugh at the comment that was made. I also receive treatment for depression- and half of the other nurses I work with as well! Call me crazy, but sometimes I think because of what we have been through, it makes us better nurses and enables us to be more empathetic I guess. It is inappropriate for them to even ask you about your own mental health, that is a private issue totally irrelevant to your job. Thats like saying a nurse with diabetes shouldnt be working with diabetic patients. Thats just crazy talk! =) Dont you worry bout it, and good luck!!

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

I would interpret that comment as 'taking care of yourself in order to be able to take care of other people.'

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I think you do have to be mentally healthy to work with kids with mental health issues (or any aspects of nursing for that matter!) Being on antidepressants can mean you ARE healthy, you recognized you had something going on and are getting help with it.

It takes a lot of energy to have a 14 yr old (that you thought you had good nurse/pt trust with) call you a "#@!!%6 &&$#@B **&%**$#" at the top of her lungs from down the hall! And that's minor compared to many things you will see and hear. You have to be able to leave work at work, have outside interests and sleep through the night.

If your depression is under control then this could be the job for you, if you still have issues going on with yourself, then you may want to consider a less taxing job, mentally and look at peds psych later. Only you can judge that.

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Thank you for all the input!

I like children and as a teen I was in a facility for a week for depression. Having been on that side, I hope it helps me understand these patients better.

Can anyone recommend any books on this subject on psych nursing adolescents?

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