I'm bipolar, can I be a psychiatric nurse?

Elladora · Dec 20, 2015

My advice would be not just to not "overshare," but to not "share" at all.

Probably the best way of putting it.

bella_, LVN · Dec 31, 2015

I have bipolar disorder and I would really like to work in psych. I was planning on starting a thread to get input on whether this would be a good idea, but found this one instead. The comments here have been very helpful.

Since I will soon be a new LVN (will be taking the NCLEX in a couple of weeks and hopefully will pass!), I thought my best bet would be working inpatient adult. I am also in my 50's, and have questions regarding if I have what it takes to work the hospital setting. I do eventually want to get my BSN and masters in Psychiatric Nurse Practioner, so im not sure that I should start with inpatient. Any comments would be appreciated.

silentdivide · Jan 7, 2016

Of course you can! I know a couple of colleagues with bipolar who are psych nurses with me. They are also good friends of mine, too.

It's just like any other illness or challenge in your life--just be conscientious and proactive not to let it affect your ability to do the job and keep your patients well and safe and no problem! :)

nickfitz1969 · Jan 13, 2016

You are not your diagnosis. Adherence to your treatment is in your hands in conjunction with your prescriber and your loved ones (it's a partnership!). It's not all about the medication, which as you know can cause significant iatrogenisis and metabolic syndromes. It is about having a balance in your life where you are able to keep you stress and distress to a minimum, have a healthy lifestyle and take the minimum amount of medication required to manage your symptoms. If you can get all of these things in balance, as well as having good relationships with those around you who can support and guide you and you can trust, then mental health could be the career for you! Good Luck!! Nick.

newpsychnurse · May 17, 2016

People with a lived experience of mental illness make the best psychiatric nurses :)

elkpark · May 17, 2016

People with a lived experience of mental illness make the best psychiatric nurses :)

Says who?? I've known plenty of nurses "with a lived experience of mental illness" who made terrible psychiatric nurses. Beware the sweeping generalization ...