I'm a nut case and about to apply for licensure in Texas

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Ok, here's the story:

I just graduated from my ADN program here in Houston. A few days ago, I logged on to the Texas BON to register to take my jurispurdence test and NCLEX. So, I'm looking at the first page of the registration, and there are a few questions concerning felonies, misdemeanors, blah blah blah. That does not apply to me, since I've never broken the law. HOWEVER, after the "legal" section, I see a question that goes along the lines of "have you ever been Dx, hospitalized, or treated for schizophrenia, pshychotic conditions, bipolora disorders.... within the past 5 years?" Well, that's where they got me; but maybe not. 3 years ago, i went through a very depressing period of time, and it got so out of hand that I checked myself into a mental hospital here in houston. I was only there for 5 days, and was discharged. I was Dx with depression. So here's the situation. On the Tbon site, where they mentioned a few of the mental conditions, they did not specifically mention depression. So if i were to honestly answer the question, i would answr NO. Since i was Dx with depression and this was not specifically mentioned in the question. But I am afraid that if I answer no, and Tbon starts investigating and finds out that i've been in a mental hospital before, are they going to penalize me or keep me from getting my license?

Can anyone please offer any feedback into this situation? I would greatly appreciate it.

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I really don't know enough to give advice but I love your title heading :) Love to see a nutcase with a sense of humor lol I haven't been hospitalized but I am quite sure that my husband would tell you I am a nutcase as well. Really hope the BON doesn't question him :)

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Specializes in SICU, CCU, MCU, peds, physician's office.

Call the BON tomorrow and ask them. They will be able to tell you exactly what they mean by that question. I peronally would answer yes and then offer explanation. They may require documentation from a physician or psychiatrist that you are not currently a danger to yourself or others.

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

Did they mention split personality disorder ... the thing is if they are going to have to list every reason a person goes under psychiatric care they would have to include the DSM IV (soon to be V) anyway; trying to walk on the double edge sword usually results in someone getting hurt. So what if you were depressed and were treated for it. If you hide it that will only result in negative outcomes. It's interesting that some states require you to divulge that information. Where I live the BON doesn't ask that question. I don't know why I would hide it since the episode has resolved itself.

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Doesn't seem like depression is mentioned. Call the BON and ask for clarification.

Why are we - as a group - so paranoid about so many things? Do we really think the BON is delving into everyone's history? Criminal background checks I get, but medical history??

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

You do not have to notify for a diagnosis of depression.

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Nope. Tons of nursing prof struggle with the chronic disease of depression. Check out the poll under stress mgmt 101 (search all nurses depression or stress mgmt. there's a poll with over 500 responses. Even with hospitalization it is not an issue. Should u apply for disability, then want to return to work you'd need to provide the BON with documentation you are fit for work.

What I have noted while working in psych/drug alcohol rehab is the BON's can be very punative in nature in some states. Personally I wouldn't report unless specifically asked on a BON questionare. Otherwise don't volunteer information. JMHO

PS I'm a nutcase too and have always been able to function very well in my career. It has interfered recently but I'm back on track with antidepressents and limited therapy (money) A medication prescribed ha a negative rather than positive effect..who knew, an antidepressent that had the SE of makeing me really depressed..like never before! (and I'm not bipolar!)

I have peers who have shared with me their struggles with Bipolar, personality disorders and such and they are so good at what they do. Personal life and relationships with family and friends are what suffer..which is sad, I should be my very best for my family. Sorry this is becomming abt me not you.

FYI I choose to be hospitalized once in a specialty unit for PTSD/Trauma. I don't see this as reportable and I hoped it would improve all aspects of my life. (didn't really seem to do much for me):twocents:

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Ok, here's the story:

I just graduated from my ADN program here in Houston. A few days ago, I logged on to the Texas BON to register to take my jurispurdence test and NCLEX. So, I'm looking at the first page of the registration, and there are a few questions concerning felonies, misdemeanors, blah blah blah. That does not apply to me, since I've never broken the law. HOWEVER, after the "legal" section, I see a question that goes along the lines of "have you ever been Dx, hospitalized, or treated for schizophrenia, pshychotic conditions, bipolora disorders.... within the past 5 years?" Well, that's where they got me; but maybe not. 3 years ago, i went through a very depressing period of time, and it got so out of hand that I checked myself into a mental hospital here in houston. I was only there for 5 days, and was discharged. I was Dx with depression. So here's the situation. On the Tbon site, where they mentioned a few of the mental conditions, they did not specifically mention depression. So if i were to honestly answer the question, i would answr NO. Since i was Dx with depression and this was not specifically mentioned in the question. But I am afraid that if I answer no, and Tbon starts investigating and finds out that i've been in a mental hospital before, are they going to penalize me or keep me from getting my license?

Can anyone please offer any feedback into this situation? I would greatly appreciate it.

I worked in TX for 17 years. I know the question you're talking about. They did have depression on there when I lived there- and I answered yes- the only thing they asked for was a note from the doc saying I was compliant with treatment, and able to work. Then it was expunged from ever having been on my BON history. :)

I've never heard of them digging for hospital admissions (I was nervous too- because TPAPN has a mental health division- and the thought of having to mess with that was horrible)....they just want to be sure you're safe- that's all :)

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thanks for the advice. So what if i disclose the info, and they ask for a letter from the doc who treated me, but I can't get a hold of the doc? This happened over 3 years ago, and I've lost the doc's contact info. I could call the mental hospital where i went to, but the doc may not be working there any more. What would i do in that situation? Be examined by another shrink?

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

If you were not diagnosed with one of the conditions that they list, you can truthfully answer "no". So answer "no". They are not going to check the medical records of every applicant for licensure -- how could they? And even if they did, you've answered truthfully, so you should be fine.

If they asked about depression, I would advise you to answer honestly that yes, you were hospitalized for this. But I see no reason for you to feel like you have to volunteer information that they didn't even ask for.

Just my :twocents:

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

If that is the exact wording then I wouldn't mark yes. It is asking if you have been hospitalized or DX with those specific disorders. Depression isn't mentioned. Depression is not a psychotic disorder. Our renewal stuff asks the same thing.

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thanks for the advice. So what if i disclose the info, and they ask for a letter from the doc who treated me, but I can't get a hold of the doc? This happened over 3 years ago, and I've lost the doc's contact info. I could call the mental hospital where i went to, but the doc may not be working there any more. What would i do in that situation? Be examined by another shrink?

If they don't specifically ask about depression anymore, you can honestly answer no..... they probably dumped the depression diagnosis on the list because SO many nurses have been treated (even if "just" antidepressants and not inpatient).

If they would ever question you- you simply answered the question specifically as it was written- but I can't see that happening. The doc who wrote my "note" :uhoh3: was my PCP....she was the doc who knew me the best. (long story re: diagnosis and who treated- out of state, so no way to just call up and get a note). She knew my history; I wasn't on meds for depression, and it wasn't a work issue (she visited where I worked as a doc, so saw me working).

Don't stress. Even when they asked, it wasn't a big deal when I had to answer 'yes' :)

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