Is it possible for a Bipolar person to become a psych nurse?

[magaroon]

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed as bipolar, on the depressive side, about 3 years ago. I've been hospitalized several times in the past, the last time being about 1 year ago. (which is a HUGE step in the right direction for me) I was, for awhile, considered what is referred to as a "frequent flier". I've been on just about every psych med out there, but I am med-resistant. I am currently taking Lamictal, but I just started it. I was on Lamictal in the past, but I don't know if it worked, because I had been grossly over-medicated, with anywhere between 6 to 8 different psych meds at one time, so I have no idea if it was working, because of all the meds I was on. So we are trying Lamictal again, alone, to try to keep my moods in check. I have come so far since I was initially dx'd. It has been a very hard road for me, but I feel I have come such a long way. I think what has helped me the most was out-patient therapy for 3 straight years. The meds weren't of much help, although I feel I do need to be on a mood stablizer, if I can get one to work for me.

Toward the end of my therapy, I decided to enroll in our local community college, which has also helped me to focus on what I want to do with my life. I have always wanted to be a nurse, ever since I was 9 years old. I am finishing up my pre-reqs, and trying to get into the LPN program. (this has also been a HUGE step for me).

What I would like to know is, are there any Bipolar psych nurses out there? I have my life in the most control now, than I ever had. I feel I might have a lot to offer psych patients, since I've been there, and done that.

I would like any input, either for or against a bipolar person becoming a psych nurse. What do you guys think? I am much more stable now, with just the occasional brief depressive episode. I also think that becoming a nurse, would really give me a "purpose" in life, which in turn, would help my depression greatly. Over the past year, I have made so many improvements in myself, thanks mostly to my wonderful therapist (whom I am no longer seeing, because he was dx'd with ALS, and had to retire). But I also feel I was ready to end my therapy at the time of his retirement.

Is it a bad idea to try to get into psych nursing, while having a mental disorder, which is basically under control?

My psychiatrist says that there should be nothing to stop me from trying to become a psych nurse, but advised me not to work in the hospitals I have been a patient in. He also said that I don't have to tell anyone (potential employers) of my illness, if I don't want to.

Please, any thoughts on this matter, whether you agree with it or disagree. I need to hear all kinds of different feedback, so I can decide if I should persue this.

Thank you for reading my long post, and I greatly appreciate ANY input.

magaroon

[Louie18]

I DO NOT NEED OTHERS TO MAKE FUN.

EVERY WORD WRITTEN IS TRUE.

LIFE FOR ME BEGINS WHEN I AWAKE AND HAVE 300 TV'S ON IN MY MIND, ALL ON DIFFERENT CHANNELS AND LOUD.

[iliel]

Louie, that's why I asked. It just seems like you're making light of the situation, that's all. Don't take offense.

[Louie18]

Well as far as making light of the situation I WAS INDEED!

15% of the population are Bipolar, (a new phrase with many more cubby holes i thought for insurance purposes) The bipolarism is either hyper or hypo, During the hypo I could never work unless it was a high stress position, ER, Industrial.

The ADDHA is the clincher. (possibly why I worked 45 different areas.) Fortunately with age one just flat out gets tired of worrying about Seretonin/Dopamine levels. As long as I am not depressed i am one happy camper. When I am hyper I can feel it and there were times I requested to leave without rejection.

I do know when I was on the floor as an RN I was ON TOP of any situation.

The problem with our psych. rotation is self analysis, forget about it. "I'm OK, You're OK"

I'll post a few of the things I have written about incidents over time.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Sometimes humor is one person's way of accepting and/or embracing their condition.

Friend of mine that is dyslexic drives around with the bumper sticker that says "Dyslexics of the world: UNTIE!!!!!" (yes that's how that's spelled).

[Louie18]

I have learned that ANY condition away from perfect balance has innate compensitory mechanisms.

However, as my wife says, "I see the tinfoil and you're outta here DuLac."

Too many years working the 'bin' makes for a thick broth and a diminished shock system.

Whatever the case in psych I feel promoting psychological comfort the primary goal before care can begin.

[mimslaru]

Hi magaroon.

You should be free to work in whatever specialty you choose.

You may benefit from working as a psych nurse in a freestanding psych facility. The facilities that I specifically have in mind do employ their former patients if that person is qualified for the position. This may be a supportive environment as the focus is mental health exclusively with the ideas of individual patient and employee respect, consideration, and empowerment.

Congratulations for actively pursuing your goals and dreams and the best of luck to you as you make those a reality!

[Louie18]

I found myself getting easily bored and as soon as I would figure out what was going on and modified it wherever necessary I was out the door to my next one.

The major brain jobs NICU, CCU, BURN, or any requiring a 'fine tuned' mind were out of my league.

Louie

[catz]

im pleased to see all u people being encouraging and positive and that there are psych nurses out there who are bipolar. seems in the usa criteria for exceptance are less strict than here in the uk.

i have had nearly 18months off work sick due to stress and depression. i dont want to go back to the same job i had as a paediatric nurse because my manager was a bully and i have had no support from the hospital i worked for. they are now dismissing me due to my ill health.

i thought i would consider doing my psych training as i have got the been there done that tee shirt and while i was ip found that the nurses who had were by far better psych nurses.

the problem.........in order to be accepted onto a training program having suffered from stress and depression i must be a minimum of 2 years sympton and treatment free. that means no anti-ds no therapy, no counselling etc. AND i have to have proved that i can cope with a full time job for that two years.

dang there go my plans for at least 3 years then. oh and get a dx and u will never get a job as a nurse in the uk (or very unlikely)

y? becos 1 nurse more than 10 years ago had a psychiatric illness and killed or injured a number of children (beverly allitt). the 2 year n no psychiatric illness criteia came from the recomendations made after the inquiry into her gros misconduct. as a result every person with a psych illness is looked upon as another possible allitt, especially if u show signs of eating disorders or self harm or have had su attempts.

sorry bit of a rant but it makes me mad

[ScarlettRN]

I just got diagnosed bipolar last week. I spent all week seeking validation of the dx from people who have known me for many years. Obviously I am at the beginning of a long journey, and it has been good for me to read this thread.

I think that working in psych and having a dx is perfectly natural, actually and wish you the best of luck.

[laurenkst]

Yes it is possible for a nurse with a mental illness to become a nurse. You do need to be under treatment and compliant with your program. Why shouldn't you. Who could understand the

psych patient better? You could probably straighten out a few things we need to change--a few thousand that is--Lauren

[aussieshane]

i say this with all sincerity. First rule, dont tell any of your colleagues/ bosses about your illness. like any work place gossip is rampant, and nurses attack in packs particularly if your starting to fall ill and theyre noticing this BEFORE you do....psych nurses are very switched on people and miss very little with respect to there patients behaviour aswell as their colleagues...keep taking your medications .......and never forget how nasty SOME nurses can be.

dont tell the pt's that your a bipolar (with the aim of establishing some credibilty in their eyes) either.

Ive worked with a few mates who were and they all loved being in the manic phase and didnt want to change despite their friends saying to them 'hey your talking a million miles an hour, why are you sleeping with a gazzillion people.........i think the rule of the day is remember the above

good luck

shane

[Mike RGN]

Go for it

I am a mental health nurse and some of my colleagues also suffer from mental illness, primarily disorders of affect. I find that the majority make excellent nurses due to their ability to empathise with patients.

May I just add that I am a psyche nurse, I'm just using my husbands site - don't get upset but - he is one of them!

Julie, RMN.:kiss