Mental Health Issues and Nursing

[chunkiesundae]

Hey all! I have never been hospitalized, or anything near it, but I have been on some medication for depression and anxiety throughout my lifetime. I am wondering if this effects my ability to become certified as a registered nurse. That would be devastating. Does anybody know about this?

Thanks a billion,

Lindsay

[butterfly journey]

Nope, not a problem. The only thing you might have to disclose to the Board of Nursing of your state is if you are on any psychotropic drugs. Most drugs for depression and anxiety don't fall in that category.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

My BONs have never asked if I'm on any meds. I always disclose the AD and benzo for drug testing and it's just fine.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hey all! I have never been hospitalized, or anything near it, but I have been on some medication for depression and anxiety throughout my lifetime. I am wondering if this effects my ability to become certified as a registered nurse. That would be devastating. Does anybody know about this?

Thanks a billion,

Lindsay

You're not the first nurse (or nurse-to-be) to be treated for psychiatric issues and you won't be the last :)

You shouldn't have a problem getting licensed as a nurse. However, some state BONs may require disclosure of certain psych disorders and/or classes of medications, so check with your BON. This usually does not include conditions such as depression or anxiety, or most of the common psych meds such as Prozac, Xanax, etc.. They're looking for the severe stuff, such as schizophrenia. However, if you have any questions, you can always drop them an anonymous e-mail and ask.

[gardentulip27]

Not a problem. However many employers applications ask if there is any mental or physical reason you can not execute your duties.

[elkpark]

Heck, if being on antidepressant or anxiolytic medication was a barrier to licensure, there really would be a nursing shortage ...