NCLEX application. Bipolar ?

[cardiac~lover]

Hi everyone. Next Thursday is my pinning ceremony!!!! I've finally done it. I've graduated from a practical nursing program. Herein lies the problem. I printed off the NCLEX-PN application to send to boards and one of the questions is to check yes or no if you have been diagnosed with a mental illness, ie, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and various others. I need to check yes. I live in Ohio. Has anyone ever had to check yes? Or did you check no....knowing you shouldn't have? Will my doctor have to sign something.... will I get denied after all I've done? HELP!!!!!! By the way I have been under the care of a doctor and on controlled medication for some time now and my doc has always known I've been in nursing school and would give me his seal of approval as far as safe practice goes.... Am I the only nurse/nurse-to-be out there that has ever had issues?

[Atheos]

How would they find out if you lied? And where are you getting the information regarding for what they are or are not using the information?

They 'could' find out. Not from any records.

I didn't make a claim of what they use the info for. I am saying that as long as they are not using as a way to screen people out ( the ADA would apply here) then they can ask for and require the information.

They made a website for HIPAA for this very reason. No one actually READS the law. Read your laws. It's the duty of a citizen to know their own laws.

[cardiac~lover]

Okay. Stanley and Paul W. obviously don't agree on this issue. However I'm actually more confused now than when I was before posting. Between ADA, HIPPA, and BON references. So.... if I admit I have a diagnosis, provide a medication list and physicians letter handy if they happen to ask, everything should be okay right? The only thing I'm concerned with right now is that this will delay my testing eligibility. I've also heard more than several nurses here in Ohio say they did not disclose this information and have never had any repercussions of that decision. Still undecided and confused....

[Atheos]

Actually you have me confused. Where did you print off the registration form??? I've been ALL over the Ohio BON site and the Pearson View site AND went through all registration forms and I can't find any Mental Health questions...

????

[cardiac~lover]

Ohio BON home site. Left hand side links- FORMS. Halfway down the page- NURSE LICENSURE BY EXAM/ENDORSEMENT. Then EXAMINATION APPLICATION. It's question number 7.

[Atheos]

AHA!!!!

It's not the NCLEX asking for mental health information. I was confused. You have to register for the NCLEX IN ADDITION to filling out your form.

The form you are filling out is for the BON. It's the BON asking about your Mental Health history.

I'd advise answering truthfully.

THIS IS DIRECTLY FROM THE APPLICATION

CAUTION: False, and/or misleading information provided by an applicant may result in the denial/permanent denial of a nursing license.

You want to risk your license???

[PaulW]

Okay. Stanley and Paul W. obviously don't agree on this issue. However I'm actually more confused now than when I was before posting. Between ADA, HIPPA, and BON references. So.... if I admit I have a diagnosis, provide a medication list and physicians letter handy if they happen to ask, everything should be okay right? The only thing I'm concerned with right now is that this will delay my testing eligibility. I've also heard more than several nurses here in Ohio say they did not disclose this information and have never had any repercussions of that decision. Still undecided and confused....

I would contact the Ohio BON tomorrow morning and ask them the question you have presented here. I stand by my conclusion that if you check "NO" there is no LEGAL way the BON can find out your diagnosis.

As Stanley says, "They 'could' find out. Not from any records." I guess they could, find out who your physician is, bribe the receptionist or break in after hours. Seems like a long way to go to find out if you're lying or not. Maybe they'll call Jack Bauer. :)

[cardiac~lover]

Sorry, didn't mean to confuse everyone by interchanging the BON and the NCLEX people. I see how it changes the views because NCLEX doesn't 'need' to know. But don't lie to BON. Is this correct?

[Atheos]

As Stanley says, "They 'could' find out. Not from any records." I guess they could, find out who your physician is, bribe the receptionist or break in after hours. Seems like a long way to go to find out if you're lying or not. Maybe they'll call Jack Bauer. :)

Obviously you aren't bipolar.

I am...

Imagine waking up one day manic... You do know what mania is right?

You do something horrendously wrong. Instead of getting the benefit of the doubt or given a chance to keep your license you LOSE it because you lied. They found out...

Nice advice to give a new grad...

[PaulW]

Sorry, didn't mean to confuse everyone by interchanging the BON and the NCLEX people. I see how it changes the views because NCLEX doesn't 'need' to know. But don't lie to BON. Is this correct?

I would contact the BON and ask why they need this information. In answer to your question regarding disclosing your diagnosis, I would not recommend lying.

[cardiac~lover]

:argue: Seriously guys.

[PaulW]

Obviously you aren't bipolar.

I am...

Imagine waking up one day manic... You do know what mania is right?

You do something horrendously wrong. Instead of getting the benefit of the doubt or given a chance to keep your license you LOSE it because you lied. They found out...

Nice advice to give a new grad...

Ok, whatever you say, dude. You're right and I'm wrong, end of discussion.

[LHH1996]

They ask that because if something would ever happen down the road with regard to mental health, they want to be sure you are safe to care for patients. i know someone who had a history major depression and suicidal thoughts. It was reported to the ohio BON by her abusive boyfriend when he was mad that she tried to end the relationship. The board of nursing sent her a letter and required an interview to be sure she was stable. she also had to have her psychiatrist submit a letter saying she was able to work. Now this is an extreme case i believe but it does make sense why they ask that just from what i know from my friend. i don't think they will say anything just because you mark that you have depression or bipolar. Again, i think it only becomes an issue if you can't perfom your duties.

Congrats on becoming a nurse.