Not sure....

[notsuremaybe]

I've recently been considering a profession in nursing. Question number one I was diagnosed with ptsd a few years ago and I do take some medications mainly an anti depressant, a medication for anxiety this is an as needed medication, and a sleep medication. My question is, is there any reason my diagnosis or medications would shut me out of the nursing field in general? Is it possible that I may just need to avoid emergency room type of positions? Question number two, to be perfectly honest I'm drawn to either psychiatric nursing, or possibly a LMHC, or LCSW I would say mainly because I'm interested in helping veterans and being involved in the therapy process so do psychiatric nps often get involved in this side of the house? And my third and last, I'm terrified of needles. I can never look when someone is sticking me and my hands often shake around needles. Is this something that can be overcome?

Thanks in advance.

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

Hello,

1) Generally speaking, depression and anxiety do not disqualify you or preclude you from becoming a nurse.

2) As far as your PTSD diagnosis... it depends on the intensity of the effect of the trauma you suffered and how you are coping with it. Your doctor would be best prepared to give you advice on whether you are ready to help others in the psychiatric/mental health field.

3) In Psychiatric nursing you would work with people who have mental health challenges like: anxiety, chronic or acute depression (with or without suicidal ideations), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia (with hallucinations and/or delusions), anti socials, personality dissociative disorder, etc.

4) LMHC and LCSW are not nursing roles, but they also work with patients who have mental health and/or social problems.

5) As far as needles go, you will need to use them as a nurse, but not as an LMHC nor LCSW. Could you overcome the fear? I think so.

My greatest concern for you is your PTSD diagnosis. You need to be aware of what your triggers are and avoid the jobs/positions that would expose you to those triggers. Otherwise, you would be doing a disservice to your patients if your performance becomes impaired while you are working.

Do more research. Wishing you the best outcomes on whichever path you choose to follow!