Nurse who has an eating disorder

Davey Do · Jan 21, 2016

By all means, Em31200! Patients with mental illness and/or substance abuse problems have to struggle with their affliction on a daily basis!

Empathy in these areas is not always a common feeling amongst the populous and to be on the same level with Patients could be an advantage; to have the education and experience in helping these Patients attain an optimal level of functioning.

I say, "Go for it!"

The best to you, Em31200!

Safety Coach RN · Jan 21, 2016

Hi everyone, I'm a nursing student looking to go into psychiatric nursing. I have a history of an eating disorder and it's still something that I struggle with daily. Is it crazy for me to think that I can be a good nurse working with people who have mental illnesses if I myself am dealing with my own problems?

Well, I'm a recovering alcoholic/addict and I think it helps to be able to have that empathy and I can certainly relate to just about all the common acute psych issues.

The key is to be able to help our patients without becoming co-dependent on them as that's a common theme with addictions in general.

wayemika · Jan 22, 2016

you can do it but just keep in mind patients can normally key in on someone who has the same issues they do and will try and manipulate you sometimes, even more so if they are boarderline. I use to have Anorexia and self harm and anyone who comes through my psych unit tends to notice. as long as your aware of your issues and deal with them I think you will be fine

zephyr9 · Jan 26, 2016

I'm glad you asked this, I have asked myself this question too. I imagine myself in a psychiatric setting. I have empathy and understanding for days and have thought about how I will keep this in its proper place to avoid the pitfall that SafetyCoach mentioned. Boundaries, protocol, teamwork. I know that my having common life experiences with some patients doesn't take the place of studying the literature, standards and therapeutic techniques and learning how to safely communicate with patients, navigate the role and manage the delivery of care.

nonnocere808 · Jan 27, 2016

Having experienced mental illness yourself, you will surely be able to empathize and communicate with clarity in the field of psychiatric nursing. I would definitely say go for it. Just remember that you have to recognize your limitations when dealing with patients.

wingding · Jan 28, 2016

Em31200 ---- Everyone has something. Doesn't matter who you are, how much money you have, don't have, where you work or are jobless, homeless. Rich or poor, boss or worker bee --- Everyone has something. And those that tell you they don't --- are lying to themselves because right now they can't deal with what it is they have..... So - you have an eating disorder.... If you feel Psych is for you, I see no reason why having a problem should stop you. Psych opens eyes, I have found it has given me respect for my own problems as well as everyone else's. Good luck to you.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 29, 2016

Not crazy at all! Just make sure you have a good handle on your own disorder (that doesn't necessarily mean full remission) before you attempt psych. You'll likely come across other ED patients and you need to be able to handle that, especially if how they handle their ED differs from how you handle yours, or worse, they don't want recovery from their ED at all.

I wouldn't recommend disclosing your own ED to patients either...ED patients frequently have Axis II disorders/traits as well as ED, and you may find your disclosure thrown back in your face or used against you.

Best of luck!

SororAKS, ADN, RN · Feb 4, 2016

Go for it, but don't disclose your own issues with clients (and be very selective about disclosing to staff, management, or anyone at work).

Good luck!

MMC.RN · Feb 29, 2016

No, I don't think it's crazy at all! I recently suffered a relapse of my own eating disorder so I am with you on that and I too struggle everyday. I work in psych and I think it's allowed me to have some empathy for patients and be able to be a better nurse because in a way I can understand what they are going through.