nurses with bipolar?

Five&Two Will Do · Apr 6, 2011

isit possible to still be a nurse whilst having bipolar?
im thinking of becoming a nurse but im not too sure if i have to disclose that i have bipolar.

I know that when I filled out my application for my license the state asks whether or not there are any conditions that might interfere with my ability to provide care. I do not think it mentions psychiatric disorders specifically. The tough part is that you don't fill out that application until you are done with school. If your problem is well managed and this can be documented by a therapist or physician, you would probably be alright. However I do not work for the BON so i can't say for sure. Good luck

pedsrnjc · Apr 6, 2011

I know a nurse with bipolar and she is a nurse I would want caring for me and mine. She is compliant with her treatment. I also know nurses with depression, anxiety and panic attacks.

I think you need to take an honest look at your illness and decide if it would affect patient care. If it would affect care, don't become a nurse, if it wouldn't affect care (you are compliant with your treatments, have insight into when you might expierence symptoms, take your medications religiously) become a nurse. Don't make your decision based solely on a diagnosis, perhaps ask your care provider what they think, they will probably be able to give you some insight.

Good luck:)

GHGoonette, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2011

Bipolar is a manageable condition; most of us have some or other hangup or condition that we have to learn to live with anyway, and I can't see that yours will impair your ability to become a good nurse. There are numerous threads on AN about bipolar in particular; all you have to do is run a search.

Here's a thread from Central which you may find interesting:

http://allnurses-central.com/general-off-topic/az-shootings-psychiatric-526571-post4733039.html#post4733039

Isabelle49 · Apr 6, 2011

Sure you can be a nurse with BPD. As long as you are taking care of your self, seeing your doc and taking meds as prescribed, you'll do great. I don't see it any different from a person who has depression and takes medication - I do, I'm a nurse, and no, I have no disorder that prevents safe practice.

VioletKaliLPN, LPN · Apr 6, 2011

I am a student with this condition. It is all spelled out in my forms, and everyone knows. It seems a little embarrassing at first, because it is not something we go around and advertise to everyone, it's a private issues that we are careful with whom we share it with.

It's a manageable condition, just like high blood pressure, and management can help you lead a normal life :) Which includes becoming a nurse.