Nurses with depression

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2006

Here in Florida if you've been reported to the BON for an illness that affects your performance of a job, then it affects your license.

If you have to take a leave of absence because of depression and are under the care of a physician, or therapist, the BON need not be involved. The same as if you were going out on leave for any other medical illness.

Do you have an employee assistance program? I wasn't a nurse at the time, but during the 80's, I took 8 weeks off for similar problems and my employer wasn't told why I was out, it was between me and the EAP.

Best to take the time you need before it affects your job performance to where the BON is involved.

Good luck.

NHLPN, LPN · Oct 23, 2006

No EAP here, private practice..............

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2006

Then you might have to let your employer know while you're out. Or if you have a good relationship, which is often the case in private practice, just say it's personal.

Either way, EAP or no, the BON need never hear about it, the same as they don't hear about any other leave of absence.

At times like these it's always best to follow the advise of the professional caregiver. Good luck.

OB_or_NICU_hopeful · Oct 23, 2006

I can't offer advice, but I just wanted to let you know that I also suffer from serious bouts of depression and anxiety....it can be debilitating (spelling??). I hope you get things worked out for yourself soon :)

NHLPN, LPN · Oct 23, 2006

Thank you for your input.

jetscreamer101 · Oct 24, 2006

I had to take a leave of absence from work for a major bout with depression. We do have a disability thing that will pay when your off, but they would only cover me for 3 weeks, then I was on my own financially. Now, if it had been a normal medical something, like surgery, it is approved without problems.