Nurses with Mental Health problems

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ED, ortho, urology.

I am still a student an suffer with mental health issues. I am currently medicated and plan to stay that way. I have never been hospitalised for these issues. Is this something that is going to be a problem when I am applying for registration?

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I certainly hope not, but I really don't know. It might be worth a call to your area's licensing/registration offices.

I have been taking an antidepressant for several years; I can't begin to describe the difference in me. I can't believe that would be enough to stop me from being registered. I know they don't want to meet me while I'm off my meds!

I suppose ultimately it would depend on what specific issues and medications are involved, but your local board of nursing registration would be the place to ask.

Good luck to you!

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there is nothing in the licensing process that asks about mental illness.

if you are stabilized on your meds, with no adverse effects, then it wouldn't be an issue.

however, if you are on any meds that are sedating or have any side effects that could potentially affect your thought process, then you wouldn't be safe in nursing.

it would be your decision as to what you share with the DON (once you're working).

it is presumed that you wouldn't practice if you felt you could endanger your patients.

best of everything to you.

leslie

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Specializes in geriatrics,med/surg,vents.

Two good places to try are Exceptionalnurse.com.they even have a site for nursing students with disabilities and NOND.org the National Organization for Nurses with Disabilities.I have found both sites to be very helpful.

Good luck I'm sure you'll do great!!

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