Nurses and Mental Illness

Nurses General Nursing

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Question: If someone is diagnosed as bipolar and is successfully being treated with medication and therapy, can they still be a nurse?

Thanks - I understand what you are saying. I too have suffered with depression since 1991 (and before then - just never diagnosed until then). But, I wasn't actually diagnosed as bi-polar until January this year. Could never figure out why my depression medicine never worked or only worked for a short period of time. It was because I wasn't on the right meds or a mood stabilizer before. It was hard dealing all these years not knowing what to do about my depression. I am not a spring chicken -- 48 and going into nursing school! I can see your point -- where it's frustrating to work with someone who is emotional -- it's frustrating for both sides. Thanks again for the encouragement and advice.

I think you will be fine. Put one foot in front of the other. Pick a good organized lab partner that can help rein you in if you get flighty. I am pulling for you to get through school.

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Nurse2b2010:

You are not your illness! If your dream is to be a nurse, why would you let anything stand in your way. IT IS horrible enough that society puts stigmas on people with mental illness, please, don't do that to yourself! Follow your healthcare providers treatment of care, as you would with any other type of illness. Just be mindful of your stress level and always, always take care of yourself, regardless!

(I am a psychiatric Nurse for twenty years!) GO For YOUR dreams!

Thank You!

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I know it's not easy dealing with those afflicted with bipolar, but believe me, it's not easy for the afflicted either! What area of nursing do you specialize in? How long have you been an RN? Just curious . . . no other reason for asking. I have quite a long haul to go before I get through school and then pass the boards -- another 2-2 1/2 years. Seems like forever, but I know it's not.

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This is something you should take up with the SBON. They will have the final say as to whether you are considered safe to practice. I don't know of any state that doesn't address this issue in some fashion.

As an example:

http://www.bne.state.tx.us/exam-eligibility.htm

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Question: If someone is diagnosed as bipolar and is successfully being treated with medication and therapy, can they still be a nurse?
My former coworker has been an RN for about 8 or 9 years, and she is also bipolar. While she was successfully being treated with Depakote, she still had issues with coworkers and other personnel that were directly related to her mental illness.
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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Yes one can be an RN with stabilized mental illness and long term followup..... have a good nurse working for me now.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

My best friend is bipolar, and is working as a nurse. Actually, she is one of the best I know. She is organized, compassionate and observant. She is a great team player and I would work with her anyday.

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Nurse2b2010:

You are not your illness! If your dream is to be a nurse, why would you let anything stand in your way. IT IS horrible enough that society puts stigmas on people with mental illness, please, don't do that to yourself! Follow your healthcare providers treatment of care, as you would with any other type of illness. Just be mindful of your stress level and always, always take care of yourself, regardless!

(I am a psychiatric Nurse for twenty years!) GO For YOUR dreams!

nursprof2b, I have purposefully gone back to your email because it reminds me not to think less of myself or my capabilities because of bipolar. Yes, the last couple of days have been much better for me, but I have had my ups and downs again lately. Even had to add a new medication again (one which I took before but had stopped with doctor's permission).

Q: What if I wanted to do psychiatric nursing, would it be allowed? Would my illness allow that? If I am successfully being treated and have been for quite some time now, would that justify? I still get so worried whether I will be able to practice as a nurse because of this diagnosis. I can so understand how people with mental illness feel trapped in how they should relate to society because a lot of people aren't understanding of the illnesses or accepting. They're scared . . . like we are so different than they are. We are just people who have to learn to manage everyday stresses as they do. Yes, my medication helps, but before I was put on medication no one knew anything was wrong with me except that I was extra sensitive and cried a lot! That was it. No rages, no hallucinations . . . . just many many many sleepless nights and then depths of depression where it became harder and harder to function. Others have said that dealing with bipolar is difficult. I agree that dealing with bipolar in itself is difficult. Thanks for being there!

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My heavnes, yes ! There are Bi polar Dr's doing cardiac , general surg and ER medicine etc...every day. Why is it there is no question about them.

No questions about them? You must be kidding. In the physician community, mental illness is heavily stigmatized, and not just bipolar disorder, but more common diseases as well such as depression and anxiety. The husband of one of my professors in medical school actually committed suicide during a major depressive disorder, because he was extremely worried about his reputation in our community if he sought medical help. There is are a substantial number of physicians who believe that a diagnosis of mental illness should result in losing your license.

Perhaps this stigma is somewhat warranted in certain instances. A bipolar nurse who goes off his/her medications is likely to be noticed quickly by colleagues if in the midst of a manic episode. However, a manic surgeon is far less likely to be stopped quickly, owing to the more independent nature of his/her practice. Imagine the potential disaster.

But I digress. Don't think that this question is limited to nursing. You have (rightly) seen a lot of support for nurses with this disease here. In the world of physicians, this would not occur.

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Dear TiredMD, thank you for clarifying this misconception. Although not a nurse yet .. . plan on entering the Fall 08 program if accepted in the spring, it's reassuring to know that there will be support in this regard. In your wold, I hope things change to the more supportive role.

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Absotively and posolutely.

As has been stated, look for a lower-stress venue.

And good luck!

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Dear TiredMD, I know this is totally off the subject we are discussing, but I want to know your opinion about whether we are in a nursing shortage crisis? Is this true or a sham as others say?

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