Can a diagnosis of a mental illness potentially harm your chances of getting a job?

Nurses Disabilities

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Specializes in Oncology/StemCell Transplant; Psychiatry.

Hi everyone,

I'm about to start nursing school, and I have been stalking allnurses.com for several years. I've always been interested in mental health, and I was curious as to how a mental illness diagnosis (especially one of the more highly stigmatized mental illnesses) could affect a nurse's prospects for employment. I didnt think that potential employers could access a person's medical records, but from some of the posts I've read on this site, it sounds as though a mental illness diagnosis could somehow harm a nurse's chances of gaining employment. Do you have to disclose mental illness with your employer if you work in the healthcare field? Or is there some way your employer could find out about a mental illness diagnosis? (I apologize if my post doesn't make sense or if it sounds as though I am rambling). Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Specializes in CMSRN.

Unless they obtain it illegally (access your records without your consent or share HIPAA protected information) or you offer that information yourself, there is not a way for them to know this about you. You don't have to share your mental health status and it shouldn't be an issue if you have it well controlled. It sounds like you're on a good road. Good luck!

Specializes in Oncology/StemCell Transplant; Psychiatry.

Thanks for your response. I figured it would be a HIPAA violation, but I have been confused by some of the posts I've read on this site. I also had a friend who was applying to medical school who went to see a physician because she thought she has ADD. The doctor told her that if she was applying to medical school, she didn't want an ADD diagnosis to follow her (purely anecdotal I know, but it confused me nonetheless).

If an employer were to access your medical records that would be a HIPAA violation. It is only their business IF you tell them upfront.

Sometimes your BON can be difficult when it comes to mental illness. Your employer typically not unless you share the information.

Specializes in Oncology/StemCell Transplant; Psychiatry.

Ok so you could potentially have trouble getting your nursing license if you are mentally ill?

Specializes in CMSRN.
Ok so you could potentially have trouble getting your nursing license if you are mentally ill?

Ok so you could potentially have trouble getting your nursing license if you are mentally ill?

I can't speak for every nursing board but I know in Indiana, medical history is not something asked about on the application. The closest thing is asking if you have an impairment (including alcohol or drug abuse) that if left untreated could interfere with your ability to practice. Obviously I have no idea what type of mental illness you're dealing with but if it is something that will be a lifetime issue, then it seems like something you should disclose. When disclosing it you should also include information on your treatment and possibly a statement from your physician about how well controlled your condition is. It's probably best to look at your state's nursing license application to find out what they ask so you can plan accordingly. Good luck!

Specializes in Pedi.

I don't know why you would ever share this information with your employer. I have never been asked nor disclosed any of my past medical history, especially my mental health history, with the BON or any employer.

Specializes in Psychiatric nursing.

My feeling is "don't ask, don't tell". If I can work safely at my RN job with no accommodations, then why do they need to know I have a mental illness.

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Some BONs DO REQUIRE disclosure of treatment for mental health as part of initial and re-licensure applications. I have a dear friend who admitted to post partum depression.... which triggered a long, drawn out process for 'clearing' her license, despite the fact that she was (and had been) working in a non-clinical role. It's a Catch-22. If you aren't truthful and information about mental health treatment later emerges, you will also be in a 'world of hurt' for falsification of the application. Just an FYI.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Thread moved for more targeted response. Check with your BoN as some do require disclosure. Others only require disclosure if starting treatment or not stabilized. Others require disclosure regardless. Yet some BoN do not care unless acute incident (suicide attempt, non-voluntary inpatient treatment )

Apply to states that don't require disclosure. Where I live the question is "Do you have any psychiatric or medical condition that affects your ability to practice safely?" And in my case the answer is no. Thus they don't know. Employers don't ask that either. I'd be afraid of Texas. If you do want to practice in one of those states that ask. I'd work in states that don't successfully for a while then transfer. It is illegal for any state to bar you from practice because you have a mental illness that does not affect your practice. A physician would have to clear you. It could be a long process though.

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