Voluntary hospitalization, does it affect nursing license?

[Jenny878]

Does anyone know if voluntary hospitalization would cause a problem with a nursing license? I'm just wondering if I chose to admit myself for depression would it cause a problem with the boards of nursing? It is a responsible thing to do if I am really depressed and need more than medication adjustment. I'm not impaired at work or anything, I just feel so terrible that I have been so miserable the past few months it's becoming unbearable. Work is the only area of my life that I am doing well and when I leave, it's so tough to come back to my personal life which is so difficult now.

[serenidad2004]

I too have had this discussion with my p-doc, who works closely with me on everything but especially work-related stress issues. I had a breakdown in April and was very nearly admitted to hospital, but stayed out of work on medical LOA for several weeks and was able to get it under control without going inpatient. He released me to return to work under certain stipulations, No. 1 being that I would NEVER work if I felt I was unsafe. He also does not want me to work night or rotating shifts, or jobs with 24/7 responsibility.

Now, four months later, I am quite stable in spite of what's going on in my life; but even before my husband's pancreatic Ca diagnosis, I'd begun to feel unsafe practicing as a floor nurse, so I voluntarily "semi-retired" from nursing. The key here is voluntarily. If you know you're in a bad situation and go inpatient on your own, it will not be held against you as a 5150 (involuntary commitment) would. You're not at the end of the world, but you can see it from where you're standing, and that's the best time to go in and get yourself stabilized.

Whatever you do, DON'T worry about your career or the BON right now. They are in a distant second place to your mental health. Trust me, if you don't have your mental health, you've got bupkis. zip. zilch. nada.

Wishing you the best. Take care, and please let us know how you're doing.

Wonderfully said as usual Viva