Psychiatric History - Can I still become a nurse?

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I don't think the BON can use it against you, because they would have to prove that you are unfit or it would just be plain old discrimination. Previous psych hospitalizations does NOT make you a criminal, and psychiatric diagnoses including MDD confer legal protection as a federally protected disability (though I wouldn't use this unless you have to, as someone else pointed out). But everyone else is right -- keep this to yourself. Stop contacting the BON. Frankly, they never would have known about this if you hadn't told them. So let them forget about it.

In general, be very careful about who you disclose this information to. In the last semester of nursing school, one of my classmates disclosed to our small group during our psych rotation that she had had psych issues and had been hospitalized before. She brought it up because she was scared about being back in that environment -- but instead it ended up being really great because she realized how much stronger she had grown and now she wanted to be in the position to help other people, etc. We were a good group that all got along and often talked about personal issues, like family or boyfriends. I thought it was pretty great that she felt comfortable talking about this, and I was really supportive. So I was kind of shocked later when I heard the two other girls talking about it and saying, basically, that she was crazy and maybe they should "report her" to the instructor. I don't think anything came of it, but it was a pretty disturbing incident.

When it comes to mental health issues, people will surprise you -- for better or for worse. Some people are enlightened and wonderful and supportive; others will disappoint you. I'm just going to say it: nurses are judgy. As a group, we can be close-minded and judgmental, especially of the competency of other nurses. So be careful who you trust. And that means not your coworkers, not your boss, not your teachers, and definitely not the BON. If you ever need a leave of absence from school or at work, go through medical employee/student services -- don't disclose your diagnosis to your teacher/classmates/coworkers/supervisor, simply tell them you are having some health issues. Anything more is none of their business.

Also, you are currently in school full time, working part time, and in recovery from a serious illness. So congrats to you. Keep getting the support you need to succeed, including therapy, and don't feel guilty that your parents are helping you too -- most US undergrads get some support from their parents. And that's perfectly fine.

Specializes in ER, SANE, Home Health, Forensic.

If there were any legal ramifications to your illness-- like jail time, arrest, etc.-- that is a different issue than a medical problem. And mental illness IS a MEDICAL PROBLEM.

Don't sweat the small stuff so much, and believe in wonderful, awesome you.

I agree with the other nurses here. I have had issues with depression since I was 23. I started nursing school at the age of 27. I never told anyone at school about my illness and when I was extremely stressed out I vented to my husband and my parents who helped me get thru those rough spots. I have been a nurse now for 18 years and even went thru a complete breakdown about 5 years ago which was not r/t to work but personal issues. I quit my job and took 6 months to pull myself together and no one had a clue that I was having problems of that nature. I just let everyone think I needed to rest and recharge so to speak. With the help of my physician and some med changes I got back on track. You can do this!! However I would not involve the BON at all. I think that would be the worst thing u could do at this point.

I've known people who have made the mistake of disclosing their health histories to their employers or future employers. HIPAA and patient confidentiality exist for a reason...a very good reason. While an employer, school, or licensing agency may have the absolute best intentions in mind when judging one's medical history (mental and physical), I personally would choose not to disclose even the smallest amount of medical information. If I tell someone during an interview that I grind my teeth at night it could give the impression that I have repressed anxiety, making me unfit to care for patients. It's a stretch, I understand, but why take an unnecessary risk?

what I'm saying is not applicable, of course, if one has a criminal record. The number of background checks we have to go through is high and frequent and they make it quite clear that any "issues" there require explanation. At least as far as I have seen/where I live.

I think it's wonderful that you are coming out of a dark place and feeling your successes. Congratulations :)

I would echo the others who caution to take care of yourself. Stress tends to exacerbate psych issues, be sure to schedule classes carefully, sleep enough and eat properly. Make time for exercise and friends/family, as a support system will be crucial for you. Best to you.

There are so many nurses that have not been hospitalized for mental issues that should. So I think that if she continue to take her medication and focus on the criminal part with the BON it its a great possibility. As far as her parents supporting her what does that have to do with her capabilities as a nurse? Obviously you don't how many student nurses depend on family.

I believe you should not disclose this information unless it's part of the application. You said you are currently under the care of a psychiatrist, which means you're actively managing your Depession. You expressed a great deal of stress related anxiety and self-confidence issues. I would see a therapist for assistance dealing with these issues. This will keep you stay on the right track managing your Crohn's ,as well.As you know, Crohn's is exacerbated by stress. Some of your worries are typical for any Nursing student. Maintain open communication with your support systems. Remember, Depression is like any chronic illness. With proper management you can lead a great life. Follow your dream. You're off to a great start.

Specializes in Critical Care, Trauma, CCU/MICU/SICU.

Given that most of the commentary shows an egregious level of ignorance towards modern perceptions of mental health, I will recommend that you ignore the negative comments in this thread. They seem to be based on cultural attitudes and biases towards mental illness rather than actual evidence base and policy implications, making any advice unhelpful at best and triggering at worst. Truthfully, I'm somewhat disgusted that this is allegedly an "advice column."

The best advice that I can give is to simply not mention your psych history to the board, your school or the other students. It's really not anyone's business to begin with, but if you do decide to disclose, mental health is protected under the ADA so unless the board could prove that you are unfit to practice at the time of application, they really can't do anything. Also, there are reasonable accommodation aspects through the ADA that your university would need to comply with if you so desire. So, you are protected.

The bigger challenge will be dealing with attitudes towards mental health within the nursing community as evidenced by some of the commentary within this thread. You're going to feel inadequate because you're learning new things, but remember that everyone feels that way in nursing school. It's part of the territory with being driven out of ones comfort zone. Self care will be important to manage stress, and a lot of cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral activation to help continue to manage your depression.

If anything, your perspective on mental health will make you a really great nurse because unlike most, you'll actually get it when a patient presents with medical issues but also mental health issues that are just as important. That's true in any setting of nursing whether a general ward, a psych floor, or an ICU.

It sounds like you're covering all of your bases, and that takes initiative, so give yourself credit for that. Depression is a constant battle, but you're doing it. Remember that. You'll be fine.

I completely agree with you! Do not put this out there for the BON, your instructors or classmates!

I don't speak for everyone but certainly quite a few of us have a hx of mental illness. If this isn't r/t criminal hx I would suggest NOT telling the BON about this!!!

Specializes in BLS, ACLS.

Yup. It certainly happens all the time.

Specializes in Psych, Addiction.
I completely agree with you! Do not put this out there for the BON, your instructors or classmates!

Absolutely right! Don't even discuss it at school! You may be doing very well, but that doesn't mean that people who know your history will see it that way and support you. Nursing school is very competitive, and if people know your history, they can use it as a weapon against you to get themselves ahead. Your business is your business. Good luck, my friend.

Specializes in BSN, RN-BC, NREMT, EMT-P, TCRN.

Did everyone miss the comment "I have a checkered past"? OP is applying to several programs. They're going to do a background check. If OP has a record, this could be a " showstopper" and not the psych hx.

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