Nursing with schizophrenia.

[Ambwee]

Hello. I'm diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I want to do nursing. My roommate recently suggested that I aim for high end colleges and tell them about my experience with schizophrenia because it would "fascinate them more than the average smart student". I was planning to keep it a secret. Do you think it would hurt me if I went that way and told them my real, true, deep reason is because I want to get into psychiatric nursing because it interest me because I want to know everything about schizophrenia and the brain and other peoples experience. I have so many plans. But yeah. Do you think telling the nursing school admissions about my diagnosis would boost or hinder my chances?

[anewsns]

Nurses want to be sure you're going to be primarily a safe nurse who makes reasonable decisions. Being able to retain a lot of information is part of the job, so you have to be smart, but being smart alone doesn't cut it. A serious mental health issue such as schozoaffective may not stop you from being a nurse , but it definitely will not help your chances. I have some mental health problems as well, so this isn't coming from a place of judgment, it's just the truth. I would say aim high as your roommate said , but don't present yourself from the schozoaffective perspective- consider other reasons you may stand out and be more general about your reasons for wanting to work in mental health to start with.

[Serhilda, ADN, RN]

This isn't the sort of thing that would ever help you or make you a more attractive employee in the future, unfortunately. You have to remember the stigma attached to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. I know it isn't right, but while it may seem logical to assume personal experience with a mental illness would be valued (and it is valuable!), the stigma far outweighs it for most people. Sorry.

[Jules A, MSN]

I'd consider a career in research over one in nursing from what you describe as your interest. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

I agree with Jules that if your main objective is to learn then research is a better career choice.

Go into nursing if you want to help

people.

[odaat]

I just want to point out another thing you need to think about when considering nursing as a career...the board of nursing will likely ask you on your licensure application if you have ever been treated for certain mental illnesses and schizophrenia will definitely be one. You will have to answer yes and then you will have to jump through many hoops for your license and to be able to practice unrestricted. Its by no means impossible, but it will be a harder road to full licensure for you. Good luck with whatever you decide, and also, no, I wouldn't mention it in nursing school.

[FlyingScot, RN]

Do you think it would hurt me if I went that way and told them my real, true, deep reason is because I want to get into psychiatric nursing because it interest me because I want to know everything about schizophrenia and the brain and other peoples experience. I have so many plans.

There are many different reasons to get into nursing this is not one of them. Nursing is not about being self-focused as this statement makes you sound. I agree with previous posters. I think research would be ideal.

[Jules A, MSN]

There are many different reasons to get into nursing this is not one of them. Nursing is not about being self-focused as this statement makes you sound. I agree with previous posters. I think research would be ideal.

I agree with you 100% but see this time and time again especially in psych and in general I don't think they are usually the shining stars on the team.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Hello. I'm diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I want to do nursing. My roommate recently suggested that I aim for high end colleges and tell them about my experience with schizophrenia because it would "fascinate them more than the average smart student".

Your roommate has no idea what he or she is talking about. You might not need to hide your medical issues, but you aren't going to come out ahead by promoting them, either. It is NOT a 'plus' on your application....that's just the truth.

Consider why you want to be a nurse. If it's honestly for the reason(s) you gave.....this is the wrong move for you. Nursing is not going to meet those goals for you. Consider other options.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

I disagree with you FlyingScot. I went into nursing because I didn't want to be a bag lady when my husband died. I went into psych nursing, specifically, because I wanted to understand my mom (who had about the worst case of bipolar disorder I've ever seen) and all her numerous brothers and sisters who had the whole gamut of major psych disorders.

I wouldn't change a thing. I don't think it's self-focused to want to understand. Sometimes those with disorders, or who love someone with them, can be more empathic than others. Also, when a disorder is personal, we learn all about it, sometimes to extreme minute details others might not care about.

There are many different reasons to get into nursing this is not one of them. Nursing is not about being self-focused as this statement makes you sound. I agree with previous posters. I think research would be ideal.

Ambwee, don't go to a high end school for your nursing degree, just because someone thinks the school will be different in how it approaches students with psych. disorders. That's really not logical thinking.

I've worked with people who have psych. disorders. As long as they are stable in their disorder and can do their job, no problem. It's the "as long as" that might pose a problem for your future, since schizoaffective disorder is unpredictable.

[babynurse73]

I've never heard of having to go to the board of nursing to explain a mental illness. This is absurd unless a grievance has been made against you....how with the board of nursing know about your mental illness in the first place? I'm sure you wouldn't seek them out to tell them. Personally I've had anxiety and depression and been on medication and never revealed it on any application. As far as I'm concerned it's nobodys business but mine and my doctors and whomever I choose to tell. I am a safe and sane nurse and as long as you are a safe nurse you need not disclose your mental illness. If however your schizo affective disorder is not well controlled you may want to work on that before becoming a nurse. I worked in inpatient psychiatric for two years and several fellow nurses had "reasons" why they gravitated toward psychiatry. It is a fascinating field of nursing and I wish you the best of luck!

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

R/T posters stating the board of nursing does or doesn't ask about prior mental health hx, in my state, it's not asked.

But, from reading various threads on AN, I think some states do ask.