Licensing in CA and taking meds for depression???

[momto2]

I read a thread on depression, Bipolar and Schizophrenia stating they cannot get licensed and practice. ANyone from CA know how this will affect Becoming an RN? WHat are the laws regarding this? Can they get access to your medical records? I have never been hospitalized or had a problem outside of my own home. If someone can help out with an answer or direct me how I might find out? I wouldn't want to ask at my school because I prefer to remain anonomous if possible.

Greatly appreciated!

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

I can't answer specifically for CA and I can't speak to your individual situation, but in many states they just want more information if you're affected by those illnesses. (Do you take meds? Is it controlled? Things like that.)

That said, the best place for you to check on these issues would be your state board of nursing.

[elkpark]

I don't know what thread you were reading, but you are not automatically eliminated from the possibility of licensure just because you're being treated for a psychiatric disorder. Heck, half the country is on antidepressants, and probably more than half of licensed RNs! The state BONs are charged with protecting the public from unsafe (in any way) nurses, and they want/need to make sure that your illness is under control and is not going to prevent you from practicing safely before they license you and turn you loose. Situations are reviewed on a individualized, case-by-case basis, and all the relevant information is considered.

The Board of Nursing would be a better source of info than your school (since the boards look at each case individually), and it would certainly be a good idea to get an opinion/position about potential licensure (in your specific circumstances) before you put a lot of time and money into completing a nursing program.

[IaCountryGirl]

Contact the California state nursing board. You can find their number by doing a search on them, the website should pop up.

Out of curiousity, I called my state's nursing board this morning about it because I have OCD and am currently on medication for it. They told me as long as it does not affect one's behavior and it's controlled, then there is no reason to deny someone a nursing license. I also see a NP for my OCD, I don't know exactly what she has but she did tell me she has been on medications herself (we were discussing different meds and how they affect us- generic zoloft stimulates me) and she knows I'm want to be a nurse- she hasn't mentioned it would prevent me from becoming one.

[Gr8ful C]

I agree with the others that you need to go directly to the board of nursing for info on this.

I had a doctor tell me that I cannot be a nurse because I have Hep C. I was so upset! This is my dream!!! I called the college of registered nurses (that is the licensing board here) and they said there is no reason I can't be an RN. The woman I spoke to wondered if some employers might want to keep me from certain "higher risk" areas (which I think is bull - ever hear of universal precautions?) but overall it's not something to exclude me.

I am also on meds for depression and anxiety and it never crossed my mind that it would be a problem - would they exclude a diabetic for needing insulin? To me it's the same.

Best of luck to you!

C