does a previous history of mental illness keep you out of nursing

bargainhound, RN · May 30, 2005

What do you mean by 5150s?

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 31, 2005

If you are quite well now, you past mental problems should not bring you down.

I've a history of suicidal depression in the mid-80s. When I got my act together to go to nursing school in the 90s, my past was my concern and my concern only.

No need to even go into with anyone at the school. Don't allow anyone, (including yourself) to have the power to judge you. Most won't understand anyway. :)

Go for your dreams.

I too am wondering what 5150's is. :)

Trauma Columnist · May 31, 2005

5150's are involuntary committment, usually for 72 hours.

leslie :-D · May 31, 2005

i agree w/tweety.

if your mental illness is resolved/under control, there is absolutely no need to disclose anything about your past, unless it's a felony which would be asked on the application anyway.

i think you'd be surprised by the high number of nurses on psyche meds and are wonderful in their profession.

and please appease our curiosity re: the 5150's????? :)

leslie

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 31, 2005

5150's are involuntary committment, usually for 72 hours.

Thanks. Here we call it the "Baker Act".

sharann, BSN, RN · May 31, 2005

I think in MOST cases a "mental" illness is akin to any physical malady. Some of us are diabetic, some have IBD, some with MS or Lupus and so on. we ALL have some limitation and we know what that is. As long as one takes their medications and has appropriate care when needed I see no problem. This is your buisiness. Good luck in school. Just know that nursing school is tough, but you haven't had it easy it seems, so you will do fine!

questionscurious · May 31, 2005

a 5150, is a legal involuntary hold for 72hrs. Thanks for your replies they give me a lift to strive for a career I feel I would enjoy. Are those online nursing programs reputable. I am 75 units from school, taken most of my sciences, I figured the best start would be to finish my associattes at a jc for an LVN. Any advice is appreciated. I'm curious about the differences in programs an AA LVN VS an one year program, and what those open up job wise. Where is the best starting point with about two years history of school, but probably not able to finish a bachelor to be a RN , just yet. Thanks for all your encouragement.

leopold · May 31, 2005

I actually investigated the whole disability issue very thoroughly before I started nursing school. I talked to the Dean of the Health Sciences Center in my state who told me that the only thing that would hold a person with a history of mental illness back would be if they had committed some felony in the course of their illness which would show up on a background check.

Also, depending on your circumstances, you may be under ADA protection and the school can't discriminate against you. (However, the ADA qualifies a disability as an impairment that severely limits a person's ability to carry out the functions of everyday life so that might be a sticky wicket for you if you plan on going into nursing).

The school I go to says they do not discriminate in any way against anyone who has any kind of disability, and that there are students that have much worse problems than mental illness. You will have to take a physical to be accepted and any diagnosis will come out but they are not allowed to investigate your past and unless you tell them they won't know the details of your history.

So go for it. No fears. :Melody:

CHATSDALE · May 31, 2005

re op

my advise for you would be to go to an ad-rn now and forget the lpn school if there is any way that you can swing.. the subject matter is similiar and if you are able to devote yourself to it it will pay off down the road..

i don't know how the disclosure statement is in your entrance papers read but if it says 'do you know of any problems that would inhibit your providing nursing care if you are accepted' and if you feel honestly that this problem is under control or behind you then the anser would be 'no'

austin heart, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2005

If I remember correctly I had to answer a question on my license application and renewal application (TX) that asks if you have ever been treated for psychitric disorders. Some one correct me if I am wrong. I don't know what the significance of answering yes to the question is though.

I wish best of luck to OP. I really know few people in this field that have not battled some form of depression and or mood disorder.

RENAISSANCE RN · Jun 1, 2005