Is it possible for a Bipolar person to become a psych nurse?

[magaroon]

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed as bipolar, on the depressive side, about 3 years ago. I've been hospitalized several times in the past, the last time being about 1 year ago. (which is a HUGE step in the right direction for me) I was, for awhile, considered what is referred to as a "frequent flier". I've been on just about every psych med out there, but I am med-resistant. I am currently taking Lamictal, but I just started it. I was on Lamictal in the past, but I don't know if it worked, because I had been grossly over-medicated, with anywhere between 6 to 8 different psych meds at one time, so I have no idea if it was working, because of all the meds I was on. So we are trying Lamictal again, alone, to try to keep my moods in check. I have come so far since I was initially dx'd. It has been a very hard road for me, but I feel I have come such a long way. I think what has helped me the most was out-patient therapy for 3 straight years. The meds weren't of much help, although I feel I do need to be on a mood stablizer, if I can get one to work for me.

Toward the end of my therapy, I decided to enroll in our local community college, which has also helped me to focus on what I want to do with my life. I have always wanted to be a nurse, ever since I was 9 years old. I am finishing up my pre-reqs, and trying to get into the LPN program. (this has also been a HUGE step for me).

What I would like to know is, are there any Bipolar psych nurses out there? I have my life in the most control now, than I ever had. I feel I might have a lot to offer psych patients, since I've been there, and done that.

I would like any input, either for or against a bipolar person becoming a psych nurse. What do you guys think? I am much more stable now, with just the occasional brief depressive episode. I also think that becoming a nurse, would really give me a "purpose" in life, which in turn, would help my depression greatly. Over the past year, I have made so many improvements in myself, thanks mostly to my wonderful therapist (whom I am no longer seeing, because he was dx'd with ALS, and had to retire). But I also feel I was ready to end my therapy at the time of his retirement.

Is it a bad idea to try to get into psych nursing, while having a mental disorder, which is basically under control?

My psychiatrist says that there should be nothing to stop me from trying to become a psych nurse, but advised me not to work in the hospitals I have been a patient in. He also said that I don't have to tell anyone (potential employers) of my illness, if I don't want to.

Please, any thoughts on this matter, whether you agree with it or disagree. I need to hear all kinds of different feedback, so I can decide if I should persue this.

Thank you for reading my long post, and I greatly appreciate ANY input.

magaroon

[slinkeecat]

WOW!!!! I was quoted!!!! Thanks Cathy!!!.....I needed that I have been having a day where I cannot do or say anything right .....I was having a pity party for myself....... So any way I truly believe there is a fine line and I am glad you liked my little mantra...... I thank you!!!!!!! I just hope magaroon see this and follows her heart and turns her hopes into reality.......I think she would be a fine nurse!!!!

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

Having had personal experience with an illness can give you insight into a person's disease process that no amount of education could ever give you. As long as your illness is under control with medication, there is no reason you could not practice psychiatry.

Having suffered from acute depression precipitated by a divorce I did not initiate, I gained a profound insight into the plight of depressed patients that textbooks could never have given me. I found that I could describe to patients exactly what they were feeling, and the physical symptoms they were having. I was able to show them that they were not alone, and that someone they considered "normal" had endured the same thing they went through and recovered to help others.

Best of luck on your endeavors.

[psych_00_RN]

There is absolutely no reason for you not to go into the field of your choice. I have suffered from major depression for probably 20 years. I tried to self medicate with alcohol for years. One morning I woke up and realized I had a plan for suicide; that is when I saught help. I'm now stabilized on medication and doing what I love, Psych nursing.

[JailRN]

Good luck Magaroon, you go girl!! I know at least 3 bi-polar nurses, who are productive members of society and nursing. But they have to stay on their meds and counseling, one is very slim, and every time ahe gains weight, she stops her meds, and ends up in a psych unit. You will have the ability to truly empathise with your patients, when they tell you what they're feeling and looking at you clueless, when you say (and truly mean) "I know what you feel" Keep it up!!

[KarafromPhilly]

Hey, you might want to check out a book by Kay Redfield Jamison called The Unquiet Mind: A memoir of moods and madness. Jamison is a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins who suffers from bipolar disorder--very interesting story. Best of luck!!!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

If persons with Bipolar disorder can become physicians, why not nurses???

YES, YES, YES!!!

There are many positions in psych nursing that are not as stressful as an inpatient unit. Learned TONS from are Psych Nurse clinician re managing Geriatric psych clients in homecare. Psych homecare nurses gave my depressed grandmom the will to go back outside in the world.

Take your time...at our own pace. Have regular contacts with your docs/counselor. Develop a support relationship with someone so if you are not yourself they will make sure you get treatment.

Good Luck.!

[researchrabbit]

Up-side: You won't have to study at all on the psych meds portion of nursing school (see, always a silver lining if you look for it!).

Seriously, we'd love to have you in psych nursing. You sound committed and caring. You will be able to inspire the patients you work with, too. And your doc is right -- you don't have to say anything to your employer or your coworkers if you don't wish to do so

People with bipolar illness tend to be creative and smart; better to use your talents than let them go to waste!

Some suggestions:

You may find it helpful to journal about your symptoms (you might catch an impending episode sooner).

Check out NAMI (National Association for the Mentally Ill -- a proactive and supportive group of families, friends, and people who suffer from emotional and mental illness) if you haven't already. You will be an inspiration to some and you'll be inspired by others you'll meet there. Most larger cities have a chapter; it'll be in the phone book. Ours is OAMI (OK association for the mentally ill) so yours might be under your state name, too. There are also a lot of grassroots support groups for folks with bipolar disorder.

Keep your positive endorphins going to lower your stress (let's see, the top 4 endorphin producers are exercise, laughter, music, and sex...) :)

There are also some new medications being tested for bipolar disorder which look promising if lamictal doesn't do it for you. Some of the atypical antipsychotics are also being tested as mood stabilizers.

[THEKat]

Slinkeekat had it right-I am a diagnosed Bipolar II and my episodes get triggered by who knows what it will be but after seveeral years of meds and therapy I am now not on meds(which I do not advocate for everyone-personal decision)but I do use cognitive behavior therapy which I worked on with my psychitrist for severalyears.I am now a successful senior nursing student,work full-time with MR and MI patients in a mental health setting ( been there done that does inspire empathy) plus I am a full-time single parent and new grandmother.I tend to be a manic rather than depressive oriented patient so I touch bases with people who know me well and if I feel too grandiose they let me know and we remedy the situation(set schedule, healthy sleep patterns, NO alcohol and lots of physical exercise!!!) These are my methods and each of us has something that will work but the point is it CAN work and you can be very effective!!!! You sound as though you are on the way to understanding and appreciating yourself-bipolars are usually highly intelligent individuals so give yourself a star on the refrigerator!!! Go out and give to others what you have learned-we can all use the help!!! You've got my vote of confidence!!!

[THEKat]

A double post but Karafromphilly-yes to the Jamison book!!! Truly helped my undertanding of my Dx and my self-esteem!!! Great read-well worth the time!!!

[Wolfpax]

Very simply put by one of my psych professors... we tend to go into psych because we have things to work out... if we do, then we need to be careful to remember to HAVE A LIFE, particularly outside the hospital... many bipolar individuals I have some across can be seriously creative and brilliant... as long as they get it together... know yourself and above all cause no harm...

you can reach your goal, forget about time... I had another prof tell me that most college students aren't fully conscious until they hit 32, so don't rush it... enjoy it you'll be overworked and underpaid soon enough !

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I had a male friend who was bipolar and he was an excellent RN! He worked acute care then a home care psyc program. Now he was hard to manage sometimes but I just rode with it. The other supervisor could not deal with him but I had little trouble.

renerian

[psycorn]

i have worked with several bipolar nurses and medication is a key and remebering to take medication, and not being over worked but they make excellant nurses, there is no reason as long as you are stable that you can['t work, just like if a person is a diabetic , as long as they are stable they can do a excellant job, the key is not to fool yourself, when you feel unstable it is time to step back , get the help you need first be fore you can help others