Questions on possible disqualifications on licensure

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I am wondering if a few things that may disqualify me for being licensed by the board.

First being something regarding me, I was a while back admitted to an outpatient mental facility, on I believe a form of suicide watch. I was there for less than 24 hours, and never committed to another more permanent facility. Will this disqualify me?

Second being, which concerns my brother. He didn't have the best high school life, and was thrown out of school a lot. He at one point went to a few lock down facilities, but was never convicted (or even arrested) of any crime. This was years ago, and he's no longer unstable. Should he be ok?

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Sorry if this was worded strangely, I am pretty tired, so probably not the most lucid...

Still, hope I was able to convey what I was asking in an effective manner.

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There are lots of nurses with mental health problems, on medication, and/or with a history of hospitalizations. As long as any symptoms are controlled and the person is able to practice safely, that shouldn't be a barrier. It is v. important to be honest responding to any questions about mental health history/issues when applying for licensure (if they're asked), as dishonesty in the application process, if it is discovered in process of doing the various background checks, could be considered, by itself, grounds for refusing to license someone. One might be asked to submit a letter from one's physician/therapist/whomever, stating that one is safe to practice.

While no one here can give you definite, concrete answers to questions like these, because each state BON handles these kind of situations individually, on a case-by-case basis, taking all relevant information into consideration, I can say that I've known many nurses over the years with psych histories and on psychiatric medications of one kind or another, who were able to be licensed and practice without barriers or difficulties (some who probably shouldn't have been allowed to, but nobody asked me :) ).

If no one with any kind of psych history was allowed to be a nurse, there really would be a nursing shortage! :D Best wishes to you and your brother --

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There are lots of nurses with mental health problems, on medication, and/or with a history of hospitalizations. As long as any symptoms are controlled and the person is able to practice safely, that shouldn't be a barrier. It is v. important to be honest responding to any questions about mental health history/issues when applying for licensure (if they're asked), as dishonesty in the application process, if it is discovered in process of doing the various background checks, could be considered, by itself, grounds for refusing to license someone. One might be asked to submit a letter from one's physician/therapist/whomever, stating that one is safe to practice.

While no one here can give you definite, concrete answers to questions like these, because each state BON handles these kind of situations individually, on a case-by-case basis, taking all relevant information into consideration, I can say that I've known many nurses over the years with psych histories and on psychiatric medications of one kind or another, who were able to be licensed and practice without barriers or difficulties (some who probably shouldn't have been allowed to, but nobody asked me :) ).

If no one with any kind of psych history was allowed to be a nurse, there really would be a nursing shortage! :D Best wishes to you and your brother --

Thank you for your detailed answer :)

What about to the second question? K-12 school history shouldn't effect his licensure, should it?

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Thank you for your detailed answer :)

What about to the second question? K-12 school history shouldn't effect his licensure, should it?

I'm sorry -- I thought I had answered your second question. :) I thought you were asking about your brother having a more involved psych history than you, not that you were asking about his school experience. Again, no one here can give you a definitive answer because everyone's situation is unique and each BON has its own philosophy about dealing with these kind of situations, but, in general, I would say that, if he can get into nursing school with his academic history (and graduate), licensure shouldn't be a problem.

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I'm sorry -- I thought I had answered your second question. :) I thought you were asking about your brother having a more involved psych history than you, not that you were asking about his school experience. Again, no one here can give you a definitive answer because everyone's situation is unique and each BON has its own philosophy about dealing with these kind of situations, but, in general, I would say that, if he can get into nursing school with his academic history (and graduate), licensure shouldn't be a problem.

Actually, that is what I was (sorta) asking. Sorry, was tired and didn't convey what I was meaning accurately. He had a more involved psychiatric treatment where he had to leave regular schools because of his condition,where I was able to stay though. He's stable now though, has been for a while. Both of our conditions are pretty manageable at this point with medication, and neither of us have gotten into any violent altercation, ever. With me there really isn't ever a problem, family/bf always make sure I take my medication and keeps an eye out if something is getting worse with me. Brother has similar support structure.

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I don't think it'll be much of a problem honestly. If you show you've made a consistent lengthy effort at treatment for your mental illness, and get a letter from your attending physician/psychologist that you are fit for this line of work, then I'm sure you'll be fine, assuming everything else works out. In fact this may not even really be an issue for you, if all you've never even been committed into a psychiatric facility. Might not come up in any record. May sound like a weird question, but are you allowed to own firearms in your state? If you are not allowed to because of a designated mental illness, then you'll probably have to bring it up to the board, (since it's severe enough to bar you your second amendment rights), but if you show that treatment has worked for you, and your attending physicians concur, as I said, I seriously doubt you have much to worry about. About your brother's k-12 education, I honestly seriously doubt it, especially if he's going to a community college, which in my state if you're a non trad student doesn't even look at your high school transcripts. If he can get into the classes after passing the background check (IE criminal check), then he should be fine. If both of you lack any convictions at all on your records, I doubt you'll have much impediment at all. Good luck btw!

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