Questions regarding my mental health history and applying for a CNA license

[MrDmommy]

Hello,I am currently taking a CNA course at my university with the intention of going to nursing school in the next two years. There is, however, something I am very worried over.Our application for the state board to approve is due in two days. It asks if you have been treated for anxiety, depression, psychotic disorders, etc. in the past five years and if you check yes, attach a written explanation as to the situation.3 years ago, I lost a pregnancy. I was depressed over it, and my gynecologist discussed it with me and put me on Lexapro because I was experiencing a lot of anxiety over it. I just read that Lexapro has been linked to suicidal ideation. Sure enough, a few months later I was hospitalized for suicidal ideation. I cooperated with the facility and participated willingly in all group and individual therapy and was released after 4 days without incident.My question is, would anything above give the state nursing board any reason to reject my application? I am a good person who went through a devastating situation, and I would hope I wouldn't be excluded for that. I have absolutely no criminal record or history of drug abuse. I was told that nursing boards do not like applicants to have used antidepressants or anxiety medication. I was told I should just lie on the application but I will not do that. It wouldn't be right. My instructor, who is a nurse, has told me it should be alright and I have nothing to worry about, but I can't help but be a little scared. I don't want all my time and money to go to nothing and have to totally change my career objectives over this.Any help or advice as to what I should write in my letter to the board will also be much appreciated. Also, do any of you think I will be denied?Thank you.

[rivershark2005]

First off, relax. What happened would cause a clinical depression in 90% of women.

Now, as far as whether it should cause a problem, in all honesty, it shouldn't. In December 2010, I was diagnosed bipolar 2 after a hospitalization due to suicidal thoughts/actions. I was going through a lot of stuff at the time and this hospitalization was the best thing for me. I am now on an anti-depressant and anti-psychotic. On my application for my CNA class, I listed the diagnosis and medications I am on. I then took my application to the LTC facility I now work at to get a letter of denial for payment for the class (so I could qualify for a scholarship). So not only did my teacher know, but my administrator and DON know.

You sound like you are doing better, which is a good thing. Sometimes, we just need a little help to get through a situation. It's not YOUR fault that the Lexapro caused you more problems than it helped. It does this in an alarmingly high number of patients. Anti-depressants aren't perfect and everyone reacts to them differently. IF this causes you a problem, I am so very sorry for you. But you should also be given a chance for an appeal, and if it comes to that, I would personally be more than happy to help you with your letter.