senior practicum & my mental health

[almost_nurse]

I have severe depression and anxiety, which in the past has been exacerbated by lack of sleep. I am in my senior year of a BSN program and am planning on doing community health as a career. I have no interest in acute care. I was passed over first block for senior practicum and am waiting for placement second block. I requested all outpatient sites, both because of my interest and because I am very concerned about getting an inpatient, overnight clinical schedule.

I am a very good student with positive reviews from former preceptors, but I'm afraid if I get assigned a night shift 2-3 times per week for 4-6 weeks it will completely undo me. I've heard of students who don't have mental health issues struggling with night shift. I can't imagine effectively managing my depression and anxiety on little to no sleep (I also struggle with insomnia even with a normal schedule).

Other students are already getting placed, some with outpatient placements when they wanted acute care. My question is, would it threaten my relationship with the school and possibly my career if I told the placement coordinator about my mental health issues and expressed my concerns about being placed in acute care with overnight shifts?

[Zyprexa_Ho]

Perhaps talk to your doctor and the disability advocate at your school to get an accommodation?