Student with epilepsy... nervous..

[Provo]

I'm currently taking my pre-reqs for the nursing program. I have epilepsy, which is well controlled (seizure-free for about 3 years). My question is, is this something I need to share when I apply for the nursing program? I usually don't like to disclose my epilepsy.. people either get nervous and avoid me or I get the "oh you poor little thing.. aren't you special for trying" attitude.. both of which irritate me to no end. Are there any reasons I would have to share this information with the health education people at the school when I apply for the program? If any of you have shared this info, what was the outcome? Have any of you not shared this info? How did that work for you? Thanks!

[L8RRN]

I have a history of epilepsy also. I was seizure free for about 6 years before nursing school. I had my first known seizure at about 22 years old and my employer treated me like I had a sub-par IQ because I needed a few days off after the trip to the ER, testing, etc. I felt some "discrimination" and did not disclose it after that experience.

I do NOT feel you should disclose the information to APPLY for nursing school. There was nothing on the application for my school asking about medical history, so why bring it up? My only concern is more than likely you will have to have a physical for nursing school (which was not done until after I got my acceptance letter) and it may come out. It wasn't even really noticed since my physician signed off on my physical and didn't come out in the program until my 2nd year. I found the nursing program was very accepting of my medical history and non-judgemental.

Best of luck to you!!!

[Provo]

I assumed that nurses, in particular, wouldn't be judgmental.. but, you never know... Thank you for your reply!

[caliotter3]

If you are not required to disclose it, do not. Expect the doctor to sign off on it on your school physical, then there would most likely be no mention of it. If it is mentioned, remind them that the doctor gave you the go ahead. I would highly suggest that you become familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it might pertain to you. You want to be aware of your rights at school, in the workplace, or elsewhere throughout life. Best wishes.

[Provo]

Excellent thought, Caliotter! Thank you!

[caliotter3]

As much as I don't want to dwell on the negative, you can probably expect to have to deal with negativity throughout life, so it is best to learn what your rights are now. That is also why people advise you to keep this info to yourself unless forced to disclose. People can discriminate against you and you will find it is almost impossible to prove or prevail against, so what they don't know, they can't use against you.