do you have to tell nursing school your bipolar?

[uglybetty1002]

I am currently in the process of enrolling in my area's LPN program. I have bipolar 1 disorder. I take Depakote Lamictal and Klonopin. We have to have a physical in order to be accepted into the program. There are laws that protect us from being discriminated against but there would be no way to show that in this situation. I am not a liar and don't condone lying but would it be horrible if I just kept this to myself and not put anything on the physical form from the doctors office? I have a good handle on my BPD and see a doctor every 2 weeks. I know when I need to slow down and after school I only plan to work p/t. Please tell me what you think! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

[kelly63]

I have been treated for major clinical depression, and have chosen to disclose this information after being a nurse for more than a decade. I became ill when I was in high school and I am now 46 years old. My resume shows the time periods when I have been out of remission (part time work or leaves of absence). My depression has been treatment resistant and is present in other members of my family. I have tried to avoid excessive stress in my life, and need to carefully regulate my sleep habits. When faced with the decision to disclose, there are no easy answers. Confidentiality is not always practiced as it is preached. As someone who has been there before, I suspect that you want to do the best that you can and not allow your diagnosis to define you. As to my decision to disclose (even during a job interview), I decided to do so because speaking my truth was necessary for me. There are many, many people who struggle mightily with these issues each day (nurses, doctors, students) but are silent as a result of the conditions that they face in their lives. I don't know what your decision might be, but I encourage you to pursue the work that you love, and to listen to your "gut instincts" in your decision making. Disclosing might offer you a better opportunity to get reasonable accomodation in the future. And, it could build your confidence in knowing that you will be treated fairly. Your compliance with your treatment program is an asset and a strength, and it will make you a better nurse.

I wish you all the best, and hope for your success in your nursing career!

[Heinz beans]

I have had treatment for this also. Find out everything from your school - whether you have to disclose this. Your information during a physical shouldn't be disseminated and should only help staff help you get through nursing better if there are limitations.

I chose to disclose my illness to our student services which they keep confidential and it has helped me quite a bit. I usually am able to manage things very well but when I find myself slipping I have support to get treatment and understanding when it affects my study. I also can request placements closer to my hometown since I have ongoing medical treatment.

On the same side I wouldn't plaster this news about town since a lot of people are ignorant and will make crazy assumptions about you.

Good luck with all :)

[ok2bme]

I agree with the previous posters. I have disclosed my mental illnesses (MDD, ED) during physicals, for nursing schools and job offers. My reason for doing so is because most likely I knew I would be drug tested, and if they tested for any of the drugs I take I will need to provide proof of prescriptions. Then, I would have to explain why I checked the "no" box under mental health. Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, these drugs are frequently abused and thus are usually tested. I think it's best to be up front so there is no descrepancy and question about your character. Best of luck!

[annmarie899]

Honestly is the best policy. If you are having a physical, put your medications down as you usually do. If you are drug tested, lamictal and depakote are not going to be an issue, but klonopin will show up as a benzodiazepam, so better to write it down, and if drug tested, all you need to do is bring the bottle, or prescription in when you have the test. There are many people legitimately on narcotics and benzos. It does not keep you from working as a nurse. I had to be drug tested for a clinical last summer right after having a molar pulled, and 3 teeth implanted, and had a urine drug test while on a narcotic pain killer. I just had to show the prescription bottle to the lab, that's all, to show it was legit.

But lying about it may prevent you from working if found out that you lied on your application. Having a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, taking medications, and being under the care of a psychiatrist, and under good control, is no reason not to work or go to school. In fact, it shows that you are dependable and trustworthy.

With Obama's new health care reform laws against insurance companies preventing recinding insurance policies for pre-existing conditions, you are even more protected now when you go for a job later on.

Things are happily changing as bipolar disorder becomes more in the public eye, hopefully it will be as well know as autism is soon.

best of luck and keep us all posted on your adventures in school!

Annmarie

[finallyfound10]

I get the urge to tell a white lie as protection as I am sure the privacy laws haven't always been followed by everyone. If you can prove that it is medically necessary, then you should not negatively impact you. I would document everything. Who you spoke to, who did the urine/blood test, the date, etc. just in case your rights would be violated you would least have a starting point. Good luck!! (I'll be dealing with this stuff soon enough when I go on meds for ADD so I am plotting my course of action too. )