Treated for Bi-Polar disorder and depression

pinkiepie_RN · May 28, 2009

I was recently diagnosed with bipolar (6 months ago) while still in the nursing program. I didn't feel like it affected my ability to interact with patients except positively in that I find it easier to empathize with a patient's situation more easily than some of my colleagues and I have a soft spot in my heart for working with mentally ill patients. I would definitely say that if you're stable and on a med combo that works for you as well as in therapy if you need it then there's nothing stopping you! Good luck!

neknanrum · May 28, 2009

Are you taking any medicine for your condition? --- I gather that your condition and any medication your are taking was not an issue in the interview process.

Whispera, MSN, RN · May 28, 2009

I think you could be a very good, caring nurse even though you have bipolar disorder. However, nursing school and nursing work are both very stressful. Stress triggers relapse. So, it will be important to talk to whoever prescribes your medications, and be alert for the early signs that tell you a relapse is coming. Also, make sure the people you live with and/or care about you are aware and willing to help you if they see behavior that is a bit "off" so that you can get early care before it gets out of hand. Medication dosage might need changing if you are stressed.

That being said, it's totally possible to be a great nurse with bipolar disorder. You might even be an awesome psych nurse, since you'll have empathy non-sufferers may not have.

Katnip, RN · May 28, 2009

I'm in employee health right now and just screened a few nurses who have mental illnesses, including bipolar and depression. Yes, they're hired. They come with great references from former employers. So yes, you can become a good, caring nurse.

Keeping tabs on your condition and stability are key here. You need to make sure your med regimen is working and also have solid social supports while your in school and beyond. You can do it.

kellyc034 · May 28, 2009

I am halfway trough nursing school and work in a hospital as a PCT. I take Lamictal and Zoloft for bipolar and depression. It does not hinder my ability to take care of patients at all. Alot of nurses are taking meds for some sort of mental health issue. Good luck to you in your pursuits, I am sure you will do just fine!

Kelly C.

Smitty08 · May 28, 2009

I think you will be a fine nurse! I treat a whole bunch of folks w. bipolar who do just fine. Its extremely common. It is not so easy to treat always. Be aware that current evidence based research suggests concurrent mood stabilizers and anti-depressants are not supported by best evidence. You could research this on line. To the OP, I notice you are on Lamictal AND Seroquel, not that I would ever imply to treat you but be aware Lamictal is AS or more effective than Lithium in treating the depression associated with bipolar. You might be even better off with one medication, something to ask your provider. Seroquel, although great in many ways does have some unfortunate side effects, and anyway is not an anti-depressant but used for mood stabilization. Sorry I didn't mean to make this such a complicated post. BTW the reason anti-depressants are often contraindicated is they can cause anxiety/mood dysregulation/ mania. None of that is good in one's career! My best to you!

Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN · May 28, 2009

I take 40 mg of Geodon and 200 mg of Zoloft every day. I was hired for my most recent job after starting these meds. Employee health didn't think anything of it when I told them what I take, and there was absolutely no reason for it to come up in my interview or anything. Some of my fellow nurses know about my psych history, but not one has treated it as any sort of big deal, or deal at all.

Since I've been maintained on the meds, nursing is better than before I was diagnosed. The Geodon allows me to make clear-headed decisions rather than freaking out like I used to. Sometimes, though, I'm almost too cool-headed to the point of standoffishness.

Main idea: don't let Bipolar and depression stand in your way!

Bortaz, MSN, RN · May 28, 2009

Alot of nurses are taking meds for some sort of mental health issue.
Kelly C.

And, a lot are not, but should be.

Whispera, MSN, RN · May 28, 2009

If your meds are working, unless the doctor says so, don't change things...it's a case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

zuzi · May 28, 2009

I am very interested in the nursing profession, however, I have concerns regarding my health and how it will affect my ability to perform the duties of the profession. For several years I have been taking Lamictal for a bipolar disorder and Seroquel for depression. I have two questions: 1. Will my health condition, knowledge of which may be uncovered as part of an interview, background check or pre-drug test, lessen my chances of securing a job? 2. I am worried that my condition will somehow effect my ability to provide the best possible care for the patient. I am not looking for anyone to play doctor, but I am wondering if any of you know of individuals that have similar diagnosis and treatment and how they perform at that their job. --- Two year ago I left a successful sales career because I could no longer handle the "pressure to surpass goals" and management that managed by fear and the constant reminder that your job was at stack. Since leaving the job I have been a private investor, given the economic times, it has not proven to be the best move. I would be lying if I did not say that "econo mic times' is what caused me to begin to do some soul searching, but it is the genuine concern for others that has directed me towards a career change, nursing. --- The thought of pursuing a nursing career, getting on the job and finding out that my health interferes with proper care of the patient, well, it just tears me up. Your thoughts are appreciated!!!!

Neka...

1. As soon as your prospetive employer will know about your health problems and it is "stable" and you have doctor orders for all your meds you will be ok. Probably will be couple of job positions where you will be not a good decision for you to apply, but by the way I saw a lot of Bipolar nurses or nurses with psych problem at work. A lot on high level positions.

2. Yes probably yes if you will choose a wrong domain or place to work. Mental disease is not a stigma as soon is corectly tretated, but in the same time is a very very tricky part of life. Someone need to educate you about. BUT if that could uplifting you... I worked with many bipolar nurses not really bed involved, lol, and they do it a great job, some of them.... but some of them not.

Now trying to be clear with you...here in US and all over a dx of psych disorder is very easy to be done. Psych dx and tx are a part of helth care where is so easy to be untrue or so easy to mess up somenthing. Also are a lot of pharm/med issues around, a lot of meds with SE, new trials, bla, bla. In mental disease unstable patients are seen very very often and is sad....Now tell me how do you like to work with a nurse who talk all the time about duality mind body, political issues and changes that he love to do it and that he could not find the right response and is depressed about, instead to focus on patient needs? Or with one who dreaming working or working dreaming, because of SE of meds? Or what about a nurse who didn't sleep 7 days in row in her depressed phase or with one who want to change all work place arangement in her maniacal phase. What about one with personality problems, behavior problems? Nurses are human...

Nursing is a challenging carrier , I don't tell you to not go for it, but if you go there, be sure that you have enough network to support you for a cushion job, and a good psych tx. But is possible....