Voluntary hospitalization, does it affect nursing license?

sapphire18 · Aug 18, 2013

I can't speak for all situations or all states, but I have been hospitalized for depression many times over the last 5 years, and I have never had a problem with the BON. I hope you feel better and get the help you need...I can definitely relate to work being the only good part of your life...it is often the only thing that keeps me going. Sometimes I just need an inpt hospitalization for a quick, intensive stabilization- my boss is very understanding and supportive. (((Hugs)))

sapphire18 · Aug 18, 2013

PS. I wanted to clarify that your boss definitely doesn't have to know why you are out sick- I voluntarily told mine. You can also look into FMLA if you qualify in order to protect your job.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2013

I don't see why it would or why the BON would need to know about it. I've never disclosed anything about my medical history to my state nor any employer I've ever worked for.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2013

I think you need to seek treatment for it will catch up to you and affect your job. You are going through a tough time and I think reaching out for help is the BEST idea. Your license will eventually be affected for your depression will pour over into all aspects for your life.

In the interest of full disclosure....some states do have mandated reporting of mental illness of a licensed individual...especially if potential to harm a patient or unprofessional conduct has occurred. I would check with the BON or psychiatrist/psychologist first in your state.

blueheaven · Aug 18, 2013

I was hospitalized back 1991 for major depression. Hospitalization helped me "snap out of it" quicker than going through weeks of therapy and med adjustments. I had no issues with the BON in my state. I have a very good PD and I've come very close to being admitted but was able to work through it since then. FMLA can apply to your situation and please look into it as sapphire has stated.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 18, 2013

There are 51 BONs and they all don't address mental illness the same way. Some don't want to know anything more than if you have a CD problem; others want to know if you have ever had certain diagnoses even if you're currently stable. Contact your BON and see what they say about disclosing psychiatric illnesses. IMO, this is one case where I'd insist that you get a disposable e-mail address from Yahoo or Google, and contact them anonymously.

As far as whether to disclose if you are required to...well, that's up to you. Valid arguments can be made both for and against disclosing and I won't pass judgment on your decision. Just remember that whatever you decide, there may be consequences from that decision that you will have to deal with.

But worry about that later--take care of your mental health right now. Best of luck with your recovery.

Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2013

I've been in your shoes and I had no licensing issues. I just had to be cleared by my psychiatrist and employee health before I returned to work. But as everyone else has said, every BON is different. I can't quite see a BON having an issue with voluntarily admission for major depression vs. something with drugs, or an involuntary commitment related to some violent behavior.

Don't worry about the BON right now. Get yourself better.

annietart · Aug 18, 2013

I was just licensed by PA and did not have to disclose anything voluntary. Fortunately I have never been involuntarily committed, but I don't even remember having been asked any questions about that. As everyone else has said it does change from state to state.

NurseDirtyBird · Aug 18, 2013

I had a similar discussion with my psychiatrist. He said that as long as he considered me safe to work, and I heeded his direction to not work while unstable, he had no obligation to report me to the BON. He said he would have to if I continued to work after he (or I) determined I was unsafe to do so.

Since you're considering voluntary admission, you probably are aware if you are not safe to work and wouldn't work in that condition. I would verify with your psychiatrist what their obligation is. I don't think I'd contact the BON directly to ask at this point unless you can anonymously, it may backfire on you. Check their guidelines online too.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Aug 18, 2013

I too have had this discussion with my p-doc, who works closely with me on everything but especially work-related stress issues. I had a breakdown in April and was very nearly admitted to hospital, but stayed out of work on medical LOA for several weeks and was able to get it under control without going inpatient. He released me to return to work under certain stipulations, No. 1 being that I would NEVER work if I felt I was unsafe. He also does not want me to work night or rotating shifts, or jobs with 24/7 responsibility.

Now, four months later, I am quite stable in spite of what's going on in my life; but even before my husband's pancreatic Ca diagnosis, I'd begun to feel unsafe practicing as a floor nurse, so I voluntarily "semi-retired" from nursing. The key here is voluntarily. If you know you're in a bad situation and go inpatient on your own, it will not be held against you as a 5150 (involuntary commitment) would. You're not at the end of the world, but you can see it from where you're standing, and that's the best time to go in and get yourself stabilized.

Whatever you do, DON'T worry about your career or the BON right now. They are in a distant second place to your mental health. Trust me, if you don't have your mental health, you've got bupkis. zip. zilch. nada.

Wishing you the best. Take care, and please let us know how you're doing.

ruler of kolob · Aug 19, 2013

Abraham Lincoln once famously said " Not everything on the internet is true".. For something of this importance I would STRONGLY suggest calling the Board Of Nursing of your state. "Crowd Sourcing" advice on something like this does not strike me as a good idea.