Will my diagnoses keep me from being a nurse?

[fascinoma]

Greetings!

A few questions... will my diagnoses and diagnostic labels be hindrances in my becoming a nurse?

1) Recently I was in a psychiatric day program, and was diagnosed with a number of mental illnesses... depression and anxiety mostly.

I am also diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, which most people wonder if I even have... if I do, I function pretty close to normal. I can do regular work, get along with people, multitask, am able to empathize, have a romantic partner, have a normal (and very active) social life, etc. I get very passionate about one interest (my interest is medicine and diseases) but I wasn't aware that was a disability. I get most depressed when I can't pursue my interest. I have always felt "different", but it doesn't get in my way. I have been in therapy but have never had 5150s or been in a mental hospital.

2) Now I am diagnosed with Graves' Disease, a thyroid condition, which the doctors think is probably the reason for my "mental problems". I just started medication for this and am going to have Radioactive Iodine Ablation then take a thyroid supplement the rest of my life.

I don't think I will have difficulty functioning as a nurse, and none of my friends or relatives think so either. The thing is, will the labels I have stop me?

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Greetings and Hello!

There is a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that goes "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"

When you apply to nursing school/program/university that stuff shouldn't come up. Against the American's with Disability Act (ADA). The admission process should focus on your application and interview. Period. How you come through during your interview is entirely on you (no pressure there, hahaha)

How far along are you in the admission process for a nursing program? I have hearing loss and I sent out multiple applications. Only two schools answered me. I got accepted. That was way back in the day way before the ADA (mid 1970's). Through the years I also became a certified EMT and continue to work in critical care . I use an electronic stethoscope, I lip read. I am told my speech is very good.

You know, sometimes we are our own worst enemies. But I still hate it when people tell me I can't do something. Oh that rots my socks, hahaha.

Sorry I have been so long winded. Good luck. You have a goal and a dream. Go for it.

[fascinoma]

In answer to your question, I'm working on the prerequisites for an LVN program... I want to do my RN while working as an LVN.

[JQuezadaS4]

Thanks for sharing your story. I have had lots of issues, since just being accepted, with staying in a nusring program with a pinched nevre in my back. They claim me to be a liabilty issue.... they are letting me in.. but only after lots of head ache and heart ache. Thanks for proving that it is possible to get through all of the troubles!

[sharona97, BSN, RN]

Medical diagnosis is a confidential issue. Performance is an HR issue. Hope this helps.