Would a bipolar diagnosis and past substance abuse cost me my license?

[Purpledino88]

I am in nursing school and currently plan to obtain my license in Indiana. I just now found out that I might have to tell them about my bipolar disorder? And with that if they ask for my hospitalization paper work it will show impulsive drug abuse. I have been in remission with bipolar for 2 years and sober off everything but weed for 6 years and sober off weed for 3 years. Please tell me I didn't just waste my time going to school. Does anyone know if this is automatically considered a disqualification?

[NurseTokki, BSN]

Hi there,

if you've had any prior offenses on your record then yes you have to disclose. Unless your BRN asks you to disclose on your application I wouldn't. I would also consider consulting with a lawyer - you might be able to avoid fees through a free consultation.

I've read some nurses with previous records prior to licensure had to be put on probation at the very least, but it is a case by case basis. I'm in California and they're pretty punitive and strict with their decisions.

[Purpledino88]

NurseTokki said:

Hi there,

if you've had any prior offenses on your record then yes you have to disclose. Unless your BRN asks you to disclose on your application I wouldn't. I would also consider consulting with a lawyer - you might be able to avoid fees through a free consultation.

I've read some nurses with previous records prior to licensure had to be put on probation at the very least, but it is a case by case basis. I'm in California and they're pretty punitive and strict with their decisions.

So I don't have any offenses. But my state application states "Do you have any medical condition (including history of substance abuse) that currently or if left untreated would effect your decision making as a nurse?” and What most people told me was "no I would not disclose because your bipolar does not CURRENTLY effect you. Which is correct I have been in full remission for two years BUT if I were to ever need to be admitted and they asked for my psych records. my records prior to me getting my *** together would show impulsive drug use not addictive and do I'm scared they'd be like "yo homie why'd you lie? let me yonk your license away" I just don't want to be punished for something in the past. And thank you I have thought about contacting a lawyer. 

[sleepwalker, MSN, NP]

Purpledino88 said:

"or if left untreated would effect your decision making as a nurse"

This is the rest of that statement and it would apply to your diagnosis