Nurse with bipolar disease wants to return to work

Hello,

I am a nurse with bipolar disease I have been a stay at home mom for several years, and would now like to return to work. What are the odds that someone will hire me? I would like part time evening job, and to work every other weekend. I have a real low self esteem because I have been out of the business for so long, but I know I could be a good nurse if only given a chance.

Thanks for your input,

Robyn
There would be no need to disclose that you're bipolar when you have your interview. I think you might have more difficulty because of the work gap.

Dear OCNRN63,I tend to agree. I applied for a job after 7 years of being out of the field and eye brows were raised. It is however, not that I have not worked. I have worked with autistic children and also had my mil here for over a year with Alzheimers. I want this really bad. I know I would be an asset to any facility that would give me a chance. I am willing to be a nurses aide for awhile just to get my feet wet if that what it takes. My biggest concern is if my mind can stay as sharp as it once was.

My college offers a class for nurses returning to work after a long period of time. That might be something you would like to look into to boost your self esteem. Also, there is no need to tell them you are bipolar as long as you are stable and currently taking your meds.

Many community colleges have a 3-6 month program for "returning nurses." I'd suggest that. Even two years absence is apt to cause a gap and if you tend to feel unsure it'll be double hard. If you had an Assoc. Degree, consider returning to achieve a BS. Don't underestimate your opportunity there, having med issues and economic issues sometimes is a free ticket to a BS degree. A one or preferably two year program will get you back online and feeling good about it. If your medical practitioner feels your condition is stable enough to work you can take one of two routes. The best route is (in my opinion) to admit the bi-polar condition after being hired. Many will say lie, but if you lie and suffer a set-back you may find yourself unprotected. If it were me I'd admit and bring a letter (at POST-hire medical) from my PCP saying "no restrictions due to the bi-polar." Most will honor that, and being open and truthful you may find you have a good ally to turn to if you need to.

Is your license still current?? I know that on the Ohio app there is now a question about bipolar...I don't know how it affects getting licensed, but the question is on there.

Quote from robynbsnDear OCNRN63,I tend to agree. I applied for a job after 7 years of being out of the field and eye brows were raised. It is however, not that I have not worked. I have worked with autistic children and also had my mil here for over a year with Alzheimers. I want this really bad. I know I would be an asset to any facility that would give me a chance. I am willing to be a nurses aide for awhile just to get my feet wet if that what it takes. My biggest concern is if my mind can stay as sharp as it once was.

Hey Robyn As people have said before your medical history is no-one's business but yours and your management team. If you decide to divulge this info at a later date, be prepared for mixed reactions, no one thinks the same after all. I wish you only the best! You sound like a very caring capable person so I'm certain you'll find the right place for you. As others have said a refresher course is always great to boost your confidence and you can always request a little extra orientation or shadowing time in the beginning due to being out of the hospital system for such a long period of time (It'd be weirder if you didn't really).You take care ok and I wish you only the best in following your career wishes.

Quote from robynbsnHello,I am a nurse with bipolar disease I have been a stay at home mom for several years, and would now like to return to work. What are the odds that someone will hire me? I would like part time evening job, and to work every other weekend. I have a real low self esteem because I have been out of the business for so long, but I know I could be a good nurse if only given a chance.Thanks for your input,Robyn

I too have bipolar disorder. I'm a mom for 2.5 years and a neonatal ICU nurse for 7 years. I really see no need to inform anyone of my BP II at my work. A couple of close friends know at work but I don't really want it public knowledge. Your decision on that one. I like what the last poster said about not being able to take something back.The only real issue I see here is making sure you have a current license and maybe a refresher course. Welcome back to nursing, we missed you!

Welcome back!!I think you will find yourself in good company....!I think it would probably benefit you to take a refresher course..most of the community colleges offer them...the one here in my city lasts 8 weeks. I have a friend who just finished it-for reasons similar to yours and she loved it. She is now happily back to work after 5 years....I don't think you should divulge anything about your bipolar to any potential employer...or any actual employer for that matter...it is not relevent to any interview process..as long as you are medicated and well controlled, it is none of their business. It is confidential. If you are asked why you haven't been working..it's because you have been a stay at home mom...not because you have bipolar disease. That doesn't have to be mentioned. The odds of someone hiring you are just as good as anyone else getting hired!SO come one out...It's time