Can I be an RN with a mental illness?

2 Hi,
I am a medical transcriptionist currently and have 14 years experience in nearly all modalities except pathology. Due to changes in the field including voice recognition, lower pay, and offshoring coupled with the desire to have a more "hands-on" job in the healthcare field, I have decided to go into nursing. The local community college offers a 2-year (ASN) RN program. However, I have bipolar illness but have done well since being diagnosed in 1998, and have been employed as an MT since my first AS degree in 2000. I have no criminal history.

My question is, will I be allowed to practice as an RN with bipolar disorder?
I have an ex friend who I went through an LVN program with & she will be an RN soon. She is bipolar & had no issues working & getting into the LVN or BSN program. The only mistake she made was when she renewed her LVN license she lied & said she wasn't ever bipolar. She got in trouble with the TX BON but was able to keep her LVN license & take the NCLEX for her RN license. She has stipulations on both licenses.So yes, you can be a nurse. Just don't lie to the BON, they will find out.
Thanks for your reply I'm very relieved to know that bipolar disorder in itself wouldn't limit me.
Yes. I am. No licensing board has ever asked about my illness.
Well I don't know how it is in every state. I just know in Texas BON asks specifically if you have ever been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
How did they find out she was bipolar?
Quote from OrganizedChaosI have an ex friend who I went through an LVN program with & she will be an RN soon. She is bipolar & had no issues working & getting into the LVN or BSN program. The only mistake she made was when she renewed her LVN license she lied & said she wasn't ever bipolar. She got in trouble with the TX BON but was able to keep her LVN license & take the NCLEX for her RN license. She has stipulations on both licenses.So yes, you can be a nurse. Just don't lie to the BON, they will find out.
Quote from AllieLVN2016I live in Texas, no bipolar but wonder how they would find out anything like that?? Isn't there privacy issues about giving patients medical history?
Quote from Nibbles1They ask you when you are filling out the application.
Quote from caliotter3So the onus is on you to be honest when answering that question, but I would not put it past some medical professionals to take it upon themselves to report a person to the Board if they find out they are a nurse or going to become a nurse, irrespective of any directive to report that information or keep it private.
I am an aspiring nurse as well, but currently a mental health professional so I am only giving you my professional opinion. If you are asked the question you should be honest about your diagnosis. You have a mental illness which is just a medical diagnosis that carries a huge stigma in our society. The key is you being responsible with managing your symptoms with medication and coping skills. It is not the diagnosis that will get you in trouble, it is the lack of managing the symptoms. Best wishes on your nursing career.
Why not as long as all your symptoms are managed. You could work as an RN after all if you have say diabetes or hyperlipidema. Besides, you don't have to tell any one. You'd be protected under the ADA.
I don't think the diagnosis it's self would or should ever stop you. If you take care of yourself and manage it, I wouldn't think there should be anything wrong. I suggest anyone getting into nursing is practice handling stress - have 10 people talk to you at once and see how you can practice coping.