ProNurse

I am diagnosed with bipolar disorder with personality issues.  I'm currently undergoing Dialectal behaviour therapy and one-to-one counselling.  I have applied for a nursing in mental health diploma.  However, I'm concerned my diagnosis will rule me out.

I have good insight to my problems and know/ask for help if I feel symptoms are escalating.  I was hospitalised 7 years ago, but since then with help have controlled my symptoms/life since then through medication and engaging with the appropriate mental health resources available to me.

I'm worried the occupational health test will rule me out because of my diagnosis.  Although, I have/would engage with the disability team at the university to ensure my studies would not be adversely affected with help (when needed).  My main worry is first year placements - are they full-time and shift work in the first year.  I don't know if the disability team would be able to help ensure that placements would be arranged to take into account my medication - which has to be taken regularly and, for example, I could not do a late shift followed straight by an early shift as I need to take time to take medication and sleep appropriately.

By the time the second year starts, I will have more tools at my disposal through the therapies I'm undertaking and belive, at that time, full-time/shift work will be manageable with careful planning of meds and when to take them.

I would love to know how intense/full-time placements are in the first year and whether there is any negotation on health grounds for reasonable hours between shifts.

I don't think your diagnosis will stop you from becoming a nurse, as long as your symptoms are stable, and you know if you feel like you could have a bi-polar episode.

Maybe start a part-time course. It takes longer (about 4 years 10 months i think) but you only do 3 days a week. Maybe you could join onto one of the full-time cohorts later on, im not sure. That's the best suggestion I can come with. sorry.

But good luck!

Thanks for your replies, very reassuring.

Sorry, didn't finish that last post!

I don't think you should worry, as long as you are doing well and are aware of when you need support, you'll do great.  I think you'll make a good nurse having some personal insight too.

Congratulations! I wish you every success and happinness in your new career!

To the original poster.

Well done, that's fantastic news.

Good luck with your course.

Take care.

Mo xx.

OP here again.  Thanks for your good wishes.

Yes, nights could be a problem.  In some ways easier for me to do, but a high risk of becoming manic.  I do take medication to make sure I sleep at reasonable times, changing that routine could be a big problem.  I am hoping if, or when, I do nights I will be able to space shifts out so I do not have shifts too close together.

Tania