Sensitive medical information for nursing school?

My niece is in the process of applying for nursing school for next fall of 2008. However, she asked me something about her application that stumped me.

She says that the school, on the application, asked if she ever suffered a mental illness or was treated for pyschiatric problems? My niece was treated for general anxiety (caused by stress I believe) about a year ago, went on meds but was treated and is no longer on them.

My question is, what should she answer to this? If she writes yes, she's gonna have to explain but I told her that this is sensitive medical information and that no one really has to know including that school? Or she can just put down No, simple as that. Will answering yes lessen her chances of getting into nursing school? I heard that nursing schools don't really want people who has or suffered such conditions? Thanks...

in response to one of the answers...no she wasn't treated by a psychiatrist, just your regular physician at the office. thanks!

I am also applying for nursing school spring of 2008. I would say that she would be able to mark no because anxiety is not a mental illness and i am assuming she was not treated by a psychiatrist. Just to be sure, have her go to the nursing division and ask them, they would be happy to let her know what to mark. I do not believe answering would lessen her chances, unless she is suicidal or danger to others. She just has to have good grades and and all pre-recs!! Tell her good luck....its a lot of work going through what she is.

I would tell her not to. The school would not be able to find out this info. This is coming from someone who works in a hospital and any mental illness history has to be fully explained.

I would leave the issue alone and not answer truthfully. I believe they ask this because nursing is a highly stressful job and it may cause some concern to have someone who is already prone to anxiety and psyche issues decide on this type of career. I do wish her the best of luck. I've been a nurse for 7 years now and we need more good ones.

hullo
she should say the truth, for a simple reason, that anxiety disorder does not stigmatize people who applied for jobs or in-listing in a school, the idea is to exclude people who were psychotic before or on anti psychotic therapy, because usually such patients can not hold major career with responsibility that can affect others life.

Dr solo