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Passing Occupational Health

I want to do nursing in 2015. I am hoping to do an access course next year. I have had depression and been in hospital a few times, the last time was April 2013. How long do I have to be hospital/symptom free in order to pass an occupational health medical? Would a Drs supporting letter help?

Reply 1

Gnome :)

Generally, the advice is that you don't need to be free of illness, but you have to be able to demonstrate that you are complying with treatment, can cope with what is a very demanding course and have the self-awareness to know when to ask for support. You will most likely have to give evidence of support from a specialist/doctor e.g. psychiatrist, CPN, GP. Also, it will support your application if you are honest about everything, and are proactive in getting support i.e. contact disability services, transfer to the local MH team if needed etc.

Reply 2

Charlotte's Web

Original post by CrunchyMand

Basically all OH want to know is that you are 'managing' your condition. If your doctor is willing to write a letter saying that your condition is being managed and that he/she has no concerns about you being fit for practice, then you should have no issues at all. OH only want to know about these things because legally they have to make 'reasonable adjustment' so that you can go out on placement.

My anxiety (which I haven't struggled with in 3 years) suddenly started flaring up once I started the nursing course. I'm by no means symptom free and it's having no effect on my ability to go out on placement, because I've made an appointment to see the GP, so it's being managed.