[Chaya]

One thing I've learned from this nursing program is to pick my battles carefully. It's always a good idea to "test the waters".
Accordingly, judging from the discriminatory practices of some instructors and administrators in this program, I'd probably be cutting my own throat by declaring. I've come too far to sacrifice my future to wolves.[/quote]


Yep. Now it's your turn and goal one is to get you in the door first of all. Sounds like you've developed some pretty sharp instincts for self- preservation.

Change is never easily won. But its still far easier to bring about from the inside than from the outside. Keep up the good fight!

Chaya

[trilli18]

I can so relate to all of this. I too had gone through elementry, high school and college for occupational therapy without being diaganosed. Had my head in my books constantly, was passing but not with As by any means. Well, I decided I wanted to go back to school at the age of 28 to become a nurse. I got accepted into a bachelor's program. The first two years I did ok, wanted to do a better but just couldn't seem to get my grade up no matter how much i studied or anything I did. Well, when I hit Nursing 3 that is when things went really wrong. I asked my psychiatrist why no know picked up on the signs of ADHD with me and why it had gone on this long without being diagnosed. His answer was well a lot of females unfortunatley don't get diagnosed because they teachers see they are putting in the time with their work and are passing ( like with Cs ) so they don't do anything about it. Also, sometimes it takes a class of the nursing magnitutude to really see your difficulties. For me I passed all through elementary through an associate degree college program but when the demand of information i needed to know got more and more and the work load got harder that is when red flags went up. Well, to make long story short had to withdraw from nursing 3 and ended up getting diagnosed with ADHD and depression. I did try to go back to the bachelor nursing program but was told they had no room for me to come back so I am now enrolled in a 2 year nursing program which I really don't care for but am sticking it out cause I want to be a nurse and get this education done with before im 90 yrs old. I have been on Adderall and Prozac and have had very good results with this. Since enter the associate nursing program I have gotten all As. I have a year left.

[Piglet08]

Me, too. 46 years old, in nursing about a decade, second career. Self-diagnosed, after my college-student daughter came home sayingshe thought SHE had it. I read up on it. I dunno about her, but I sure as heck have it. Inattentive type. This explains my whole LIFE to me.

I've had the same GP for 20 years, so when I told her my revelation, she said "Of COURSE you do!" and looked like she wanted to slap her head like in the v8 commercials. I'm on Adderall IR 10 mg TID, prn; most days I get by with two of 'em.

Dealing with a life crisis these days, accompanied by depression and overwhelm and of course it showed in my work; and that damned inattentive ADHD inertia and passivity, and a little passive-aggression from the depression... well, my work as not been consistent with the way I really want to BE. Am regrouping, pulling back, getting my body and soul in order. But my confidence is shaky. My manager is also distressed at my "disorganized" workspace. THAT is something I'm goingto have trouble with, becuase I just don't get that whole "organization" thing that women are supposed to just know about. I am going to ask a couple of particular friends at work if they can check my patient rooms toward the end of the shift and coach me on setting the room up the way mgmt expects. I just don't see stuff, ya know?

[rachenos30]

I have ADD and didn't find out until recently what my "problem" was. I consider this a definite learning disability as this is the reason why I quit LPN school 13 years ago. I felt stupid, inadequate, and was told that I "didn't follow directions." The school that I am looking at attending had an open house this past weekend and I was thrilled to find out that they have a specialist who helps students with learning disabilities. I am attempting nursing again because it is really what I want to do and I know I can do it. I am an intelligent, caring person who would make an excellent nurse, but I have a serious problem with retaining info and paying attention to detail due to my ADD.

I just want to know if there are nurses or students out there who have or know somebody who does and have found ways to work through their disability? I am so scared and intimidated again and just need the reassurance that nurses with ADD are out there and are successful.

Any info and tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[MisMatch]

I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 38. I am now 51, and attending a community college, taking my prerequisites. In January, I start LPN clinicals, then will bridge to RN. With 25 credits under my belt, I'm carrying a 3.8 average, and have A's this semester, taking A&P I, Micro, & PE.

Yes, I'm confident you can succeed in school and as a nurse! Us ADDers are creative, caring, empathetic, ingenious people! IMO, these qualities will serve us well as nurses. A confident, can do attitude is a necessity.

Some things that have helped me:
*Find a study partner who is good at memorization techniques
*Be meticulous in organizing yourself
*Work on time management skills
A specialist should have suggestions as to how to work through these things. For me, organization and time management are the biggest challenges. I know that I must be diligent in these 2 areas to stay on top of things.

One thing that helps me with time management is having a watch that chimes on the hour, so I'm aware of the passage of time. Most times, I will have to schedule each day, hour by hour to make sure I accomplish everything, and the watch chime helps keep me on track. I find that allowing myself 1 "free form" day a week, where I don't have a strict schedule helps. On that day, I always have stuff to do, just not on a regimented schedule. I also have a large calendar where I color code (different color for each class) all classes, assignments, quizzes, tests, exams, papers, ect. due each day.

Believe in yourself - you can do it!

[sirI]

Here is a rather lengthy thread about the topic. Two years old, but with some current posts:

http://allnurses.com/forums/f8/nurse...hd-124784.html

[HM2Viking]

can we merge these threads together?

[HM2Viking]

I agree with MSMaTCH. I use a similar system. One addition is to find a linear organized partner who you can ask questions from. If you ask your friends to help you be organized that will really help you stay on top of things...

[sirI]

Threads merged.

[tigerfanRN]

I have wondered for years if I had ADD but never brought it up to anyone. I have several of my co-workers confirming my thoughts. Amphetamine abuse is so common I don't know how to approach a doctor about this or even what kind of doctor to go to. can anyone help?