Nurses with ADD/ADHD?

[Metron]

Hey all! I was wondering if there are any nurses with ADD/ADHD out there who want to comiserate and support each other? I know I need the help/advice. It might also be a place for "regular" people (I hate the word normal) to come and read and understand what its like for us. Or ask us ?'s.

I'll start with an intro:p I'm 29, and I've had an official diagnosis for less than 2 years, but have been trying to find the answer (for what's up with me) for MUCH longer than that:uhoh21: :) I currently work night shift at a drug rehab and on call at a nursing home. I have a lot of trouble in staff meetings - sitting through them, being treated like a brat because I actually show some emotion. I had much difficulty in school, (I didn't know back then), not with grades but with social stuff. I almost got kicked out of school because of the problems I was having.

But its not all bad. I'm funny and creative and often am able to connect with my patients in unique ways.

So we'll see how many of us there are out there?:)

[Sand_Dollar, BSN]

I found this thread by looking for others with ADHD, its such a relief to know I'm not alone and there are others out there with experiences they are willing to share.

I started my pre-reqs last fall and since I home school my two kids it seemed to work well all the way around. The one thing that I had a hard time with was my son constantly interrupting me - it was driving me absolutely insane! lol. He was struggling to keep his attention on his schoolwork and I started to wonder if he had ADHD (his best friend has it, but way more hyper). I researched and took him into his pediatrician and sure enough, he has the inattentive part. During my research for him I came across the fact that ADHD is genetic. It *never* occurred to me that adults have ADHD - DUH!

So, when I took him in for his appointment, I asked the Dr if it was possible I had it. He said it was highly possible and he had me come back for my own appointment. So here I am 40 years old and getting in to see a pediatrician. I asked him if I could have that in writing, lol. So he diagnosed me and I first went on vyvanse. It was OK except that my heartrate went from 90 to about 170 one night and I was majorly grumpy and always jumping on my family. That could not go on. He changed me to concerta and I have been on it only a few days and I love it! I am not grouchy at all, I am getting tons done and even seem to have more energy.

I am looking forward to my next batch of classes and then NS, its a whole new ball game for me. I had asked the Dr, since I have been able to deal with this my whole life why should I go on meds, I have a 4.0 and doing well in school. He said that's good... but how long does it take you? Good point! I spent hours and hours working on school. I can't wait to see how it works next semester!!

I had learned to overcompensate with time management, I learned that if I don't plan out each assignment I won't get anything done. I even try to schedule when to balance my checkbook, but that never seems to get done, lol. Laundry and watering plants are all scheduled too. One thing I am proud of is my ability to multitask. I was considering getting a second monitor so I can see all my open windows at once. Of course, I have to make sure they are all shut off when I am studying or the wrong stuff gets done.

I am relieved to hear that I can get help at school if I need it. I don't think I will have problems, but you never know. I can't wait to see how the meds help my studying!!

Thanks for all the stories and advice, I am very glad to know I am not alone! :heartbeat

[chicsurfs, LPN]

The clients have hx. of amphetmine abuse. If I had to do it all over, I would not have mentioned to anyone at work that I had ADHD. I found that I can not trust the people I work with.

I've learned to NEVER trust anyone, keep to yourself, and never discuss personal private info at your workplace. a big no, no =)

[lml33]

I am a nurse anesthetist with ADD. Many may wonder how I got so far. I only have two words: discipline and determination.

I was diagnosed last week. As a child, I would never sit still and always encountered teachers who would repeatedly have my parents send me to a doctor for further evaluation. At one point, I did see a doc when I was in 5th grade. He suggested meds, but my mother refused. My mom was very disciplined with behavioral therapy. I think that helped in getting me so far in life.

In high school, I was very athletic. I played lacrosse and picked up smoking during one summer (the two sound counterproductive). These behaviors go hand in hand with ADDers. My coach told me that I was scholarship material, but the smoking slowed me down. I could not keep up with my position as star center for my team.

At the age of 14, I started off as a candy striper and have worked with patients ever since. I slowly began to climb the nursing ladder. Because I learned so much with direct patient care over the years, I could pretty much goof off during nursing school. It came easy to me. It was so easy that I was ready for med school, but an unplanned pregnancy set me back.

Eventually, I became bored with ICU nursing. I loved it, but it was time to move on. I knew that I really had to shape up with my grades when it was time to work on my BSN to get accepted into an anesthesia progrom. So, I did.

Nurse anesthesia training was the hardest thing I had to do, from an academic standpoint. I always knew that I was very smart, even smarter than most, but there was something missing. I was usually the last one to complete a test. Now that I look back, I can pick out a couple ADDers in my class.

ADD has never affected my career in nursing. The only thing that is difficult is to sit down and document. Ugh! I hate it! But, I get it done. And its probably not the best documentation in the world. I know how important it is with our career. I know that I am great at what I do. Just writing it down sucks.

My six year old started having problems with school. They were pointing toward ADD. I began to evaluate myself. The two biggest concerns that brought me for reevaluation was my parenting and strange eating habits. Its especially hard for me to sit down and play games with my kids, do homework, and read to them. One day, I am obsessive with what I eat. The next, I am eating almost whatever and can eat tons of it. I quit smoking over the years, and have no issues with any illegal substances or alcohol. Just food. I am not overweight, but close.

I will begin meds at the end of July. My doc had ADD herself, which is why I chose her. She is giving me some time to research the medications and get back to her. As of now, I have narrowed it down to Adderall XR and Vyvanase. Does anyone have any suggestions?

After the diagnosis and educating myself about ADD, I am relieved. There are tons of extremely intelligent people out there with ADD: Bill Gates, Thomas Edison, Ben Franklin....and the list goes on. We now need to use what we have and channel it it the right direction with education and appropriate medication. I was never a believer in meds. My son is not on meds. But know that I know how it works and how it helps, I am willing to give it a shot for myself then possibly my son. I highly recommend, "Delivered from Distraction". Its a great book that my doc recommended.

[karenesn]

I started using Vyvanse, which was great!! Then I switched med. insurance companies after divorcing, and Vyvanse wasn't covered; too expensive for me. My doctor has me on Focalin XR 15mg. which is working out well. At first the only adverse effect was a headache for a week or so (normal), then it went away, and now I'm fine. Both Vyvanse and Focalin XR lasts almost 12 hrs.

[SamB12rn]

wow! it's so great to read these! i'm an rn w/ adhd. the symptoms have been part of my life as far back as i can remember, but the diagnoses came in 1994, when i was in nursing school. it explained a lot of things & i first realized i was not a dummy, but it's been a struggle to keep jobs (& that can make me feel like a dummy). i remind myself that many successful people had adhd, but sometimes it feels like i'm crazy & that no one will understand. i know there must be successful rns w/ adhd in this world that have found their niche. i could use some positive feedback. reading the posts really helps!

i've had several jobs in different fields of nursing b/c i keep trying to find where i "fit" (one of the best jobs i ever had was in the er, but i was a cna then). after graduating from nursing school in 1995, i worked 8 mon, had my 3rd child, & was a stay at home mom for a few yrs. i eventually went back to work, gained some experience, lost the job(s), found new different types of nursing jobs & kept trying. i became a single parent & worked as much as i could under my circumstances (lots of different jobs & hardships), & somehow managed for a while amidst lots of chaos. i had to try & coordinate a lot of different things, which have been very overwhelming. i lost everything but my kids, but survived the divorce process & left the nursing field for several yrs d/t stress, illness, & disillusionment. between all this, it felt like my nursing skills had gone "kaput". i've had no family here, other than my kids (now only my 12y/o daughter living at home).

i was taking dexedrine for several yrs, but don't have health insurance now. i've found that, even if people do believe adhd is real, many think that one "outgrows" it in adulthood. of course, that's not the case! i've learned some coping skills, like making lists & breaking things down into smaller pieces. trouble is, things build up & it never seems to end when you're trying to do it all by yourself. sometimes i can hyper-focus on a task & do a good job & sometimes i'm so distractible that every time i get interrupted, i have to start over again. sometimes, i "space things out" that someone might tell me at work, then i feel terrible & embarrassed about it. i've learned that happens though when i feel nervous to begin with, like in a new job & feel unsupported. i can work hard though & be good at multi-tasking when i know how to do something. making my own color-coded report sheets for work has been helpful. i've had to learn not to be too hard on myself, b/c that only makes things worse, & to focus on what i do want, rather than what i don't want. that can be so hard to do!

i love many aspects of nursing, & i really enjoy helping & taking care of people. so after getting somewhat stabilized after a bad divorce, i decided to give it another shot. last year, i completed the nurse refresher course & clinical to update my nursing skills. i got a job at a nursing home, which was very difficult, but i liked many things about it too. the orientation was hard, b/c i had a different preceptor & a different hall a lot, but most of the nurses were helpful. after the nurse refresher course, & working again, many things came back to me that i thought were gone. i learned a lot & was becoming somewhat confident in my role as a nurse again, though it was very strenuous (physically, mentally, emotionally), & i frequently stayed over my scheduled shift to try & catch up, until my brain was so exhausted i literally could not think anymore.

well... now i'm back to square one & looking for a job again. i filed for unemployment today but i don't know if it will go thru b/c i do not seem to "fit" into any of their categories. i was so depressed that i had brownies & a root beer float for dinner...yuck! it's been a long, hard road & i'm tired of trying to convince others that i'm not lazy or making excuses. i wish there was such a thing as an iep for employment. i'm a strong & tenacious person, & do not give up easily, but this has been so difficult, that i'm wondering if i should permanently go to another job field (i do not want to). i would not like jobs where i would have to sit, like at a desk for a long time. i really like to walk around alot & stay busy or i get board.

i always try my best, & sometimes my best doesn't seem good enough. i've realized that adhd is part of me & that i'm not going to get "rid of" it. i have no health insurance & no job right now (no meds d/t no health ins)! i really want to find a nursing job that i can keep. i know there has to be nurses out there, who have adhd (obviously, aeb these posts), who have found their "niche" in nursing! i want to know what's worked for them & will read more here. if you are reading this, maybe you can identify. thanks.

[SamB12rn]

wow! it's so great to read these! i'm an rn w/ adhd. the symptoms have been part of my life as far back as i can remember, but the diagnoses came in 1994, when i was in nursing school. it explained a lot of things & i first realized i was not a dummy, but it's been a struggle to keep jobs (& that can make me feel like a dummy). i remind myself that many successful people had adhd, but sometimes it feels like i'm crazy & that no one will understand. i know there must be successful rns w/ adhd in this world that have found their niche. i could use some positive feedback. reading the posts really helps!

i've had several jobs in different fields of nursing b/c i keep trying to find where i "fit" (one of the best jobs i ever had was in the er, but i was a cna then). after graduating from nursing school in 1995, i worked 8 mon, had my 3rd child, & was a stay at home mom for a few yrs. i eventually went back to work, gained some experience, lost the job(s), found new different types of nursing jobs & kept trying. i became a single parent & worked as much as i could under my circumstances (lots of different jobs & hardships), & somehow managed for a while amidst lots of chaos. i had to try & coordinate a lot of different things, which have been very overwhelming. i lost everything but my kids, but survived the divorce process & left the nursing field for several yrs d/t stress, illness, & disillusionment. between all this, it felt like my nursing skills had gone "kaput". i've had no family here, other than my kids (now only my 12y/o daughter living at home).

i was taking dexedrine for several yrs, but don't have health insurance now. i've found that, even if people do believe adhd is real, many think that one "outgrows" it in adulthood. of course, that's not the case! i've learned some coping skills, like making lists & breaking things down into smaller pieces. trouble is, things build up & it never seems to end when you're trying to do it all by yourself. sometimes i can hyper-focus on a task & do a good job & sometimes i'm so distractible that every time i get interrupted, i have to start over again. sometimes, i "space things out" that someone might tell me at work, then i feel terrible & embarrassed about it. i've learned that happens though when i feel nervous to begin with, like in a new job & feel unsupported. i can work hard though & be good at multi-tasking when i know how to do something. making my own color-coded report sheets for work has been helpful. i've had to learn not to be too hard on myself, b/c that only makes things worse, & to focus on what i do want, rather than what i don't want. that can be so hard to do!

i love many aspects of nursing, & i really enjoy helping & taking care of people. so after getting somewhat stabilized after a bad divorce, i decided to give it another shot. last year, i completed the nurse refresher course & clinical to update my nursing skills. i got a job at a nursing home, which was very difficult, but i liked many things about it too. the orientation was hard, b/c i had a different preceptor & a different hall a lot, but most of the nurses were helpful. after the nurse refresher course, & working again, many things came back to me that i thought were gone. i learned a lot & was becoming somewhat confident in my role as a nurse again, though it was very strenuous (physically, mentally, emotionally), & i frequently stayed over my scheduled shift to try & catch up, until my brain was so exhausted i literally could not think anymore.

well... now i'm back to square one & looking for a job again. i filed for unemployment today but i don't know if it will go thru b/c i do not seem to "fit" into any of their categories. i was so depressed that i had brownies & a root beer float for dinner...yuck! it's been a long, hard road & i'm tired of trying to convince others that i'm not lazy or making excuses. i wish there was such a thing as an iep for employment. i'm a strong & tenacious person, & do not give up easily, but this has been so difficult, that i'm wondering if i should permanently go to another job field (i do not want to).

i always try my best, & sometimes my best doesn't seem good enough. i've realized that adhd is part of me & that i'm not going to get "rid of" it. i have no health insurance & no job right now! i really want to find a nursing job that i can keep. i know there has to be nurses out there, who have adhd (obviously, aeb these posts), who have found their "niche" in nursing! i want to know what's worked for them & will read more here. if you are reading this, maybe you can identify. thanks.

[NurseKitten, MSN, RN]

To lml33: It was my graduate-level physiology class in CRNA school that made me get diagnosed. Up until then, I had made due with caffeine.

One of my other classmates is ADHD as well. I'm on Adderal XR, he's on Vyvanse, and we've been comparing notes.

He was on Adderal XR initially, but had the extrapyramidal stuff going on - but the Vyvanse is the prodrug, so it doesn't have near the side effects.

My doctor started me on Wellbutrin to begin with, and it did no good. When they added the Adderal, it was like a miracle...all the "jumbled mess" was all still there, it just became orderly, and I could access it at will.

I actually no longer need the Wellbutrin, and I feel better - it was a little too much as a combo therapy.

My doctor has me on Adderal, with 5 mg Dexamphetamine tablets for if I need an extra boost, or I'm up studying late. The average action of Adderal is ~10 hours, but it lasts ~12 for me, and the 5 mg's last ~6.

Made all the difference in the world. ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

God bless and good luck.

[Jodib]

why yes, I am here also. I have found that most of the time my studying and grades are going well, but when I turn my desk chair around......AAAAAAAAJJJJJHHHHHHHH!!I cant seem to keep school and life in a good balance yet, so it looks like Im living in a rummage sale. ha ha School comes first! And no matter what, housework, friends, or even family, for these short years, school comes first.

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

Thom Hartmann has written some excellent books about coping with ADD/ADHD.

Another good resource:

[bcglc5]

HELLOto all you ADDers! My story is so much like so many of all yours. I have been in the Nursing field for 20+ starting as an LPN and graduating with my ASN (barely) but yea me. 2 of the instructors pegged me as the one they would try to fail out or get me to quit. Fortunately after many years of being emotionally beaten up by nurses in the field, it is nearly impossible to get me to quit anything. :). Its not the nursing that is defeating it is the details, paperwork, and the tornado in my head around hour 8 of a 12 hour shift. I do not have The "H" part, so finding the right mix of meds has been difficult ( I was diagnosed while in school a few years ago when I was almost failed out of a class) I fall into a very small catagory of ADDers, female, and never able to find coping skills through the years. multiple almost fatal car accidents, failed marriage, shy, due to always having the wrong thing fall out of my mouth at the wrong time!!! Many lost wallets, I even remember on several occasions leaving something in the oven an leaving,,, I gave my neighbor a key, she has saved my house a couple of time!! Its bad. When I started medication I was like the sun coming through rain clouds after years of raining. BEAUTIFUL. But it did not fix everthing. I found working as a case manager for a small home health company was a good fit, but alas it got to busy for my mind to keep up with and I was let go. It was devistating, the people were like family to me. A crushing blow. Now I am just starting a job On a VERY busy ortho-med surg floor. I can turn over discharge and admit all six patients in one shift. I am drowning. I feel so stupid, the charge nurse asked me on the fly if a patient in a paticular room had gone home, I said yes only to realize that it was the wrong room I told them, only after the removed this patient from the computer system, meds and all, aughhhhhhhh! they think I am more and more incapable as each day goes on. I am smart, I love being a nurse, my patients love me, but that is where the love ends, as new grad, (2008) I need to put in at least 2 years on the floor in order to reach my long term goals. I need help advice how to pace myself, I am methodical (if i thing slower I am very accurate, but at such a high pace I cant remember to PEE somtimes!!!! I made my own cheatsheet, but I cant seem to get a rhythm that gets me through a 12 hr shift. any advice from those of you who feel people see you as stupid, and incompitent. 45 single mom, frustrated and wihout a support system. i am at the point I would rather quit than deal with the humiliation, the tears are ready to flow. Can ANYONE give me advice?

[wannabemw]

Hang in there.. it gets better. And u WILL find your rythmn. I have learntd to say "I am not sure, but let me check or, which pt or rm # was that?" I try to take good notes & refer to my SBAR's when I need too. Other's need to be more pacient if they want the correct info. I was very lucky that my preceptor also taught me how to "call" a dr to report on a pt (try always to have vitals, labs + med list available). I also try to have my computer open when I call a dr.(if I'm lucky enough to get him or her quickly) + the chart so I can rapidly write down orders & repeat them back.

I take my positives & try to remember them 1st & foremost. They r what help me to feel confident as a nurse. Also, yes, I cried after nearly every shift for months. Then things started going right. Plus I found a terrific LPN to vent to & to ask questions. You r still learning. It is perfectly OK to ask questions!

And, yea, something u didn't mention, but I know it has probably happened: sometimes the next shift nurse can be difficult to give report too... when I am feeling REALLY stressed by their behavior or they make a comment; I say: "I am only human & I do the best I can." Or "please be pacient with me, it's been a rough day." And when I was a new RN " I am still in my 1st yr, please forgive me & if you can, can please give me some advise on how to do it in a simpler/better way." We all remember what it was like to be a new grad. I really wish I would have been more comfortable w/asking more questions! But now, 2yrs & 4m into this I now ask (& sometimes they ask me, or we look it up together!!)

Hang in there! You can do this!

~MJ

[bluelou]

First time poster.

I graduated cum laude and sigma theta tau, 2 months ago with my dx of add. I was hired onto an elite unit in critical care and was so happy and excited. Within my first 30 days, I was disciplined for problems with multitasking and making mistakes on my charting. However, I get consistent praise from patient families and high marks on communication skills with families and doctors. When a new preceptor scared the pants off me, I just couldn't do anything right. It's as if the fear of demonstrating my skills in front of her wiped my memory out completely. It was a day from hell. I made a critical mistake and hung a drug incorrectly. Right rate, wrong line. No harm came to the pt but the preceptor wrote a 2 page documentation regarding her concerns of my ineptitude. I'm shattered. I seem to do well with learning when I kept the same preceptor and had time to think before acting. WHen I was told that I am not going to make it if i can't be faster, along with safer and with better documentation, my heart just started sinking. I'm a second degree BSN with prior experience in technology, sales and health education and I"ve never felt like such a failure. I can't sleep. I can't eat because i'm on the verge of tears about feeling so stupid. The CNS has written a plan that I am to follow to improve or ... there's not be a mention of or btu i assume it's being fired. It's possible that this unit was too complicated for me as a graduate without any prior hospital experience but i feel so trapped. I don't know what to do. Do I continue to try and do my best? Do I agree with my preceptors assessment and leave before orientation is over to try and get another unit job that is less acuity/ more repetitive? Will I be left without an opportunity to transfer?

My CNS says my alternatives are to stay and try harder, leave the unit and apply for other jobs int he org ( would i get even a recommendation?) or to quit altogether.

I'm getting so depressed. I am trying so hard. I feel like such a failure.

I'm on meds. I just have problems with organization when faced iwth a new type of patient or experience.

Can anyone help me? I have noone to talk to. I don't trust this person with my diagnosis.

I am seriously considering leaving nursing.

help?