Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Ditto here - you are not alone. You can try brain sheets, etc. but sometimes that isn't enough... You can try meds - sometimes that isn't enough, either. Even with the above, sometimes the "pogo stick" just isn't on the ground - LOL!

But - on the other hand - I also know that ADD'ers tend to be inherently more creative/intuitive than our non-add counterparts.

Hang in there. I've been doing this for a year now and recently went to the ER. What a change! I am in my 7th week there and let me tell you how I goofed up - I sent a pt to XRay - doc had not seen the pt yet. I came back and found the chart at my area. I "assumed" (in my brain) that since the doc had originally signed the ord for XRay, that he'd assumed care of the pt. So, I "sat" on the chart for about an hour... Not so. I got yelled at by a very nice doctor (I'm serious about that) and he evidently had a long talk with my preceptor. Where was my brain? I don't know... Of course, I work nights and was also sleep deprived... LOL - that DEFINITELY has an impact.

Hang in there. It will all work out for you.

Take good care,

Shawna

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Hi all,

I've been working in an ER environment for 10 weeks (out of a 16 week orientation). I have been told that my charting is not up to standard, that I do not report to doctors in a timely manner and that I am a pt safety risk. I have ADD. Five weeks into orientation, I told my preceptor that I had ADD and that I had not been taking my meds (I've never found a dose or med that worked well), but that I would resume. I did, there was some improvement, but not enough. Last week I was told that I might not be a "good fit" for this ER dept. I thought I might be due to the fast pace and "excitement". However, I admit, I was slow.

Last week I went to a psychologist who referred me to a psychiatrist for better med control. I went back to the psychologist and was tested extensively for ADD - a more thorough test than I'd received years ago. It was discovered that I have a SEVERE case of ADD and that my meds have most likely NEVER worked. So - now I have an appt with a psychiatrist (good for me) at the end of December - YIKES!

Today I went into work - had a conference with my preceptor, educator and the interim manager. They all said I was not a good fit and now - I have two more shifts to decide if I want to find placement in another department or if I want to resign.

I worked so hard - twice as hard it seems - for my nsg degree and license... only to find that I can't keep up. I've been at this for a year now - and every step has been a struggle.

I give. I'm done. I'm throwing in the towel.

I'm glad to have had all your support.

Take care,

RiverNurse

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Sorry to hear you are having a rough time and would be a shame to give up, Can you not consider working in another department?

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Unfortunately, at this time, I do not think staying in the field is an appropriate option at this time. I was told that my ADD is affecting pt care. My work was systematically picked apart - I was accused of not (currently) taking my meds - which was not true. As soon as I realized my ADD was impacting my work - and I didn't realize it until my preceptor pointed it out - I began taking my meds - ineffective as they were/are.

I was actively in the process of getting a better course of meds and tx on board, unfortunately, the timing was bad. That department will not wait for this to be resolved. On the one hand, it's callous. On the other hand - and intellectually - it is appropriate according to business practices and profit.

So, I do not feel comfortable in any way, shape or form in providing pt care - at this time. Once I have meds and a working treatment on board, I may look around again. Last night I heard the dreaded words that have haunted me since I was young, "Whenever you get whatever problem you have resolved... blah, blah, blah...". I knew then that I needed to take a break and that I am somehow deficient .

Take care all,

River

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Good luck River

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Firstly, "Silver", thanks for your posts... they provided encouragement to me during a very frustrating patch :-D

It's interesting how life works - just as I'd turned in my resignation - I spoke with a former co worker of mine. She said there were positions open there - on the same floor where I'd previously worked. She told me to call the nurse manager. When I spoke with the nurse manager, she said, "Girl, sounds like they didn't appreciate what they had in you. Why don't you come on 'back home'?"

So, I took some time off to think about it. I decided to give it another shot - one more try. I let the nurse mgr know of my plans for follow up treatment - concerning my ADD - although she says she didn't think it was as much a problem as it appeared to the people ER - she supported my decision in proceeding with a psychiatrist follow up for meds. So, what a gift. I am back on my former floor with a much greater knowledge base and a little more confidence - and glad to be back there.

I am hoping to be able to eventually "float" to the ER at my hospital while continuing to work on this floor.

Will keep everyone posted on my progress - RE: meds, etc.

Sometime wonder if I should contact ADA RE: the previous hospital and their handling of the situation - just for my own knowledge - for example - how to handle and even document meetings and their contents.

Take care and happy holidays, all.

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

River, I am so glad to see you posting and that something came up and given you another shot. Sometimes it is small things like this that keeps us going even if only for a short while.

Happy holiday to you

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Originally Posted by lindsaylou

I find if I don't chart as I go I am not as thorough in my charting and often forget things. Keep a memo pad handy to jot things down on so that you don't forget. I would type up your own sheet that you can fill out in the mornings that you have a check list on and put what you need on it and keep it simple, write on the back of each sheet staple them together and check it off as you go and get a little highlighter to keep handy as well. You will find a routine soon, but it will take a while but stick with a routine and try to get used to it.

Hope it helps

Great tips! As a fellow ADDer I use these in my practice. (My boss is ADD also so we actually have great conversations......) One other tip. Stop in and visit with your boss regularly. If they are linear people thay may not understand your style and you can work together to keep the wheels on the bus.

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Originally Posted by earle58

it's not so much my charting, that i have trouble with.

it's everything else.

i am literally, driven to distraction.

i was on meds, but didn't like the feeling and took myself off.

the biggest thing w/me, is prioritizing and staying on track.

i personally don't chart until i'm done for the day-
but i work w/pts whose condition can spiral downward at any given moment.

you need to find what works for you.
it really is the creativity that we possess, that allows us to do it our way.

best of everything.

leslie

No wonder we groove together so well....

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Speakng as one with ADD, it's rare that my stuff ever gets done on time, I also have a non-verbal learning disablty.
What I do is I punch out at the end of the shift and go back and finish up. The powers that be know that I do it.
No one cares since they aren't paying me and I don't want to be paid, I just want to get the work done right and not hear any garbage. It's up to you