RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

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I'm a new nurse with AD/HD. I began working as an RN and judged harshly on my inablility to get the paperwork done quickly. If you have AD/HD what ways have you used to get your assessments charted, notes charted-before the end of your shift, still providing competent care to your patients?:innerconf

Thank you

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Specializes in L&D, High Risk OB, Antepartum.

Are you using any medication for the AD/HD? I have been nursing for 10+ years, was only diagnosed with AD/HD four years ago. I also feel that I give excellent patient care, but continue to struggle with charting.....

I am on Adderal, which helps me stay on task. I have purchased a book "totally easy" series, on charting. If I find it to be helpful I'll let you know. Hang-in! You made it through nursing school, you can find a way to make it work.

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In school I made it a point to do my assessments and then immediately do my charting.

I always ask myself "What should I be doing right now?"

I always make it a point to ask people about things in case I missed something.

I have been off my Adderall for a few months because of a lack of time to see a Doc. (My Doc retired :

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

How about charting small amounts at frequent intervals, so you are not doing one thing for too long.

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Those of us stuggling with ADHD also have the gift of creativity which we have had to develop to compensate for our difficulty staying focussed and staying on task, so tell us the things you have already tried doing to get your charting done on time. I knew from an early age that there was something "wrong" with me because in class, everyone else seemed to know what was going on, but I didn't. I honestly don't know how I made it through nsg school, but that was over 20 yrs ago and before computers. I remember keeping a folded paper towel in my pocket to jot notes that I would need for charting. Time has always been a problem for me, so I would note the time and what I did on my paper towel to use for reference when I wrote my notes. For the past 12 years, I have been on meds that help tremendously. I notice sometimes it takes me longer to write the note then it did to actually perform the task because of having to recall what I did and process it into written word. Also with ADHD we tend to be perfectionists and procrastinators, so you will need to motivate yourself to get things done with minimal distractions. Do you have a quiet place to do your charting? Every little thing can be a distraction when it comes charting time, so maybe you could talk with your supervisor about your need for a space with less stimuli where you could get your charting done.

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Specializes in LTC, Nursing Management, WCC.

ahhh yes....paperwork, charting and adhd. paperwork i am ok with depending on what type it is. charting is a different story. i have all the info in my head but putting it into a cohesive thought is a different story. :)

what works for me is to chart using the same method. as much as i hated learning the soap or soapie method, it is what works for me. at my work they use summary charting (narrative) which totally frustrates me. i asked my nurse educator if i am allowed to chart using a more systematic way. she was completely cool about it.

sometimes i will create a word document at the start of my shift...save it to the desktop and open it up and chart as needed. then i can transfer it later once it is more complete. i mostly use word because i am very anal about spelling and grammar. even when i reply on this website, i first type in a word document and then cut and paste, then i preview, make corrections and then post it.

if i am having a very busy day at work, i will carry a client list on me so i can add little bits of info on the fly. then when i am ready to chart i can pull out the sheet of paper and go from there.

i still wish that i was more efficient but what can i say… i’m a work in progress!!

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Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
I'm a new nurse with AD/HD. I began working as an RN and judged harshly on my inablility to get the paperwork done quickly. If you have AD/HD what ways have you used to get your assessments charted, notes charted-before the end of your shift, still providing competent care to your patients?:innerconf

Thank you

Had a fellow classmate with this problem. She went on to get her license, and the last I knew, she was still working as a nurse. I graduated in 1997.
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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

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Specializes in LTAC, OR.

I have the same issue, but unfortunately no helpful suggestions! I too have ADD/inattentive with what I'm pretty sure is some dysthymia. I'm on Wellbutrin but I feel like it makes my mood pretty flat and doesn't help my concentration too much. I think at this point my only hope is a ton of coffee and diet coke and a damn good system for organizing myself.

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Specializes in RN CRRN.

I am really surprised at how many of us are out there..but Nsg is perfect for ADDers.Iwish theyd get rid of the H in ADHD because the hyperactivity is only one symptom of the disease..and we don't all have it....course Nursing is no desk job....you are always on the move, no day duplicates another, and there are no dull days....I make a little checklist on each of my pts mail beginning of the shift....that I check off as I go....otherwise I do this little OCD type thing where I continually check to see if I charted all my meds, vitals, I&Os---if I dont check it off I check it time and again,,,wasting time....My checklist is as follows and it is for giving report as well as being able to look at a glance at what I need to report, and what I have already charted : I&O, PRNs given, Meds charted, VS, accuchecks, Labs done, Diagnostic tests done, if on O2, careplans done, braces (if pt has), drsgs done, procedures done, last BM, Bowel and Bladder meds they are on (its phys rehab so its way important to our outcomes), 8hr checks of orders done, orders dc'd or started, if on isolation, nutrition (how they ate, if on tube feedings, or NPO or pureed), How they take pills, how they tfr, prospective DC date, etc. The words and letters in italics are how the checklist is listed on my papers. It just helps me keep organized...There are more items to my list but I am already bored with myself....It is like the Tshirt says..."They say I have ADD...but I dont know....Oh look a chicken!"

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There are little things you can do that can keep you on task. For instance instead of going up and down the halls looking for people, pick up the phone in the room. Delegate some of the tasks that you do not absoulutly have to do to your aids. 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

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Specializes in Cardiac stepdown Unit & Pediatrics.

I'm a new RN with ADHD (no hyperactivity) on a cardiac stepdown/tele floor with no nursing assistants so at time I feel like I am drowning! I made up my own little "brain" report sheet which I've been told is the most organized one most the RN's on the floor have seen around their area, but it STILL takes me forever to get things done, even though I am pretty organized. I can get the tasks done but then finding time to get the info off the paper and onto the computerized charting system is what I struggle with. How do you all do it? I thought about not writing it all down on my brain and instead charting on the pt in the pt's room but I would be LOST giving report to the next nurse with nothing on my paper. Does this make any sense? I wish I had someone that I could delegate vital signs, getting pt's cleaned up, and cups of coffee to but as I said, no NA's or PCT's.

Any suggestions would be welcomed!!! I haven't mentioned my ADD to my boss yet and don't want to have to use special accomodations if I can help it... I try to keep my ADD to myself for the most part. What do you guys do?

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