Please help me with my instructor situation

[CrystalClear75, BSN, RN]

Hi,

I recieved a phone call the other day from my instructor because to her, I appear to be in "left field somewhere" and it seems as though i'm not paying attention to her, when I REALLY do, at least to my ability. Anyhow, I told her that I was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder(I really didn't want her to know this but obviously she figured it out), and I told her that I think that my meds aren't working anymore and that i'm gonna talk to the doctor. My question is, what are my rights as a student in regards to the law and the college providing my specific "accomodations" ONLY for the clinical setting? I do not need any help in the "theory" classes, I have a problem with following directions and applying that in front of someone. I need someone to show me ONE on ONE alone, that's how I learn for some reason, and in a slower manner. When it comes to my studies, i'm fine. Please tell me what I should do so I could make this learning process a little more easier. Once I learn it, I learn it and I know I could do this. Thanks:o

[psalm_55]

first: discuss your problem with your doctor. some adjustments in meds and dosage may help.

second: this is not a legal forum. but i will tell you that LEGALLY your Clinical Instructor is considered the EXPERT in determining whether or not a student is suitable for the Profession. Nurse Educators have a LEGAL and ETHICAL duty as "gatekeepers" of the profession.

therefore: meet with your school counselor / faculty advisor to discuss / learn about strategies that may help you in the clinical.

finally: what i have seen in my own experience as an educator and clinical instructor is that the student needs to hone their ORGANIZATIONAL skills. PLAN. Organize your day. make a list.

i have to tell you, that from my perspective, students whose performance is "left field" or who has difficulty following my direction and guidance, cause me to question their SAFETY in nursing practice.

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

I agree. Also, whatever advice you get from your instructors should include an action plan. This is sort of like a critical pathway, or nursing care plan, with you as the "patient". You and they should write down measurable objectives and dates when goals should be met. That will give you documentation as to how you are able to meet expectations. You will know your parameters and they will know you can/cannot meet the parameters. I wish you good luck.

[nlh0358]

I completely agree. You do need to see your doc ASAP as well as your school counselor. While speaking with your counselor, ask him/her to help you speak with your instructor again. You need your instructor working "with you" on this. As Purplemania pointed out, your instructor has a dual responsibility: to help you learn, but also to maintain patient safety.

Not only do you need to learn the nursing skills and organization, but you also must learn to successfully manage your ADD. While the school may be able to accommodate your learning needs now, you need to use this time to learn how to manage the situation. Once you are an RN, you MUST be able to keep your attention focused in situations from receiving report when 3 other people are talking to you, to taking phone orders from physicians to passing meds in a code. You must be able to filter out the chaos around you and focus on the essentials.

I know of people with ADD who manage this successfully, but they work on it everyday. Hang in there, but go get the help you need. "Not wanting your instructors to know" will only complicate the situation.

[bookwormom]

Yes, you do need to talk with your doctor. And, if you want special accomodations, your school will have an office that deals with this request according to federal law. (Just ask who it is.) I think your request is best dealt with through the institutional channels rather than directly with the individual instructor.

However, from my experience, if you ask for accomodations that are inconsistent with the nursing role, you may not be allowed to continue in the program. (Example: a student who can't lift more than 5 pounds probably couldn't provide nursing care.)

I think asking for special accomodations in the lab or classroom is a lot less problematic than asking for special accomodations in clinical.

[vickynurse]

I agree with all of you. There must be a support person to handle accomodations on your campus. You will probalby need a statement from your physician to support your claim. We have implemented many plans to accomodate students. You should know; however, that it is unlikely that a private tutor will be provided in the clinical setting. Every nurse I know must be able to stay focused in chaotic situations. And every nurse must perform while others are watching, including pts, families, physicians, etc.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I hope you are able to work things out.