A treated ADD nursing student needs help.

[CrystalClear75, BSN, RN]

Hi,

I'm currently being treated for ADD(had it all of my life) and it's working a little except at clinicals when I'm trying to learn, I get so distracted because I'm nervous and I'm so scattered brained. I feel like i'm gonna mess up and It just makes me nervous although I know I could do this, but I just feel so scattered. My instructor does not know this, but I know she may suspect it(i'm almost sure of this) because she always harping on me for something and i'm NEVER good enough.

What are my rights as a student as far as getting better treatment because of my condition or should I say better assistance with being taught by her? Should I tell her, and would I get better treatment? I'm getting treated horribly and I can't stand it.

Thank you

[DecafMom]

If you really feel you need extra help, you need to contact the disability office at your school and have them work with you to develop a plan. That being said, you need to take a serious look at yourself and your abilities. If you convince yourself that your ADD is preventing you from performing well at clinicals, then it will. It is possible that it is not related to ADD and just related to being nervous. How is everyone else doing? They may be feeling the same way and that may help you look at things differently.

[Charlye132]

I saw your post today and I have just joined this site. I was just recently DX w/ADHD, and I only take my meds on days I am in school. I am in a 2 yr. RN program. I felt the same way last semester, prior to DX and the instructor I had last semester was on my a-- most of the time. She still makes me nervous, I think that it's just me though. She was kind of high strung at times also. This semester is fabulous. I love the hospital that I am doing my clinicals in and my instructor is wonderful. I still get into a situation or two but that's just me learning. Like the post prior to mine says, go to your disability office and see what they can do to help. I went last week before spring break and I have to bring them the paperwork on my DX and then they can work with me. I am also going to go to our clinic on campus, I think they might have more info. and help for me. Maybe some organizational tools and such. I am reading two books about ADD right now that I checked out from the library, Delivered from Distraction (2005) and Adventures in Fast Forward (1996), lots of good info. I haven't told the department of nursing yet, I am going to wait and see what the disability office tells me. Good luck and keep us posted on what happens.