ADHD/ADD nurse

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Hello there! I know there has been a previous thread started on this subject, however it is pretty old and I wanted something more interactive to read and speak about. So, any of you out there been diagosed/self-diagnosed with ADD or ADHD? It would be nice to hear your stories, how you cope, what works, if you find that the disorder has affected every area of your life? Thanks for the input, can't wait-literally!!

Shhnack

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Specializes in Med-Surg., Agency Nursing, LTC., MDS..

Hi, I was diagnosed about six years ago. Although,I'm not taking any meds. for it currently. But, may start back on one ! I have had to hyper focus my attention on some mundane tasks,both at home and at work. And it takes me longer to do things. It affects every aspect of my life and its taking my forever to write this !!

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I can relate! Do you have a tendency of cheating yourself out of the sleep your body really even needs to function at your fullest potential. As, I am typing this, I'm wondering this myself. What is your story?

Shhnack

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Specializes in Med-Surg., Agency Nursing, LTC., MDS..

Hi, No way, I take cat naps if I need them ! I don't suffer from the hyperactive part. I find the most difficult part of ADD for me is the distractability. I've had this my whole life but,of course,when I was a little kid they did'nt know about ADD. I hear and have been reading that there may be some correlation between Childhood vaccines and the onset of chronic illnesses such as ADD.,R.A.,Asthma and other autoimmune diseases. There is some question of parts of the brain being affected,like some of the neurotransmitters and neural pathways. Interesting,huh....

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Specializes in Cardiac, NICU, ED.

I was diagnosed with ADHD-non-hyperactive about 2 years ago. I was taking Concerta up until I got pregnant 8 months ago. I am still not certain that Concerta was the right medication for me, though. I tend to struggle with cleanliness, organization, and not noticing the obvious (not so much with patients) like I just noticed an obnoxious blue house on my way to work yesterday. However, I have been traveling that route for almost a year!

I use my "brain" sheet to keep me organized at work. For each patient besides just the Dx and Hx, diet, etc. I also write in all of my med times and what route the med is to be adminstered. I then cross it out when I am done. I also write down all of the charting that needs to be completed such as IV site, Pathway, ADLs, Tele Strip, Progress Note, and I&O and also cross them out as I finish. That really helps me stay on track. In the year that I have been employed I have only had a little over 5 hours of unintentional overtime. Most of this was medication free.

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Specializes in Med-Surg., Agency Nursing, LTC., MDS..

I use my report sheet to continue to make notes re:observations,vs.,reminders to check the chart for such and such,etc.. I had been taking Strattera up until about this last May,but had some other else health issues, for which I needed to stop taking it. It helped me a great deal and I'll probably start it up again,soon.

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Specializes in CVICU.

I have routines I have established, but I am flexible since I work in the ICU and things can go awry at any time. I carry a PDA phone which has everything from my schedule to Epocrates on it to help me get organized. I make lists on my patients' printed Kardexes in a certain order of how I will do things (for example, meds due at x, x, x, and labs to be drawn at x, x, x), etc.

I am medicated, and people can definitely tell when I have forgotten to take my Adderall at work...LOL. In some ways it is actually a gift having this much energy and taking care of critical patients!

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Specializes in LTC.

I have ADD/ADHD and have been diagnosed with it since I was seven. Granted, I'm just at STNA at the moment, but it is crucial that I keep my focus at work. Whether it be bed alarms or noticing any abnormalities, I need to keep my attention. Bed and sensor alarms is a huge issue for me for some reason. I pay a lot of particular attention trying to make sure all the alarms are on and working properly. However, sometimes the residents will turn them off or disconnect the tab alarms. Then, it starts getting really annoying, and I have to go into their rooms frequently to make they haven't done anything to their alarms. This might be an issue for any nurse's aide, but it makes it especially difficult for ADD/ADHD individuals.

I would not say it takes me any longer to do my work than anyone else. I always get my work done and before the next shift arrives. I have observed that STNA's who get their work done quickly typically are either very experienced or are rough with the residents. Also, if they are not gentle with the residents, they probably will not mind neglecting them in some way.

I was in a wedding back in October, the groom was a doctor and just completing his residency. He was diagnosed with ADD/ADHD while in his second year of medical school. He has a moderate case of ADHD and it should be severely affecting his job performance. It isn't. He found ways to cope with it.

I take Strattera, it has a tendency to cause dry mouth, insomnia, and decreased appetite. It's a non-stimulant norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. So, it's like adderall, but will not show up in drug tests like adderall will most certainly will. The downside: it's expensive (no generic form) The positives: helps with focus, doesn't carry the dangerous side effects like adderall, and will not show up on drug tests.

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I'm currently an RN (ASN) student in Florida & I take adderall for ADD. I have received a lot of conflicting information about whether it's a violation of the FL Nurse Practice Act for an RN to take (prescribed) stimulant medications. Anyone have any insights on this?

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I was diagnosed with ADHD 3 years ago and am currently a nursing student for a RN. Adderall works wonders but I hate it. I don't like to be medicated, but I can actually study with the medications. I work as a CNA now and I think it helps my ADHD. Since I get bored very easily and loose concentration the fast pace work on med-surg floor at the hospital seems to keep me content. Making lists is how I keep organized and keeping a calender with all my scheduling for work and school. The crappy part is adderall shows up on drug tests and it is a pain to explain sometimes even with the documentation from physician and current prescriptions. But I don't stop taking them cause I know they are helping me through schooling.:)

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Specializes in CVICU.

I am most definately an ADDer...was diagnosed as a child but did not get treated for it until my early 20's. I take 72 mg Concerta daily, it is quite possible to have ADD and be successful. My husband says my ADD keeps our lives interesting. It can be frustrating at times because it is not understood by some and not accepted by many. It is not a disability but more of a difference. You can be very successful with your ADD if you just believe in yourself. :lol2:

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Hello there! I have ADD myself...runs in the family :)

I was never diagnosed growing up, but my family always acknowledged it...we all have it and it's just something we sort of deal with.

However, once I decided to go into nursing, after three semesters of crashing and burning in college due to lack of attention, etc. etc. I finally went for my diagnosis and to get treated. Adderall is my miracle drug!!! I've never been able to focus for more than...10? minutes straight, and now I can sit through whole lectures. Not to mention I no longer have crippling anxiety or depression; I now have confidence in myself because I know I'm NOT lazy or stupid...just ADD! hehe

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