Any students with ADD

jla623 · Oct 19, 2007

I have never been diagnosed with ADD either, but I have the some sorts of problems with concentration. Lecture classes are basically torture for me. I have found that I do a lot better with online classes, but you are probably too far along to be able to take those if you are already doing your clinicals. I would just say that you should review all of the things that you are going to do in your next class/or clinical prior to the class so you know it so well that you can't mess up. The only reason I would say this is because, for me, I don't learn as well when someone is lecturing me as I would when I read it for myself. So maybe if you took notes when your instructor is speaking (even in clinicals) you might be able to remember it better because you can go over it on your own. This might help you remember.

I hope this helps atleast a little bit!

MB37 · Oct 19, 2007

Can you go see someone for this? Why don't you want to take meds? Even if you refuse a scrip, a physician or NP might have suggestions for how to control it. Also, if you get a formal diagnosis, you should be able to ask for extra time on tests or whatever else you need. You can't say anything to your instructor if you don't have one, and it's not "special treatment" if you do. If your probem was physical and not mental, would you seek treatment? Would you ask for accomodations? Out of curiosity, what type of diet helps you? I'm in my second semester of NS, and I make time to cook dinner almost every night because I enjoy it (and I hate frozen/fast food/most restaurants). School alone doesn't require you to study 24/7, so can you cut out something else in your life that's sucking your time away? I bet if your ADD if that's what you have was under control, your studying would be more efficient too.

turbohound · Oct 20, 2007

I've had this problem in my previous schooling. I call it the "Fright and Forget" syndrome. I'm applying to several nursing schools, and have considered asking a doctor for ADD meds to help. But I'm concerned that ADD meds are usually amphetamines (or similar substances) which will turn up on a pre-clinical drug test.

Even though you get them under prescription, from a doctor, I'm afraid that a nursing school and/or clinical facility will not let you attend, if you are taking ADD meds

Moondance · Oct 20, 2007

I very much agree with MB37. Good advice. :)

swee2000 · Oct 20, 2007

I've had this problem in my previous schooling. I call it the "Fright and Forget" syndrome. I'm applying to several nursing schools, and have considered asking a doctor for ADD meds to help. But I'm concerned that ADD meds are usually amphetamines (or similar substances) which will turn up on a pre-clinical drug test.
Even though you get them under prescription, from a doctor, I'm afraid that a nursing school and/or clinical facility will not let you attend, if you are taking ADD meds

Turbohound: I just wanted you to know that the idea "that a nursing school and/or clinical facility will not let you attend, if you are taking ADD meds" is a MAJOR MISCONCEPTION!!!! I was diagnosed with narcolepsy in 2005 and have been taking prescribed medications for it ever since. First it was Ritalin and now I'm on Adderall.....these are the same stimulant medications used to treat ADD/ADHD. When I returned to nursing school in January of 2006, I had no problems with any instructors or clinical sites when they were told of my diagnosis and/or medication. Same thing with my job at the hospital(which I still have to this day). If I had come across problems with either place solely based on my diagnosis &/or medication, it would be considered discrimination. Also, when I finished the LPN program in 2006, I graduated at the top of my class. I don't give all the credit to the medication, but I know it played a big part in my success in allowing me to focus and concentrate.

So, unless things are different from school to school or state to state, the instructors can't kick you out based on a disability that may require prescription medication(even if it's an amphetamine-like drug and being monitored by a doctor).