Anyone here have Asperger's and work in the health field?

[PJB94]

I have Asperger's and am halfway through my program. I just confided in one of my teachers my diagnosis. I am unsure if it was the right thing to do or not. I do not usually talk about it, as it doesn't define me as a person, but thought it may help them help me knowing that. My weakest areas in clinical right now are communication, confidence, organization, and not looking nervous whether or not I actually am. I am curious if there is anyone on this board who is on the spectrum and if there is anything specifically that is helping them. I feel like I am improving, but anything to help me do better in these areas would be great.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I would not have told my instructor.

You our have chosen a field where you need to communicate well with people, be organized, and have excellent time management skills. Have you been working with your psychiatrist to help you??

just know that clinical is much different from the real world. Good luck. Hope you finish the program and get out into the world.

[PJB94]

Great, I hope I didn't just mess myself over. I'm doing well academically wise and am getting better in clinical. You also wouldn't know I had Asperger's, I just seem like I'm more quiet than most people. I know at the beginning of the year, they asked people about ADHD, etc. or if there was anything they could know to help us. I know my teacher has been trying to give me more advice to help me and I thought that if she knew (since my mind is wired differently), that it may help her help me. I feel like I can trust her, but I guess I do tend to trust people easily.

I no longer see a psychiatrist, I haven't since I was in high school, although I do take medication to help with my anxiety. It seems like everyone else in my group seems to struggle with many of the same things, but my instructor does say I am improving. I have been thinking about getting a part time job in order to help me out more.

How would you say clinical if different that real life? I mean, I know it is, but how exactly? Anything I can do to help myself prepare?

Thanks, I'm really trying. I have one more semester to go for the PN program. I'm really hoping I can make it.

[margin261]

It doesn't sound like you made a mistake by telling your instructor- she sounds like she genuinely wants to know how to best help her students--and that's a good thing!

I've never been diagnosed, but am guessing I'd fall somewhere on the Asperger's spectrum. (It would explain a lot) And while there are a few 'downsides', I find it mostly to be a positive thing, especially after years of adapting.

As far as clinicals being different than the real world, well yes, it is. But it's that way for every nursing student. But if you're anything like me, you'll like some aspects of real world much better!

In clinicals you're being watched very closely- that always made me nervous & more likely to mess something up. That's just one example. But I made it through LPN & RN school, and you can too. Just make it work for you! Good luck!!