Autistic, male, and wants to be a pediatric nurse

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I am currently in my first term of LPN program and want to become RN one day then NP eventually. This topic is something that could be posted on a few different categories on AllNurses. I am 18. I am on the autism spectrum, have learning disabilities, and I'm male. I also want to be a pediatric nurse. Being autistic can add difficulty to the already daunting career of nursing. Having learning disabilities can make nursing school even more difficult than it already is. Being a male nurse in general is hard but in pediatrics it's even more hard. Could anyone give me any advice, please, I'd appreciate it so much?!?! 

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

You are aware of the difficulties you face. Ask for help when needed. You may need to reassess your career goals as you go thru school. Be open to opportunities ie volunteering. 

 

Best wishes

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14 hours ago, traumaRUs said:

You are aware of the difficulties you face. Ask for help when needed. You may need to reassess your career goals as you go thru school. Be open to opportunities ie volunteering. 

 

Best wishes

who can I ask for help? So you're saying I might have to reassess my career goal because I won't have what it takes?? I am open to volunteering but sometimes I may not have time

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On 10/9/2021 at 3:46 AM, JP_403 said:

I am currently in my first term of LPN program and want to become RN one day then NP eventually. This topic is something that could be posted on a few different categories on AllNurses. I am 18. I am on the autism spectrum, have learning disabilities, and I'm male. I also want to be a pediatric nurse. Being autistic can add difficulty to the already daunting career of nursing. Having learning disabilities can make nursing school even more difficult than it already is. Being a male nurse in general is hard but in pediatrics it's even more hard. Could anyone give me any advice, please, I'd appreciate it so much?!?! 

How far along on the spectrum are you? I know that people with autism can often times have extreme difficulty with theory of mind or saying and doing the wrong thing in regard to social situations. Nursing school is not that hard, but it requires you to draw inferences and fill in the blanks about patient care because most people have no idea what's wrong with them or what they need. Another part is therapeutic communication, which does require you use theory of mind to diffuse your own ego and see things from the patient's perspective, even over trivial stuff that may seem small to you and me. 

 

I am not asking this question to be rude, but I've heard a lot of people on the spectrum (and their parents) say that they relate more to children. Is this why you want to become a pediatric nurse? It's not impossible. If it's your dream, go for it!

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1 hour ago, Monique Barber said:

How far along on the spectrum are you? I know that people with autism can often times have extreme difficulty with theory of mind or saying and doing the wrong thing in regard to social situations. Nursing school is not that hard, but it requires you to draw inferences and fill in the blanks about patient care because most people have no idea what's wrong with them or what they need. Another part is therapeutic communication, which does require you use theory of mind to diffuse your own ego and see things from the patient's perspective, even over trivial stuff that may seem small to you and me. 

 

I am not asking this question to be rude, but I've heard a lot of people on the spectrum (and their parents) say that they relate more to children. Is this why you want to become a pediatric nurse? It's not impossible. If it's your dream, go for it!

Hey, I am high functioning. That is one of the reasons I want to be a peds nurse yes!

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Specializes in Emergency / Disaster.

I am willing to help provide guidance to you but I have so many questions and am not sure where to start.  Feel free to message me and I'll do my best.

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Specializes in Mental Health/ Community Healthcare.

I am also a male nurse and have a few learning disabilities. I also work in youth mental health. While I did find schooling challenging, it is very rewarding. I believe it would be possible for you to find a successful career, but it is important that you set yourself up well for it! Do not forget to give yourself some grace along the way since it can be a challenging field. 

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L8RG8R said:

I am also a male nurse and have a few learning disabilities. I also work in youth mental health. While I did find schooling challenging, it is very rewarding. I believe it would be possible for you to find a successful career, but it is important that you set yourself up well for it! Do not forget to give yourself some grace along the way since it can be a challenging field. 

what are ways to set myself up for success?

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Specializes in Oncology, ID, Hepatology, Occy Health.
JP_403 said:

Hey, I am high functioning. That is one of the reasons I want to be a peds nurse yes!

Go for it.

I have an autistic colleague. She delivers care in an acute oncology setting just fine.

The fact that you already show awareness that there might be difficulties along the way I think shows willingness that you're ready to deal with them and are determined to overcome any hurdles.

Best of luck.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Your answer to how you might do depends on where you fall on the spectrum and your overall functioning. You know your challenges. 

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