Dyslexia

expatnurse · Apr 12, 2005

ANY NURSES OUT THERE THAT ARE DYSLEXIC AND DOING WELL WITH THEIR JOBS NURSING? THEY ARE TRYING TO RUN ME OUT OF SCHOOL. I NEED TO SHOW JUST HOW MANY OF US ARE OUT THERE SUCCEEDING IN NURSING!!!

I am dyslexic. What school or job are you at? I also had the same problem I can perhaps help you. What union are you part of? Do not give up. One of the best instructors at our school is dyslexic :balloons:

James Garrity, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2005

ANY NURSES OUT THERE THAT ARE DYSLEXIC AND DOING WELL WITH THEIR JOBS NURSING? THEY ARE TRYING TO RUN ME OUT OF SCHOOL. I NEED TO SHOW JUST HOW MANY OF US ARE OUT THERE SUCCEEDING IN NURSING!!!

I think I may have some form of Dyslexia,and it is proven to be very hard in school.I suspected somthing back in biology when we were doing pundit squares,I know what I needed to do,but,couldnt seem to get it on paper.It has been very bad in ANT/PHY II,as the teacher has been very "creative" with test,I know the stuff,but his test methods make it very difficult for me,and without being formaly diagnosed,there is not much I can do about it except study untill I see it all in my sleep.But I too would like to know of any nurses who are making it happen,James

nursetim, NP · Apr 12, 2005

To get accomidations for learning disablities you have to be diagnosed someone specializing in your disability. For me, having ADD, I had to get a shrink specializing in ADD. He was an extrodinary advocate for my education. I ran into a hiccup and I thought I'd have to throw a net over him. He was ready to take the school to court for violating the americans with disability act. you can do it. :)

DUCKGIRL · Apr 12, 2005

I am a very learning disabled student...dyslexic to some degree but have other issues as well..mainly visual motor perception problems... School was very hard my whole life..in fact I didn't have the confidence to do such a complicated degree the first time I went to college...but I finally decided to go ahead and pursue a BSN. I graduated with a 3.3 GPA and now have a great med surg job in which I love. However...there definitely were obstacles....My handwriting is very difficult to read, many instructors did not understand the learning strategies that I used and I frustrated many classmates with group projects! Here are a few suggestions to make it through:

1. By law colleges must accommodate learning disabled students in test taking and course preparation. You must however have your learning disability documented by a licensed professional. Get an assessment if you have not already done so. It usually costs about $200-$300 dollars. The college learning center usally can suggest individuals who do this kind of testing.

2. Be honest with your professors...many of them will make accommodations that are beyond what the college learning center will do.

3. Know that there are certain skills that you have to obtain...no matter what your disability is. You have to be able to communicate in clinicals with other nurses, doctors and patients. If you written skills are lacking...be the best oral communicator you can be.

4. Don't think ever for one minute that you are not as smart as other students! Your learning style is just different from theirs...

expatnurse · Apr 13, 2005

I am a very learning disabled student...dyslexic to some degree but have other issues as well..mainly visual motor perception problems... School was very hard my whole life..in fact I didn't have the confidence to do such a complicated degree the first time I went to college...but I finally decided to go ahead and pursue a BSN. I graduated with a 3.3 GPA and now have a great med surg job in which I love. However...there definitely were obstacles....My handwriting is very difficult to read, many instructors did not understand the learning strategies that I used and I frustrated many classmates with group projects! Here are a few suggestions to make it through:
1. By law colleges must accommodate learning disabled students in test taking and course preparation. You must however have your learning disability documented by a licensed professional. Get an assessment if you have not already done so. It usually costs about $200-$300 dollars. The college learning center usally can suggest individuals who do this kind of testing.
2. Be honest with your professors...many of them will make accommodations that are beyond what the college learning center will do.
3. Know that there are certain skills that you have to obtain...no matter what your disability is. You have to be able to communicate in clinicals with other nurses, doctors and patients. If you written skills are lacking...be the best oral communicator you can be.
4. Don't think ever for one minute that you are not as smart as other students! Your learning style is just different from theirs...

I am both dyslexic and ADHD. I agree fully with the statement made earlier. You must be tested. Make sure that when you are tested they include reccomedations to meet your needs. It has also been very hard for me in school. When I first tried to complete a BFA in dance the school refused to help me and said it was not there problem. Therefore I do not hold my BFA. Once I deceided to train as a nurse I had to go against the head of the school. Do not give up, you have as much right to be there and learn as everyone else. Join a union. And be ready to kick butt and take names get to know your rights!! Get with a study group. A few things I do reread chapters highlight as you read. rewrite your notes after class I made a 85% in A&P I did have a tutor that was provided for me that help me predigest the information before classes. Do not give up. Remember one day another disabled student may be looking up to you because you have proved it can be done. I just made in the top 5 of my class for our last exam. Look for computer software that may help you I use Inspiration. Good luck look for to hearing more from everyone. And we are just as smart if not smarter than others we just see the world a little differently but remember those who see the world differently make some of the most important advances throughout history.

studious · Apr 13, 2005

They have to accomodate you, do not give up. It makes my blood boil when I hear stories like this:angryfire My friend always thought she was stupid, and was made to feel she would never amount to anything by her teachers at school. I urged her to get tested, the doc even did an IQ test on her, turns out she's a genuis. HAH! I knew she was intelligent, as well as warm and kind and very funny. She is now a very successful home carer, has recently purchased her own home, and has a car, she also has her certificate from MENSA proudly hanging in her hallway. You can do it, and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Hell! you could be even more intelligent than half of your proffessors. Now wouldn't that be a turn up for the books!!!!! Good luck and let us know how you go!!!!!!!:)