Ever feel like you are not smart enough to be a nurse.

BeachsideRN, ASN · Oct 12, 2016

Without knowing the type or extent of your disability this is a very general response... but it can be done. Several people with learning disabilities have suceeded in the past and continue to do so. Personally, I deal with ADHD. I was medicated for my masters degree but now in my ASN program I chose to be unmedicated. It's difficult but I am thriving. I actually find that the attention deficit can be helpful when juggling a million things/thoughts in nursing classes and clinicals. That being said, I know my strengths and weaknesses and I am aware of what I need to do to prepare for exams and to practice safely on the floor.

Seek help from a counselor, get medicated if necessary, take advantage of disability accommodations (such as extra time, private testing rooms, etc). But know you CAN do this. You are your biggest enemy with the negative thinking.

GGirll22 · Oct 13, 2016

Find out how you learn the best, and work it. I'm a visual learner..... so I do charts and pictures.... It works for me.

Kimdesiree1 · Oct 13, 2016

Thank you all for the motivating words, im starting to feel better about myself and what i can achieve with my academics. Everyday i am learning a new way to study that works for me, its a slow learning process but i know it will work out for me. Thank you thank yu thank you

Ps. I am new to this site so i wasnt sure about the user name policy ill try and change it

Buyer beware, BSN · Oct 13, 2016

I never feel smart enough to be a nurse, only dumb enough.

Sorry if not right answer.

Graduatenurse14 · Oct 14, 2016

If you don't try you will never know!!! There are several things that you can do to help yourself:

1.) Get formally diagnosed and have official documentation so you can go to your school's Student Support Services and receive accommodations to level the playing field. It's not cheating or giving you an unfair advantage over the others- it truly is giving you the tools that you need to be on par with the students in your class who don't have a learning disability.

2.) That same office should be able to help you find out what your learning style is (visual, auditory, tactile) and the best ways to gear your study habits to maximize your learning. They should also be able to help you with other tips as well. If they can't the internet is full of reputable sites that can.

3.) We can't give medical advice but we all know that medication can be helpful for those diagnosed with ADHD/ADD. Also, many people with learning disabilities deal with anxiety that we all know may be helped with medications.

4.) Don't forget about the "Nurses with Disabilities" topic on here!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

DaNaturalNurse2b · Oct 14, 2016

Thank you for this comment, I've been saying this to myself all along. With all the horror stories I've heard about NS, I just know it cant be that bad, and I, like you am an analytical thinker for sure:up:, I hope it serves me well also in the coming semester.

BSWtoBSN · Oct 17, 2016

I wasted YEARS thinking this same thing, not related to a learning disability, just low self esteem. If you love nursing you are going to amaze yourself if/when you get into a program.

I'm in LPN school now and every day I feel like I'm truly living my fullest potential. I feel smarter now than I ever have in my life because I'm using my brain on what I've always loved. I'm confident it will be the same for you.

Chin up! Best of luck!! (:

Ruadh · Oct 18, 2016

(In regards to Kimdesiree's message): I really think at times we can all say we've had moments of self doubt. I've been an RN for only 2 years and had that creeping feeling on & off through nursing school and beyond. But, I must tell you that I know I'm in the right profession, when I help people each day accept the hand they've been dealt and make the best of what they DO have. As far as knowing enough for exams, sometimes when I didn't do as well as I would have liked I would tell myself that I simply mustn't have tried hard enough and that would help give me the determination to push through (and, of course, try harder!).

Make certain you join a good, reliable study group. If it's truly something you feel a "calling" to do, then you can pull it off. Don't let anyone discourage you from reaching and attaining that goal---including yourself and that creeping self-doubt. One thing that helped me too was asking my higher power each day for guidance and inspiration. Good luck to you, future RN ;o)

Ruadh · Oct 18, 2016

Thank you, "BUYER BEWARE': I needed a good laugh today.

"I never feel smart enough to be a nurse, only dumb enough.

Sorry if not right answer".

.....Ha Ha Ha, ain't that the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!

FutureRNRI · Dec 30, 2016

Hi,

I hope this message finds you well.

I saw a posting from you about USM's accelerated program. I received an acceptance letter...for May 2017. I'm wondering if would be willing to share some information with me about the program itself. Any information would be greatly appreciated?

Is the program doable? Are there people in the program and working? What is the dropout rate? Has anyone from your cohort dropped out? Do you get some time off? Housing in the area. Are the faculty members helpful? Are they interested in the students success? What is the first semester's schedule like?

What about clinicals? Do you complete the lectures then spend the last few weeks for clinicals?

It would also be nice to know what books will be used so that I can get ahead of the reading.

THANK YOU

FutureRNRI · Jan 20, 2017

Hi COMountaineer88,

Wow!! Thank you very much for the extensive response. I genuinely appreciate it you taking the time to answer each and every question. I'm starting the ABSN program in May. Since I was told there won't be any information session, I'm left to find answers to most of the questions I have. I'm from Rhode Island and plan on visiting the school and the area very soon! Coffee or lunch would be excellent. I will respond again with my information once I get the definite date of my visit. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!!