Getting into Nursing School with a learning disability

Nurses Disabilities

Published

I'm a 50 year old man with ADHD/LD. I have been in the Mental Health field for 23 years. I have been in an entry level position for the entire 23 years. I had to take my prereqs more than once, but that was years ago.

I am divorced, pay child support, and do not have the option of working part time. My dream is to be a psych nurse, but I do not see how that is possible given the ADHD/LD, not having the option of working part-time. I'm desperate and looking for a way out of my current job. Any advice would be helpful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Contact the Disability Resource Center at the college you plan to attend and discuss support and accommodations. They can provide you with notetakers, real time captioning (transcript of the class) such as Typewell, Extended exam time or dedicated private exam room to reduce distractions while taking exams etc. they can even do video of lectures if deemed appropriate. Keep in mind you cannot share those note, video etc or post it anywhere as it will violate policy and copyrights. The other part is work with professors to accommodate your learning style. You can definitely succeed if that is what you want to do.... the ADA entitles you to equal access to education...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, Tele, MedSurg, ADN, Outpatient, LTC, Peds.

Couple of things you can do. Get formally diagnosed by going to a neuropsychologist, getting tested and getting a detailed report. Make sure that you don't have a visual or auditory processing problem. You may need vision therapy and may/may not need help with auditory processing.

Find colleges that have a good support system for ADHD/ LD. The report will help you get an interview with that dept. Some of the help you could ask for is for a note taker,sitting in front , alternate seating for testing and extra time, tutoring, office hours with professors etc.

Have a good support system but most importantly believe in yourself and know that you are truly loved by your creator who would not have you any other way!

How do I know this? I am the mother of a son with the same diagnosis and he is presently excelling in college.

Chase your dream and catch it. Yes, you can!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment