Going into nursing with a bad memory?

[MeAnurse?]

I'm starting my prerequisites next month for nursing so I can apply to start an ADN program next fall. But I'm wondering if my bad memory is going to hold me back or be an issue when I start working with patients. I'm only 26 but I have always had a bad memory and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. It's not so much a long term memory problem as it is short term. I can remember all kinds of things from my childhood going back to preschool. But I can leave the gas station without grabbing the ice I just bought, or leave the house with the bathtub running that I was cleaning, I've forgotten to get the groceries out of the car that I just bought, or walk out of the kitchen while washing dishes and then become distracted and come back to find the sink running over. Has anyone ever tried any supplements to help with their memory?

[MeAnurse?]

So I have the same problem! And I've finished all of my prerequisites and all but 5 of the classes needed to graduate with no classes less than a B. I think mine is worse because I also doze off. I.E. washing the dishes, go to the hall to get more detergent and fall asleep on the couch half way there. There are some supplements at walmart and drug stores that I take that have helped tremendously in my studies (they're $20-$50 depending on what you want). I think I have to study way more than other people and I can't cram because if I study the night before I won't remember. SO I look at the syllabus and start studying a month or so before and just review the few weeks before the test. I found that I ace every test like this because it's now in my "long-term" memory and not my nonexistent short term memory. I get the best grades regardless so oh well! Good luck!

What kind of supplements did you take?

[MeAnurse?]

My next guess would be movies or reading.

So, as those mentioned above...go see your doctor for an evaluation. I think you'll like the outcome. And best of luck on nursing school!

Just an update, I took everyones advice and got tested for ADHD... I checked off every box. I'm in my second semester now for prerequisets and things are going great. I finished my first course with the highest grade in the class. (That was a first). I just wish I had done this years ago, I'd probably be 5 years into my career by now. But better late than never! I will be applying to the RN program within the next 2 months.