Nurses with ADD/ADHD?

[Metron]

Hey all! I was wondering if there are any nurses with ADD/ADHD out there who want to comiserate and support each other? I know I need the help/advice. It might also be a place for "regular" people (I hate the word normal) to come and read and understand what its like for us. Or ask us ?'s.

I'll start with an intro:p I'm 29, and I've had an official diagnosis for less than 2 years, but have been trying to find the answer (for what's up with me) for MUCH longer than that:uhoh21: :) I currently work night shift at a drug rehab and on call at a nursing home. I have a lot of trouble in staff meetings - sitting through them, being treated like a brat because I actually show some emotion. I had much difficulty in school, (I didn't know back then), not with grades but with social stuff. I almost got kicked out of school because of the problems I was having.

But its not all bad. I'm funny and creative and often am able to connect with my patients in unique ways.

So we'll see how many of us there are out there?:)

[BuckeyeGal]

I am a high school junior in Ohio who has pretty bad ADHD (on meds) but would like to study nursing. I am above average intelligence, but my grades are not so good. It wasn't until recently that my ADHD got under control and my grades have improved to As and Bs, but my overall GPA is still around 2.0.

Looking for suggestions for a 4 year nursing program at a school that has a good ADHD support program within 300 miles of Columbus, Ohio. Any suggestions for schools, financial aid, or advice is welcome, thanks!

[waldowhere]

:bugeyes:I am a late 2nd career fresh grad RN still in hospital orientation. I had no idea that I had ADD until reading about it in school and all the sudden my life's jigsaw puzzle came together. I have not been dx'ed with it but I am really struggling in the orientation program to my unit. They love me and are giving me extra training and lots of support. I found this website and thread via goggle. I've read a numer of pages and have found people talking about tips and memory management techniques but nothing about actual "HOW TO" or links to "HOW TO" step by step management. ANY directions wouldbe helpful at this point.

[wwnurse]

Hi! My story is like most who found out later in life they had ADD. I was 34 when I started taking classes. After a few semesters of testing out my meds and taking some basics, I took the advice of many friends and tried nursing. I went for LVN first because it was only 12 months & I wanted to move closer to family.

For me, I don't learn well under pressure. Also, clinical check-offs for me were a nightmare (I had horrible "stage fright). Since I am slowly working towards my RN, my game plan was to get in a job with good co-workers that wouldn't mind teaching me the clinical skills I would need as a RN. I ran into a classmate who worked at a nursing home and said it was fun, so that is where I went. All my life I had heard how horrible nursing homes were but I absolutely love it. My facility has rehab and long term so although there is not a lot of med-surge, I still have an opportunity to practice alot of clinical skills. Also, I work nights because it is quieter and slower. When I am on a long term care floor & finish up rounds, instead of taking a break, I offer to help the night RN. So far they have all appreciated the extra help when the only catch is sharing their expertise.

OK, here is my suggestion for being organized. Although I have chosen to begin my career where change is slow & my routine is not varied frequently, I have of course rotated through hospitals while in school. What I have found most helpful is having a palm pilot. I have a used Tungston E that came with a ton of software for nurses. It also has a "notepad". You just write on the screen, then set an alarm. You can set it go off every day for the same time (like 5am, clear pumps) or for once a week meds that have to be given separately. It is really nice having the reference books, too. I know working nights, I am always double checking my spelling or making sure of some med term I haven't used much when I am charting at 4am.

well, someones at my door, best wishes to all

[waldowhere]

I just signed on this week and found this thread. Were you able to get any advice? I am a new 55 yr old RN orienting to an orthopedic floor in a hospital on night shift. My supervisor is great and is really working with me and wants me to make it with her. She is already giving me extra training time and this week i'm going to sit down and talk with some mentors we've agreed on. I'll see how that goes but I do feel the need for someone to still follow behind me after final chart check cause I just do not see it all yet. Did you find any books helpful?

[cherilee]

Hi all

Im so glad I found this thread. I KNOW I am suffering from ADD.

I am having difficulties in work. I had a lot of problems in my last job. My preceptor said everyone thinks I am not paying attention because I keep asking the same questions. Oh or maybe im just not "gettingit"

. I became more and more anxious with this lack of support and before I knew it I was out. ***. My child is upset with me because the house is always a mess. I m just not functioning at a high level like I could be.

Im on Wellbutrin. I believe its going to take alot of concious effort on my part to improve. I dont have health insurance because I have no job! So I cant run to a therapist. However, what a relief knowing Im not the only one out there....

I have experienced alot of anxiety due to my inability to learn quickly, I dont know which one comes first, the anxiety or the lack of focus??

Anyway, I hope you guys keep this thread going, I really need tips and suggestions on how to get a handle on this stuff.

thanks, Lisa

[waldowhere]

I'm just starting the learning process about adhd. I'm very lucky in my orientation because my manager is very supportive of me, she believes in me more than I do myself. I've been on zoloft for 12 years. last week in meeting with my doctor he said that the anti-depressants treat the symptoms where as the add meds treat the cause and if i get the right medication i could very possibly drop the zoloft. In talking with an add service center they focused as the key was medication and then some other behavioral techniques. I'm responding to the part of your letter where you talk about a therapst. I have used a therapist for several years but again this treating the symptoms and not the cause. After reading about add in nursing school I'm the one who said i had it and agreed 100%. Point being, from what little exposure I currently have to add knowledge, the primary and most direct fix currently seems to be medication - which if you can take the primary medications - work very quickly to correct the time management and organizational problems.

[waldowhere]

Thank you for this posting. I found the sites very helpful and 've stored them in my PDA to access from work.

[blueheaven]

I have had ADD ever since I could remember, just didn't know what it was (wayyy back in the day).

I diagnosed my youngest daughter myself. She quit taking her medication (dexadrine and clonidine) because it made her feel like a zombie. So mom self medicated with the left over med. OMG I couldn't believe how much it helped and I didn't get a buzz on it.

I have yet to find a psych who will look past my hx of depression to see the whole picture and how it is affecting me. I am trying to go back to school and I find that I can't focus enough to do my work. I went to a psychiatrist and he seems to think that I am cyclothymic (he hasn't used the word bipolar) and put me on Provigil (cause I have sleep apnea) lamictal and a SSRI. This has done nothing to help my attention. Emotionally I feel better but still not able to focus!!!!!!

Like another poster, nursing school and doing procedures in front of an instructor was a nightmare for me!! I see myself in almost every post on this thread.

[Nurse Lulu]

HI,

I am 24 (since Sunday WU-HOO), and have had the official dx for about 17 years. My father and both my little brothers have ADHD as well. I have been on and off meds, but have not taken them for about 10 years. I used to sleep like 18 hours a day. In a weird way I find it helps me in nursing as I tend to be like the energizer bunny. Got to work what ya have right?? I find as I live with it more, I learn my triggers and how to avoid situations where I feel out of control. I work critical care and finally feel like my environment keeps up with my brain:lol2:

[EMTastic]

I too have trouble with my memory in the workplace. I have been jokingly called 'dingdong' at work but people at work don't realize that it isn't carelessness, I am actually forcing myself to focus really hard and still having issues with my mind wandering! I'm such a hard worker they don't even think about it. Sometimes I wonder if becoming a PA is not a good thing to do... too much riding on doing things right and quickly, and not making mistakes. I know if I could overhaul my concentration though I could be a very good PA. My psychiatrist retired and I live in a different area now, but I didn't get much results from what he prescribed anyway. Sometimes I want to ask one of the nurses which psychiatrist to go to, but am afraid of what they will say, or if they will loose confidence in me, and since I'm newer this is not a good way to start a career. But I know I need to figure out a solution because I really want to be able to suceed!

[TexasRn21]

I have been diagnosed with adhd and I was prescribed an amphetamine. I was wondering if any one knows whether your job as a nurse can be jepordized if someone at work finds out that you are taking the medication for adhd. If anyone knows anything please let me know. I couldnt find anything online and I really was worried. Are nurses with adhd allowed to work as nurses by law?

[strawberry_bird]

Great to see there are nurses with ADD out there who are talking about it. I am now in Nursing School. I have worked in healthcare for 5+ years and expected to feel failrly comfortable in school and clinicals. I am feeling anxiety about my future as a nurse... I definetly can be a little spacey at times and am concerned with how I will make the transition from student to nurse. I am sure things will come together more as I go through school, but I am curious as to how nurses with ADD cope. Any suggestions for organization, cheat sheets, routines... I will be checking in and seeing how the conversation goes.

Thanks!