Nurses with ADD (inattentive ADHD)

Davey Do · Mar 25, 2020

29 minutes ago, RubellaFella said:
Would mental health units be good for ADD folks?

I say this with all due respect, RubellaFella: It's where you would do the least damage.

I have worked with a nurse who has ADHD and, although he gets the job done, but it's never from point A to point B. He is extremely intelligent, knowledgeable and kind. It is good that he works with some seasoned nurses who have no problem directing him.

Now, this nurse has worked in LTC and hospice and, as I understand, was very successful. He even worked in middle management for a bit, excelling in some places and falling short in others.

However, I have seen this nurse take a small symptom, something that I wouldn't have given much attention, be on it like a pitbull on a poodle, and virtually save that patient's life.

I applaud your candor and endeavor to work best within the system by reaching out, RubellaFella. The very best to you!

caliotter3 · Mar 25, 2020

Keep in mind that extended care home health offers work with one patient, normally routine care, on a long term basis. Many times the patient's schedule of ADL's, treatments, meds, daily routine, etc. are written out on a sheet and posted on the wall or in the front of the patient chart, so you could use that to check up on yourself during the shift. Nothing says you couldn't make up such a schedule on your own if it has not been done. Since the care is routine it is easy to get it memorized and just be prepared for nonroutine occurrences. This type of work is always available to you if you try other nursing areas and want to try something more easily manageable.

brownbook · Mar 25, 2020

13 hours ago, Davey Do said:
be on it like a pitbull on a poodle, and virtually save that patient's life.

Dear DavyDo, I love your advice to RubellaFella. I love all your advice and humorous posts. BUT in the name of all the pitty's I've owned and loved since 2004 I have to speak up against negative portrayal.

With the upmost respect, Bodhi and Bella.

I am terrible with computers and posting photos...didn't mean to post three. Actually I am very shocked I managed to post a photo at all!

Every time I edit it it duplicates...like rabbits...I will close out now!

MisMatch, LPN · Mar 25, 2020

I am ADHD and think you are likely experiencing new nurse struggles complicated by the challenges of ADD. I have found nursing to be a field that attracts a lot of people with ADHD/ADD so you are apt to find others around with the same challenges.

Are coworkers aware of your ADD? Do you have mentors you are working with? Ask others what they do to overcome the challenges. As a new nurse, a lot of it takes time and perseverance!

Are you under medical/psychological/psychiatric care for ADD? I was diagnosed in my late 30's and spent years working with various clinicians learning various coping techniques. There are many support groups online for us and they are a great resource to help you with your particular challenges.

Since you mentioned inattention, 2 things that have helped me. 1: My watch has an hourly chime to remind me of the passage of time. It also has a stopwatch and countdown timer to cue me. 2: Write it down! Find a way that works for you, a pen & pad of paper, a patient list, something you keep with you AT ALL TIMES to jot notes, assessments, imperative information. I also use color coding with pens and highlighters to cue me for times, red flags, ect. that helps me.

Keep in mind the positive aspects of ADD! We can be very creative, innovative, compassionate, empathetic and more...once we overcome the challenges!

Best of luck to you!

Davey Do · Mar 25, 2020

4 hours ago, brownbook said:
Dear DavyDo, I love your advice to RubellaFella. I love all your advice and humorous posts. BUT in the name of all the pitty's I've owned and loved since 2004 I have to speak up against negative portrayal.
With the upmost respect, Bodhi and Bella.
I am terrible with computers and posting photos...didn't mean to post three. Actually I am very shocked I managed to post a photo at all!
Every time I edit it it duplicates...like rabbits...I will close out now!

SO FUNNY!

Brownbook, go to the gray area below the area of text, and on the images, click on the trash can to delete any images you want to get rid of. Or... you can put your cursor before the image and hit the delete button, or place your cursor after the image and hit the backspace button.

When wanting to post an image, put the cursor in the area you want the image and click on the "+" sign.

The time in which you could have edited the image may now have expired, so- better luck next time!

AND: My heartfelt apology to both Bodhi and Bella, for my negative portrayal, as I had no intention of insulting them!

brownbook · Mar 25, 2020

Thanks, I just now "broke" my desk top computer settings. Suddenly it's on Internet Explorer and I can't get Chrome 10.

If you can help with that you're a miracle worker!

amoLucia · Mar 25, 2020

brownbook - not to distract you, your 'pittys' ARE cuties. This from one who doesn't really like dogs. (Wish I did!)

7 hours ago, Davey Do said:
I applaud your candor and endeavor to work best within the system by reaching out, RubellaFella. The very best to you!

OP - DD says it well. Good luck & good health.