Nursing Student with Learning Disability

jlm0523 · Aug 11, 2015

I too have a learning disability and just completed my RN. It wasn't easy but I managed to work around it. Most schools require you to have a documented learning disability. If you do, give a copy to your school. They have to provide you with accommodations by law. My accommodations were extra time on tests and the ability to test in a room by myself. Hope this helps.

Career Columnist / Author · Aug 11, 2015

Congratulations, you are an inspiration!

I know a student who had anxiety and was always given a seat near the door and allowed to leave the classroom when she needed. The college also had a FT employee who assisted students with disabilities, which was a great resource.

Best wishes

Donna Maheady · Aug 11, 2015

Thank you, Beth, for referring the student to me. I would be more than happy to help.

There are many successful nurses who happen to have learning disabilities....it can be done!

Donna Maheady · Aug 11, 2015

You are spot on! In order to receive accommodations, you have to have a documented disability. The office for students with disabilities on campus is where students need to start.

And....congratulations to you!!!!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Aug 11, 2015

You are spot on! In order to receive accommodations, you have to have a documented disability. The office for students with disabilities on campus is where students need to start.
And....congratulations to you!!!!

And you need to self-identify with the office of disabilities. No one in college will come looking to help you as it's not mandated under section 504 unless you ask for help. Unlike ages 5-18 (or 21 depending on the student) with compulsory primary and secondary (high) school where your parents and school work together under IDEA and section 504 to develop a targeted plan for accommodations and modifications.

Also remember there are reasonable accommodations, not just whatever the student wants. In order to get modifications on the NCLEX or SAT/ACT or other standardized testing there must be documentation from a qualified professional of your disability AND documentation that you utilized the same requested accommodations throughout your academic career. (If you want extended test time & a quiet setting but never had extended test time or quiet setting in HS or college your request will be denied)

You must also be realistic in your requests no open book tests for just you. An extreme example would be someone who is legally blind but wants to drive a tractor trailer this is unsafe and unrealistic and not covered under ADA or section 504 of the rehabilitation act. A type 1 IDDM student requesting scheduled breaks to monitor blood sugar & adjust with meals would be reasonable. A student with dysgraphia requesting to be able to record or type notes and research papers would be reasonable.

Career Columnist / Author · Aug 11, 2015

Excellent info.

Nursetonp · Aug 12, 2015

All of the tips here are excellent! And although it may take longer/more effort to get there, You CAN get there. Don't give up until you have exhausted all resources : )

RNlouise · Aug 12, 2015

I noticed, on another thread, that nurses were saying people with learning disabilities shouldn't consider being a nurse, because you have to be able to think quickly. Aren't there Nursing Jobs where one doesn't always have to think quickly? I, personally have a really bad case of ADHD and am an RN, BSN, and I have struggled on the floor, but wish to succeed as a nurse. I know what's going on with patients, but get frantic when trying to make decisions. Anyone have any suggestions for me without being cruel and mean!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Aug 12, 2015

I noticed, on another thread, that nurses were saying people with learning disabilities shouldn't consider being a nurse, because you have to be able to think quickly. Aren't there nursing jobs where one doesn't always have to think quickly? I, personally have a really bad case of ADHD and am an RN, BSN, and I have struggled on the floor, but wish to succeed as a nurse. I know what's going on with patients, but get frantic when trying to make decisions. Anyone have any suggestions for me without being cruel and mean!

Perhaps you need a different work environment. You could seek counseling to develop alternative coping skills and executive functioning skills. Just like not everyone can work critical care not everyone is best suited for acute care. You are not less of a nurse if you don't work in a hospital. Perhaps if you have a few years acute experience consider skilled home health. You have several patients but focus on one visit at a time. You have breaks as you drive between patients and catch up on mandated documentation and follow up calls.

Cdonahoe · Aug 13, 2015

I noticed, on another thread, that nurses were saying people with learning disabilities shouldn't consider being a nurse, because you have to be able to think quickly. Aren't there Nursing Jobs where one doesn't always have to think quickly? I, personally have a really bad case of ADHD and am an RN, BSN, and I have struggled on the floor, but wish to succeed as a nurse. I know what's going on with patients, but get frantic when trying to make decisions. Anyone have any suggestions for me without being cruel and mean!

Your focus in that moment is one of overwhelmed the anxiety is evident with your instinct to self-blame. Read some of the nursing career bio on here to see if the want to do your best causes poor judgement by rushing... Prioritize, organize, and assess the ability to think quickly is not an advantage.. Make the right judgement call is.. take a deep breath in exhale set up a system for success. ADHD is a great advantage use it as a strength not a crutch... How many Doctors have ADHD never heard one state its a reason to not do well. A just, adapt remain flexible take in do your best. Offer the attention to what is important to best of care.... Get specific on areas that are a struggle.. Decision making sounds like a lack of confidence out of concern to make a mistake.. That is normal you want to do your best this skill is called active listening.. Repeat back what the person said to you, write it down, evaluate, highest need first in time you will improve.. Each day take notice of each person that you meet engage your self into your environment.. Take an assertive approach do not get defensive with criticism use that as a moment to prove your want to be on that floor.. Use humor to keep an upbeat positive attitude remain calm. Never guess if unsure ask this will save time frustration and lives.. There are many areas in nursing that can be your strength if you think ADHD to use as my advantage... You can do it.. You can do it...

MandieDandy · Aug 13, 2015

You stated you think you are learning disabled. I would highly suggest getting tested ASAP.

I am in nursing school now and have ADD. I have accommodations at school-extra time on exams and I take them in a room by myself. I'm doing great, mostly A's and am usually one of only a few to score high levels on ATI. I received my diagnosis as an adult and it made a world of difference in school. The biggest difference, though, is educating myself on my disability. I'm a former EMT-intermediate and worked in trauma. One of the "perks" of my ADD is being able to very quickly assess my environment. I'm great in trauma, and anything fast paced. Actually, 7/10 MD's in my ER had ADD too. I'm also aware that I probably won't do well in certain (monotonous) environments, I procrastinate, am disorganized, blurt things out, etc., etc., etc.! Other aspects that may help you are medications, CBT, biofeedback, etc.

It's been my experience that most schools and professors want to help me; however, I needed to be clear on how they help me. They're not going to come up with suggested solutions. You can do it!!! Get tested, find out about your disability, and learn what works for you. Best of luck to you!!!