Pre-Nursing Students with ADD

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Hey folks,

I've already introduced myself previosuly. I'm 19 & doing all my pre-reqs to get into the RN program but I'm having trouble because of my ADD. I self diagnosed myself & I'm positive that I have ADD as all the symptoms are present in my condition. I fear this will be very detrimental for my nursing pre-reqs. I have trouble engaging in my studies without my mind switching to some other thoughts. I have no desire to resort to any medication at all & I plan to find any means that'll offer a natural remedy for ADD. Are there Nurses or students who have been dealing with ADD? If so, how did you deal with it? And if someone has treated it through natural means (no medication), can you please share that remedy.

Specializes in Intermediate Care.

Just wanted to offer my support and to advise that you speak with a trained practitioner about this to determine if your self-dx is correct.

As for study strategies, repetition is the name of the game with me, and LOTS of breaks. I used to procrastinate but that only made it worse. Now I try to stay a week ahead on my studies so that I give my brain "room" (time) to spiral out of focus and then return to the studying at hand. I've been faring excellently with my lowest grade being a 3.7 in Statistics. I only use my adderall if I absolutely need to because I hate how f l a t I feel after taking a dose. Ugh.

Anyhow, best of luck to you!

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Many people who suffer from ADD do not wish to take any drugs, but unfortunately when it interferes negatively in your everyday life, sometimes medications are necessary to curb the symptoms. I'm not so sure that you can should be diagnosing yourself with the condition however-- some people (including me) just have more things going on in their heads at one time than others. Is it such a bad thing?

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Hi,

Just thought I would offer my .02 as well. I am currently in my last semester iin my ASN program. I have a rip roaring case of ADHD. That being said, I thought that I could add a little to this thread. I am 42 years old. I was finally diagnosed at 37. After 2 failed mariages and 21 jobs! My answer was MEDS. I hate to say it but I do love my medicine. I take Adderal and I can say with great confidence that I would not be where I am today without it.

Finally, lost 45 extra pounds, am on the deans list and will graduate with honors in May.

I can say that the old behavior patterns are very difficult to unlearn. Socially I am very retarded in my development. I have learned to keep my mouth shut most of the time. To stop just blurting out whatever I thought of. The nursing class is very close. And being only one of 4 remaining males, this has been very challenging indeed. I have never known what to say around women. But I am coming around.

I can say that having ADHD correctly diagnosed is the very first step. You should also be aware that if you in fact do have ADHD then you are in a class protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA offers protections in the school environment in college and in your career as well. HOWEVER, you need to be very careful to whom you disclose this diagnosis to. There are many nursing instructors who believe in only the "best of the best" being allowed into their nursing field. As if they are the gatekeepers. They often are the ones who wish to keep out the men as well. In my program, no one knows of my diagnosis. Three people who were open about their diagnoses early on and requested untimed tests are now gone.

I casually made this observation in passing in the hallway once and was overheard by a first year nsg. student. In no time at all, I was in one of the professors offices defending myself.

This probably doesn't happen everywhere, but it has been my experience.

Hope this helps.

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I was diagnosed with ADD about a year ago. I have been taking Adderall for management. Things that help my ADD symptoms:

1. Consistent exercise.

2. Low carb diet.

3. Environmental management.

4. Use a fidget.

5. Be honest with people in your life about your ADD. Ask them to help you.

6. Get in the books about Adult ADD.

7. Take meds if prescribed.

8. Get Evaluated! I wish that I hadn't waited 40 years to get evaluated and treated.

After getting into treatment for my ADD I won a scholarship for Adult ADD students from ELI Lilly for a semester of school. It paid for my prerequisites and I am entering nursing school in the fall for the Accelerated BSN at MN State-Mankato.

I think that nursing is a great career for people with ADD because it has lots of external cues to help stay focused plus because ADDErs as a whole also tend to be very empathetic towards others due to the struggles that they have overcome.

I wish you the very best as you work for your dreams!

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I don't have ADD, but nonverbal learning disability. I'm slower at all my work than other people, so like many have suggested, I work my butt off to get ahead...that way, if something happens I don't to panic, and I can also just have some time to just take a break, and not worry about school work. Also, I find that doing a little school at a time, and taking short breaks helps me tremendously!

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