tashcrof

This is a response to the student with ADHD who is starting her nursing program this fall. One of my roles as a nursing educator is to work with students with disabilities. Our program has a team that works with the student and their advisor from disability services to help the student be successful. It is scary to register with disability services and tell your teachers you are registered because of the concern that we might discriminate against students with disabilities. Here's my advice: Register with disability services. They are very helpful. You don't have to reveal your "disability label" to your teachers. That is none of their business. It is helpful, however, to tell them how your disability affects your learning. "Sometimes I get anxious when someone watches me do a skill," or "Sometimes it is difficult to focus." Work with your disability advisor and the teachers to help the teachers understand your learning style. When teachers don't know a student has ADHD, they sometimes label the behaviors as lazy, unfocused, etc., and blame the student rather than supporting learning. Use exam accommodations. They level the playing field but don't give you an unfair advantage. Remember that most nursing educators want you to be successful. Best wishes.

Hi Marie, Our Canadian baccalaureate program is currently developing a concept based curriculum. You likely have a viable study. As always the challenge will be keeping to a manageable sized question. I'd be pleased to participate. best wishes, Terri