bodhicat

I am a nursing student, second year, and I was just diagnosed with adult ADHD over the summer. Just having a confirmation of ADHD (lol that wasn't really a thing when I was a kid!) has changed my life. I've been researching a lot about it, and speaking with other adults and students with ADHD, and have found some really great tips to get organized, study, and stay on task. I made it through all the pre-req courses, but I had a heck of a hard time with them! Especially anatomy, because of all the memory and small details, and math, which I have always had a problem with. My first semester of nursing school was incredibly hard - it's learning a new way of thinking, much more studying, and a TON of information! I made it through by the skin of my teeth. In my second semester we had three chances to pass a drug math test, and, I failed all three of them with flying colors. My prof. and I talked about the possibility of dyslexia, and I got set up for testing through the Disability Support Services department at my school. They gave me the info on where to get tested, and helped me to sign up for a grant to cover the cost of the testing. I couldn't do it right then, since you have to be registered at school to get the grant. So, I worked for the summer, and put my nose to the grindstone when I came back for second semester in the fall. I went and got tested (ironic that the test for ADHD takes 7 hours ), and it came back negative for dyslexia, but, positive for severely debilitating ADHD. I still had to finish up the semester, and just passed by a mere 0.04 points... lol too close for me! Over the summer my doctor put me on Adderall and an antidepressant. The medications made a huge difference at my summer job, and an even HUGER difference with nursing school. It's much easier to stay on task now, and retain the information I study (woah!). I know being armed with the information I learned while waiting for school to start has definitely helped. The one thing I learned today is that clinicals are WAY too overstimulating for me to take the ADHD medications there, but, that's okay! It's all a learning process! Have you talked to anyone at your school's disability office? They may be able to help you out with some information! And, talk to your doctor about it, too. I wish you the best of luck!!!