wwnurse

I was one of those who found out later in life I had ADD. I started meds and started college at 34. At first I was a little undecided about what to pursue and just took pre-req's. Anyway, for various reasons I decide to try nursing (LVN first). I have to say I think it is a fabulous job for ADD/ADHDers. The variety is endless for those of us who bore easily. The main thing is finding a place where you can function well. ER's for high performing adrenaline junkies. Home health, long term care facilities, & nights for those who function better in low stress environments. For those who are afraid of wandering attention causing med errors, you can always do patient teaching for clinics etc. Eventually when you have gained some experience, you can pursue your writing by submiting articles to nursing journals etc! Best of luck!

Hi! My story is like most who found out later in life they had ADD. I was 34 when I started taking classes. After a few semesters of testing out my meds and taking some basics, I took the advice of many friends and tried nursing. I went for LVN first because it was only 12 months & I wanted to move closer to family. For me, I don't learn well under pressure. Also, clinical check-offs for me were a nightmare (I had horrible "stage fright). Since I am slowly working towards my RN, my game plan was to get in a job with good co-workers that wouldn't mind teaching me the clinical skills I would need as a RN. I ran into a classmate who worked at a nursing home and said it was fun, so that is where I went. All my life I had heard how horrible nursing homes were but I absolutely love it. My facility has rehab and long term so although there is not a lot of med-surge, I still have an opportunity to practice alot of clinical skills. Also, I work nights because it is quieter and slower. When I am on a long term care floor & finish up rounds, instead of taking a break, I offer to help the night RN. So far they have all appreciated the extra help when the only catch is sharing their expertise. OK, here is my suggestion for being organized. Although I have chosen to begin my career where change is slow & my routine is not varied frequently, I have of course rotated through hospitals while in school. What I have found most helpful is having a palm pilot. I have a used Tungston E that came with a ton of software for nurses. It also has a "notepad". You just write on the screen, then set an alarm. You can set it go off every day for the same time (like 5am, clear pumps) or for once a week meds that have to be given separately. It is really nice having the reference books, too. I know working nights, I am always double checking my spelling or making sure of some med term I haven't used much when I am charting at 4am. well, someones at my door, best wishes to all

Thanks for starting this thread. I only have a few moments to spare this evening, but I am looking forward to visiting again soon. Just for the record, I was also a high school drop-out. I never even finished the 9th grade but passed the GED w/flying colors. Then I just sat on it for 15 years until I saw a special on MTV about ADD & college that sounded like my acedemic life so I got tested and confirmed my suspicions. I got meds and started college at 34. I wish someone would have picked up on my problem in elementary school. I love school and I currently have a 3.6. I did two semesters with meds and this last one without (I start clinicals this month and didn't know if it would be frowned upon in this profession so I wanted to see if I could make it without them). Sometimes I worry nursing might not be the best idea for an ADD'er but I am betting on the hyper-focus kicking in:) .

Hi! My husband is doing RN and I am doing LVN (LPN). I have looked at several programs in various states and it really looks like you waste a lot of time doing the LPN first. I am only doing LPN so I can afford to pay my way through school for Social Work. One cool thing I heard about LPN to RN though, is if you are an LVN you can do your RN through an online or correspodance type school (like Excelsior). My friend did that and it took her less than a year to finish (including passing boards).