Student with ADHD

I don't even know where to begin. I've typed, read, deleted, typed, read, deleted (imagine that :-/)... The school process is so difficult for me (currently a sophomore in the ADN program). I exert maximum effort with my studies. My lecture average has never been an issue. Skill checkoffs are another story. My anxiety is through the roof. It's a crapshoot on whether I pass the skill on the initial assigned day. I know the material. I just don't understand why I freak out and end up looking like a bonehead. Time management in clinical is also another inept attribute. Anyone else out there experiencing this? This is only a starter thread. I need to hear back from anyone that recognizes this disorder and has helpful insight.

I have ADD and have had many of the issues you are talking about. I still do to some extent. I was diagnosed with ADD this past year and I'm glad I took that step. I do take concerta and try to stay on the lowest amount possible that gives me the best outcome with my attention. I always did well in lecture, but now it's consistent A's. I still have performance anxiety, but it isn't nearly as bad as before. Now that I can focus better on things I don't get nearly as freaked out about it. I am still working on not letting one or two instructors get to me. I had and will have again an instructor that really focuses on what you did wrong. I know that I will not really know what I did right from him. It's not personal toward me and I've come to terms that I'm not perfect. Lol So he has plenty of things to point out as I'm learning. On the most part he leaves me alone and let's me do what I need to do. I have taken that as he is fine with my work.

Clinicals are harder for me because I don't multitask well with new skills. I do know my skills will get better because they already have. I'm already faster and more proficient at certain skills than I was before. Maybe you are going to be like me and need a little extra time for your skills to catch up with your knowledge.

Thank you :). I've read some of the previous threads and find comfort in knowing that there are people that understand living life with an undesired acronym. I'm definitely looking forward to being known for the acronym following my name and not the one that afflicts me, albeit "thinking too much" has its plus side as well

Helloooo

I TOTALLY get what it is like! Omgoodness in school, my time management was terrible. I would procrastinate like no one's business and do not even get me started on writing papers! It would take me approximately 12 hours to write a 3-5 page paper double spaced. I definitely struggled. I was not a fabulous A student, more like C...but I was damn good at what I did.

Anywhooo. I finally decided to get on meds.......for me, medicine isn't the right path. I make a conscience effort to focus. Sometimes, yes, this involves yelling at myself within my own mind to pay attention...but hey, whatever works right? As long as my patients are safe, I'm okay with talking to and coaching myself like a basket case.

Take it one day, one thing, at a time!

Best of luck!

- Erika B, RN, ADHD

(hahahaha)

Thank you sooooo much for the useful docs! :) I was diagnosed several years ago. Unfortunately my psychiatrist works under the guise of quantity, not quality. Their answer to any anxiety "hiccup" I may incur is to prescribe another pill. Not a fan of pill farmers. Brighter note, they inadvertently recommended me to a therapist that specializes in adults with ADHD (as they were shooshing me out the door). Hopefully I can pull the needed time out of the magician's hat to meet with the new therapist verrry soon.

Just to clarify: It was only my intention to find suggestions from others that are in a similar quandary. And I welcome any useful time-management tools, including the sheets you gave me. That's awesome :)). Thank you again. This site is a Godsend, as well as the participants

P.S. Love Emerson

LOL with the acronym!