Which unit would be good for a RN with ADHD-inattentive to work on?

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These are the units of thought of:

Pediatrics (I volunteered in a children's hospital for 4 years in high school & enjoyed it)

Cardiac (I love learning about the heart)

Emergency Room

**I'll be graduating this coming May (2015)

If I were you, I'd try to shadow on a few units I was interested in. That may help you narrow down what kind of nursing would challenge you/fit you best. Good luck!

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Specializes in Education.

Short answer: whatever interests you.

Long answer: I'm just echoing the other posters. Yes, having ADHD comes with benefits. But when left untreated those benefits can become problems, if you haven't already encountered them.

I have ADD. And I'm having problems at work sometimes. And I'm in a specialty that interests me! And I know that unless I get this dealt with - which I am - my problems are only going to increase. I can't choose to hyperfocus. Compassion? Sure, but too much of it causes problems on my unit. Humor? Not where I live.

You asked a question that has no one answer, so people are answering the best that they can. Some of these answers come from experience and a desire to not see more nurses have problems, so yes, it may seem like they're attacking you. They aren't.

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mariebailey:

No matter what I always start my day with the intention to hyperfocus on whatever tasks that need to get done. That doesn't mean I will disregard other tasks that come up randomly (which always happens). I just have a strong intention to stay focus, get things done, and stay on my feet!

I too take Adderall (IR and as needed when i study). I used to take Adderall XR every morning, but experienced bad side effects; I also didn't like constantly have a stimulant inside of me, because of long term effects on the body. In addition to Adderall IR, I have numerous coping strategies and coaching skills that ensure I function effectively - I don't even notice I'm doing them anymore, its become habit.

I agree its essential I stay ontop of it for my patient's safety, I'll continue to do so. Im only 22 and think Im doing pretty well considering my age and how strong Ive had to be because of my ADHD.

I never thought of doing public health nursing..I'll have to look into that!

When I first started taking medication, I had lots of trial & error to find what works for me.

I actually started out on Vyvanse (I stopped taking it because it would cause me to sweat a lot and have diarrhea). Good to know about the ICU. Thank you!

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enuf_already:

Im not going to decide where Id like to work based off the fact that I have ADHD..

I'd like to know if there is a tendency for ADHD nurses to work in particular units..I know Emergency Room is one that's often spoken of..just curious!

I know nobody has intentions to be offensive, but I don't think its polite to suggest someone to seek treatment if you have no knowledge of their background..also suggesting such is not relevant to my question..

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Specializes in Operating room..

The Operating Room! Definitely! I am ADD and the OR really keeps me moving, keeps me from being "bored", and there is something new every day. Love the OR!

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Nonyvole

All I'm trying to say is I acknowledge how difficult ADHD and use ADHD to my advantage sometimes. And use mental strategies to ensure I'm efficient throughout my shifts.

Hyperfocousing is all about intention..and practice! Also being aware of my ADHD in general helps.

Again..my only question was about a unit. If there are people who want to see nurses without problems, they should understand that nurses are humans. I'm not going to let my ADHD interfere with my patient care. Hense why Ive sought treatment. Thats all that matters - taking the time to take care of yourself, so you can take care of your patients.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

zsnurs

you are being hyper sensitiveive and defensive

the critical thinking cascades in the areas you mentioned, require focus

i dont know you are a nursing student, you ask some very experienced nurses and received some directions you did not like what we suggested......you have been afforded some sound advice.

you are aware of your AdHD, and will be completing a nursing program.........that in itself is commendable

I wish you well......

i do understand that in the ER, and critical care areas you will find many of us thriving on theunpredictable rollercoaster of events..........I refered to myself as an "adrenaline junkie" first several decades of my nursing career.as i enjoyed the caotic ....

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

zsnurs.........

i think i understand how we may have assumed symptomology not controled

your title inattentive Adhd nurse .........that implies ADHD not in control, then you listed a couple of critical care areas and pedi etc.....

take away the in attentive............ you probably find more ADHD nurses in critical care, and ER.............

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sallyrnrrt:

Thank you for your input.

Yes critical thinking does require focus. Just because I have ADHD-inattentive doesn't mean I don't focus while working. If anything, it makes me extremely aware of the fact that I need to focus (hense my hyperfocusing). Thanks all for being direct with your answers...still I don't think anyone without ADHD can give valid input regarding my question. Yes ADHDers especially seek adrenaline

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In DSM-IV, there were 3 ADHD subtypes:

1. Combined Type

2. Predominantly Inattentive Type

3. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

I stated I have the ADHD-Inattentive type (or otherwords option 2 from my list above).

In DSM-III, the term thats used is: "ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder) with or without hyperactivity"..few years later they just say "ADHD" (regardless whether they are hyperactive or not)

In the DSM-IV, ADHD with 3 sub-types was presented

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So...when I say "ADHD-inattentive" that's what I am...Thats my subtype..

I can understand how inattentive part can come across as me being an inattentive person in general..I guess not many people know how ADHD diagnosis works with the subtypes

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These are the units of thought of:

Pediatrics (I volunteered in a children's hospital for 4 years in high school & enjoyed it)

Cardiac (I love learning about the heart)

Emergency Room

**I'll be graduating this coming May (2015)

SIDE NOTE:

In DSM-IV, there were 3 ADHD subtypes:

1. Combined Type

2. Predominantly Inattentive Type

3. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

I stated I have the ADHD-Inattentive type (or otherwords option 2 from my list above).

In DSM-III, the term thats used is: "ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder) with or without hyperactivity"..few years later they just say "ADHD" (regardless whether they are hyperactive or not)

In the DSM-IV, ADHD with 3 sub-types was presented

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