Would ADHD disqualify me from nursing school

[CheckSix]

I was just accepted into a nursing program, where I am scheduled to start this September. As you all, probably know, I am supposed to turn in a package (vaccinations, CPR, etc.) ... well, one of the categories is physical check up which included a mental health check. After visiting with a different doctor, I was diagnosed with ADHD and gave me a prescription for it. This is now part of my permanent records, which was submitted directly to my university.

I am extremely anxious that this fact (diagnosis of ADHD + "Rx" for it) will automatically disqualify me from the program being that the Rx is a controlled substance. I have a 3.75 GPA, and no other health related issues.

Can someone please tell me if I am over reacting, or if my anxiety is justified. I do not want to take this Rx either.

Thank'U All

[BacktotheBeach, ADN, BSN, RN]

They cannot by law exclude you from the nursing program for ADHD. As long as you can handle the coursework and the physical aspect of being a nurse. I would do some research on ADHD drugs. Many people manage without them and it seems as if you have, thus far, too!

[KB24]

This is against the law and I never heard of a school rejecting a student because they have ADD/ADHD and are taking meds for it.

We do have a lot of nurses with ADHD on the site. Check out the nurses with disabilities forum.

[racquetmom]

I know some friends who had young kids on medicine for ADHD, but for you to get dx and a rx in college . It seems like you are totally surprised by this dx and never had it discussed before. Did you discuss with the dr. that you really don't want to be on medicine and that you are reluctant to have this on your medical record? You must have discussed something for them to go this route. I don't think this would keep you from starting the program as you are already accepted and many people in many different positions function fine with ADHD. I thought one of the key symptoms was can't focus (not on med), well you certainly made it this far and you weren't on any meds. I think you will be fine and wish you luck

[puravidaLV]

no no no you want them to exclude you from the program and matter fact have them state the reason why......just when you get the lawyer try to get him to only agree to 25% instead of 33% when you sue

[CheckSix]

Thanks for your words of advice and encouragement. I started thinking, for a change .., more like projecting, if if should get a second opinion to refute the first doctor, etc., etc., etc.

I can manage the school load ok (papers, etc.), it is just that I need to concentrate a bit harder than others. The only problem is in study group settings, no one can cath up with me at switching subjects at my lighting speeds... hence my nickname, speedy.

[BacktotheBeach, ADN, BSN, RN]

I think you will be just fine! Best of luck to you.

[D G]

It's so funny when I read or hear that it's illegal to discriminate ones with ADHD or similar learning disabilities. Well ... duh!! It doesn't mean that they can easily say that we found others with higher credentials or your interview didn't reflect what we needed, etc ... It's there word against you. It's almost impossible to prove that they discriminated unless you are a minority. If you are white, and they don't like you or what they know about your medical diagnoses, then they can easily discriminate. I would not make it a thing when interviewing or even bring it up. If they bring it up, I would mention that you done succeeded despite having ADHA etc. In fact, ADD/ADHD students/workers do MUCH better hands-on learning and working compared to non-ADHD people. If you did well compared to the average pre-nursing student, despite your disability and didn't have help of accommadations, then they should be thanking you for considering the nursing program. All facts .. not opinions here.

[D G]

Sorry for my spelling/grammar mishaps. allnurses blocked me from editing. weird.