The duties and responsibilities of being a nurse tend to be overwhelming. In addition, nurses must know how to focus, organize, and have excellent attention to detail to perform their daily tasks efficiently. However, these skills are what most people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with.
Is it possible to become a nurse with ADHD? Will you be successful in your chosen field? The answer is a big YES. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help you become a practical and successful nurse with ADHD.
The Reality for Nurses with ADHD
If you want to become a nurse, it’s crucial to know that studying and training for the job can be task-intensive and challenging. An efficient performance within the hospital setting would require a nursing student to build and cultivate functions for the organization, prioritization, and distraction management. These qualities will all be learned in nursing school.
It’s also essential to know that taking up nursing would require you to learn the essentials of the subject matter and the vital disciplines needed to help establish the foundation for your practice.
After learning all the knowledge about becoming a nurse, you will also be expected to apply them once you enter the clinical environment you’ll be working at. This shows that being a nurse isn’t just having a degree and a license.
Being in the clinical environment mentioned earlier is usually characterized by interruptions, emergencies, and distractions. Functioning efficiently in such an environment can be a struggle for an individual with ADHD, especially if they are hyperactive and struggles with staying focused on a specific task. However, it’s not an impossible task.
Other symptoms of ADHD in adults include:
- Poor organizational skills
- Carelessness and lack of attention to details
- Restlessness and edginess
- Inability to deal with stress
- Forgetfulness
How To Be a Great Nurse with ADHD
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what it means to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many people think that those with ADHD are just lazy or undisciplined. But the truth is, people with ADHD are often some of the most creative and passionate people you’ll ever meet. When it comes to nursing, this couldn’t be more true.
If you’re a nurse with ADHD, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success.
Always Follow Your Prescribed Treatment Plan
Always follow your doctor’s treatment plan, especially since you’ll be working as a nurse with many different responsibilities. Doing so would also mean that your doctor will monitor and evaluate your progress and adjust your plan if necessary.
If you’re prescribed any ADHD medications, such as vyvanse, it’s essential to take them as prescribed. This can help you treat ADHD faster and avoid experiencing unwanted side effects that also affect your job as a nurse. It’s also best to take your medications before your shifts at the hospital to concentrate on your job better.
Manage Your Time
Managing your time is essential as a nurse with ADHD. However, this can be challenging in hospitals since nurses’ time is in demand, and they are often given many tasks. Thus, you’ll need to explore time management techniques to help you get the job done and stay organized. Also, most nurses with ADHD use timeboxes, to-do lists, and setting priorities as strategies for managing their time.
Use Your Alarm
Another tip you should consider to become a successful nurse with ADHD is to set alarms and reminders. For example, you can place sticky notes on your monitor or use your mobile phone to set up a reminder. Moreover, this tip can help you manage your time and enhance your organizational skills.
Don’t Forget Small Things
One of the symptoms of ADHD is forgetfulness. As a nurse, you must remember everything, even the tiny things. Thus, you should pay extra attention to details and make extra efforts so that you won’t be caught off guard.
One Patient at a Time
As a nurse with ADHD, it’s recommended for you to deal with only one patient at a time. You shouldn’t take care of several patients simultaneously and be distracted while on the job. Entertaining one patient at a time will enhance your attention to detail and focus.
Seek Professional Treatment
A nurse’s job can be very overwhelming. Due to the heavy duties and responsibilities, you might experience work stress or, even worse, depression. Thus, it’s vital to seek professional help if you need to since your mental health is very crucial
To Sum It Up
If you’re a nurse with ADHD, know that you have what it takes to be great at your job. With a little bit of planning and support, you can overcome any challenges that come your way and excel in your career.
