The Nursing Student With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in college-age students presents a complex challenge of coping with academic coursework, refining life skills, and addressing self-limitations. Behaviors that characterize ADHD are particularly problematic for nursing students, especially when the student has difficulty with behaviors that exemplify executive functioning. The authors discuss symptoms and treatments associated with the diagnosis of ADHD and evaluation and interventions for college students, based on guidelines from the Americans With Disabilities Act. Nursing faculty can facilitate academic success by recognizing the problem in nursing students and implementing strategies useful for self-management of ADHD.

Provision of Learning Support for University Students with Learning, Mental Health, and Other Forms of Hidden Disabilities

“…In a description of a nursing student with ADHD, the following study behaviors were noted: she produced sloppy and disorganized written work, required maximum amounts of time to complete administered assessments, interrupted others during class discussions, and tended to be insensitive and impulsive in dealing with others [38]. The authors suggested that the cognitive deficits manifested by adult students with ADHD are mainly in "executive functioning" rather than in language and comprehension.…”

Coaching nursing students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in clinical settings: A case study

“…Additionally, mastering healthcare terminology, replete with jargon and abbreviations, is similar to learning a foreign language, which presents particular difficulty for students with ADHD. [12] In the same way that a nursing student with ADHD often requires more time for theory examinations, this student also benefits from more time to prepare for clinical practice, such as having an extra hour to prepare prior to the start of the shift.…”

“…As well, time estimation and self-regulation is often difficult for students with ADHD. [8,12] A strategy we used for teaching OTMP in the clinical setting was the time-and-task plan, whereby WYM attempted to anticipate and break down complex tasks and activities into small manageable steps, with a time estimate assigned to each step. [8,19] The time-and-task plan gave WYM insight into what actually happened during the clinical shift and how much time was consumed by each event or activity.…”

“…Fewer still have any expertise in teaching a nursing student with ADHD. [12] The clinical NI will give the struggling nursing student with ADHD strong feedback about organization and time management, getting and staying focused, and reviewing textbooks and agency policies before attempting to perform nursing psychomotor skills. However, without consideration of the underlying issue, nursing students with ADHD are likely to start down a predictable trajectory: they will be given learning development plans in clinical practice courses, have a lower academic performance as indicated by lower grade point average (GPA), be placed on academic probation and risk failing to graduate, with consequent symptoms of anxiety, depression, substance abuse and personality disorders.…”

“…However, without consideration of the underlying issue, nursing students with ADHD are likely to start down a predictable trajectory: they will be given learning development plans in clinical practice courses, have a lower academic performance as indicated by lower grade point average (GPA), be placed on academic probation and risk failing to graduate, with consequent symptoms of anxiety, depression, substance abuse and personality disorders. [5,10,12] To re-direct this trajectory, clinical teaching strategies for nursing students with ADHD are urgently needed.…”