A nursing aspirant has a lot of preparations they need to make at an early stage. First, candidates must have a 3.0 GPA to enter bachelor’s degree programs. Secondly, they’ll need to pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Once they get admission, the candidates will be bombarded with clinical rotation, coursework, and labs.
Getting into nursing school can be hard for everyone. That’s especially true for candidates with learning disabilities. However, a career in nursing is not impossible for these students.
The right support system, determination, and accommodations can help them navigate the complexities and rigors of nursing school. These students need to embrace their disabilities to become successful. All they have to do is explore the proper tips and strategies to overcome their shortcomings.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how learning disabilities can impact a nursing student’s life and share a few tips to overcome them.
What Nursing Course Should People With Disabilities Select if They Already Have a Degree?
Let’s say the candidate with a learning disability has already gotten a bachelor’s degree in a different field. For them, traditional nursing programs might be time-consuming or require a significant investment of resources.
They can benefit from enrolling in an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Candidates with learning disabilities will be stepping into a rewarding and fulfilling path if they choose this course.
Rockhurst University states that ABSN programs are flexible and only last 16 months. Students receive hands-on clinical experience and gain valuable knowledge about nursing practice. These courses only have 60+ semester hours.
The ABSN salary is usually USD 59,450 a year. That means the nursing graduate with a learning disability will receive a monthly salary of USD 4,950, or USD 28.58 per hour.
If the candidate doesn’t hold a previous bachelor’s degree, they can instead go for a BSN program. These are 4-year courses with 128+ semester hours. However, completing these can be harder for a nursing aspirant with learning disabilities because of the demanding coursework.
How Can Learning Disabilities Impact the Nursing School Student?
The nursing coursework will be tough, irrespective of whether the candidate chooses a BSN or ABSN degree. The added difficulty of a learning disability can negatively affect a nursing student.
It’ll affect their academic journey and can sometimes deteriorate their well-being. On average, a nursing student with a learning disability will face the following issues and challenges:
- Retaining information during a lecture
- Processing tasks and instructions
- Completing assignments on time
- Managing complex labs or coursework
Someone with learning disabilities might feel inadequate if they cannot keep up with their peers. As a result, they can develop anxiety and stress.
Moreover, students will suffer and struggle if they don’t get enough support or accommodations. That’s why teachers should help students keep their self-confidence intact. An understanding faculty can help them with customized learning strategies, assistive technology, etc.
Tips for Nursing Candidates Who Have ADHD and Dyslexia
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia are common disabilities among students pursuing a nursing career. These can affect how they perceive information and focus on tasks.
Thankfully, with the right preparation and mindset, students with dyslexia and ADHD can overcome their learning challenges. Take a look at a few tips that can help these students excel in their nursing careers:
Tips for Students With ADHD
Nursing students with ADHD can face the following challenges:
- Their inability to stay positive and focused
- Not being organized about their work and tasks
- Inability to wake up early to study or get to class
To counter the sleep issue, students with ADHD can set alarms. They must keep the phone or the clock on the other side of the room. Doing this will compel them to get out of bed.
Similarly, they can use flashcards and doodles to make the learning process more exciting. It’ll help them retain information better than casual studying methods.
Students with ADHD can stay positive and focused by studying in the park and while eating. They can try following the unique Pomodoro Technique. In this case, the student has to study for 25 minutes and take a break for five.
Moreover, adding little course-related things to their daily leisure routines can help them focus on academics. They should also keep changing their study times and environment to make it less monotonous.
Tips for Candidates With Dyslexia
Nursing students have a huge workload. They need to read coursework and finish assignments daily. Focusing on this academic side can be hard for students with dyslexia. That’s why they must find ways to figure out the types of learning methods that suit them the best.
Gail Trauco was diagnosed with dyslexia. However, her disability didn’t stop her from creating personalized strategies to complete the coursework in nursing school. She proved that with a little help and determination, nursing students with dyslexia can do anything.
Every nursing student with this learning disability should follow these tips to succeed:
- Get an updated diagnosis to access college-provided accommodations to help with academics.
- Take advantage of the unique resources the nursing school will provide for people with learning disabilities.
- Use text-to-speech software and audiobooks to get through assigned reading tasks.
- Find study groups or get help from friends for note-taking or completing difficult assignments.
The student should also create a flexible schedule for extra reading and studying. Doing so will stop them from having last-minute cramming sessions.
In conclusion, students must understand that anyone with learning disabilities can become a nurse. Remember, nurses with disabilities do exist. Students can read their triumphant stories and learn how they persevered and navigated this path.
The tips shared in this blog can help them through the coursework in nursing schools. They must find ways to construct routines and employ strategies to overcome any issue. These students will also benefit from inclusive education and a supportive environment.
Candidates must have a resilient spirit and proactive advocacy to excel in their studies. All in all, people with learning disabilities have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions and changes in the healthcare industry.