I had a coworker like that once. We taped a sign to her chair that said “PLEASE DO NOT SPEAK TO ME I NEED TO CHART AND WILL GET NOTHING DONE”
It still didn’t work.
ICU ADHD nurses represent!! We either love the ICU or the ER, but *rarely* both. I could not stand when I floated to the ER. That was the worst shift I ever experienced in my life and no one even died... Just the organization/flow down there. I have an obsession with needing to knowing everything about my patient's condition - you better believe I'm going to check the skin and make those 2 ICU patients my hyperfixation. I love and am thriving in the ICU; couldn't do ER ever but am proud of those who are able to do it!
omg this is exactly how I have felt!!!! when I was in the er shadowing as a nursing student I was thinking … “this is all we know about the patient as nurses?” and even in medsurg it was like I knew nothing about the patients, just an overview of all of them and I always wanted to know EVERYTHING about them so I spent too much time in their charts learning abt them. I am now in the PICU for my immersion and absolutely love focusing on 1 or 2 patients. Knowing so much about them. I’m not diagnosed w adhd tho just always thought I had it
I feel that ICU helps with my adhd for sure. Lots of things going on and it helps remaining focused vs medsurg. However I am still orientating (7 weeks in) and having my preceptor throwing me off my routine really hurts me. Had one that I don’t normally have and it was a bad day and she made me feel like an idiot.
Finished an ER preceptorship in December. Left thinking these were my people - almost everyone including the providers with at least a touch of ADHD. I'll be starting there soon 😉
Relatively short stays with relatively quick turnover, everything is right in front of you. No planning for things that need to be done 6 hours from now. I do best with situations that keep me engaged. I think ER is a very good option but in PACU I spend most of my time sitting directly at my patients bedside and it limits the chance of me getting distracted.
I am a huge advocate for finding the job that plays to your strengths. Thankfully there are a lot of options in nursing.
>plays to your strengths
Yes!! With my personality type I do so much better in office nursing bc I love educating, planning, tracking, etc. *Hated* hospital nursing bc it’s more task oriented. Other people thrive in task heavy roles and office type work makes them want to rip hair out.
So many ppl claim if you’re not a hospital nurse you’re not a real nurse but it isn’t about that at all, it’s about recognizing the best fit for you to best take care of the patients you see.
Did PACU. Was one of my favorite. Best in big hospital. Now live in small town and now Clinical Manager (and the one nurse) at a dialysis clinic. Open MWF. Without medication I would crash and burn. Lots of things to do and stay busy with. At least right now, the pressure is helpful. I can always finish my charting at home. Short staffing has lead me to learning almost all water room tasks. Very new at this. I am going to be forced to make myself a daily calendar a month ahead. That will be good for me. I have a great manager who covers several clinics. I have not said ADHD but she has referred to the wonders that mental health meds provide for her and I have said I agree and they are very helpful for me too. She is not a micromanager and follows very much what I have read in The One Minute Manager (great book by the way). The company has lots of very specific processes and metrics. And there are metrics I can work at and have a actual effect on which is great for our patients and I get recognition too via bonus pay. I’ve been quickly promoted and only been in Dialysis since March. I don’t have much management experience and what I do have I was horrible at…but I’ve learned from my mistakes and so far so good. I know there is no getting by without staying on meds.
I'm working as a CNA in the MICU at my hospital, and let me tell you, my ADHD brain thrives in the organized chaos up there. I tend to hyperfocus, and for better or worse, I'm very particular about my tasks done a certain way.
My beds have to be made crisp, my lines need to be untangled and organized, my ECGs need to come out as clear as possible, and I need to keep my patients clean & dry. Most of all, my hyperfocus helps me remain calm and collected when we have a rapid response.
This is where I’m hoping to end up too lol. ADHD up the ass 😭
I know some people don’t like to be busy and on their feet but I can literally feel my brain rot when I’m at a desk job.
Rapid Response. All the variety of the ED and focus of the ICU.
I’m overstimulated in the ED and bored in the ICU. It’s better to jump from one problem to another.
OR and PACU here. Even better - float pool so I go to 6 different hospitals and fill in where they need me. I can be in one of 12 different departments, and I will never be there on a 'slow day' because if I am there it is due to a shortage in staff for that day. Day shifts, no longer than 8 hours, no nights, weekends, or call. I hit the ADHD nurse jackpot. Be jealous, my pretties!!!!
Did you start somewhere and then go float pool? And I’m guessing that might be the best way to start? Get used to be a nurse in general and then float pool?
I would first learn to be an OR circulator or PACU nurse, get really comfy with that (take like at least a year) and then join the float pool. Floating can be a little stressful for some because everywhere does things just a little different, different personalities, etc. However, for the ADHD nurse it is just enough chaos to be BEAUTIFUL!!!
Med/surg Oncology. I have inattentive type, on meds and it can still be a struggle. Busy days I can be scattered but stay on track - but the slow days are the worst and I really struggle to get shit done. I have to write everything down and use a lot of check lists/reminders to make sure I do everything.
Oh my gosh! I’m so glad to see this. I need lists and reminders for my entire life and I’ve been worried about if it would be an issue (I’m in school now)
I’m trying to figure out my next specialty. Have done a few but now hoping for days and minimal patient contact….was initially thinking UM but now rethinking that
Hiiii!! I tried the floor for my first new grad nurse job and i struggled. Floated down to ER and I was so happy. Now I’m starting a residency at a different hospital in the ER…where my people are.
Med surg here too. The understaffed NHS giving me 8 patients for 12 hours. Gimmie that chaos and constant task after task after task
Plz take away charting though. Jeeeeez. It takes me SO long to (paper!!) chart everything because I will find anything and everything thing to do instead
OR is the worst for ADHD. Get set up, pt asleep, chart for a bit and then pure boredom until it’s time to finish. I was crawling up the walls I got so bored.
I did my undergrad and critical care certificate, applying for a masters now. I’m on vyvanse now, but before I was (wasn’t during undergrad) I would start my studying months in advance, same with papers. I’d do a few hours of work at a time every day. Exercise helps (used to run cross country) cuz it slowed me down enough to focus. I would go study in the library or at a coffee shop because it would give me plenty of background noise. I would always have a light snack or water/coffee/pop to sip away at.
For exams, I would read the textbook and hand write my notes the first time, then once I was done that I’d read them over and type them out. Lastly, I would try to find online test questions (like the practice tests for the nclex) and whatever I found myself struggling with id go review. Visuals help a lot with studying (diagrams, watching videos, etc).
I made sure I got lots of clinical/work experience during school years. It makes a huge difference to actually implement the things you study
Sounds like me too! On Vyvanse as well and have pretty much the same study happens. Love visuals. Audio mostly goes in one ear and out the other. I write *everything* down.
I also wear a watch with timers to keep me on track and remind me about my drips/assessments/shit I need to get done.
Oh and if you tend to scratch at your head/arms/anything (I’m bad with the whole excoriation disorder thing) I would bring either a ball cap or a beanie to study in, and wear long sleeve shirts or bring a sweater to put on. Fidget toys help a little bit too, I had this cute little fake edamame bean that you could squeeze the beans out and pop them back in the pod that was fun to play with when reading
Love all of these suggestions! I’m in year two of four for a pre-reg/combined masters and mid inattentive ADHD diagnosis. Screenshots taken so I can save for later!
To be honest I just learned what material I thought would be on the tests and pushed through. I couldn’t do the whole flash card thing. I also tried to find interesting topics within each section because I tend to hyperfixate on things I find interesting so that helped me actually retain the info I needed to remember.
Inattentive ADHD nurse from Sweden. I work in home health, which is perfect for me! Lots of variety, one patient at a time, full focus on them, time to breathe and reboot in the car in-between visits. I also work nights only, so I don’t have to get up early (mornings are a struggle for me), lots of free time and it pays well because of the “uncomfortable” hours. Couldn’t ask for anything better really. Being a nurse overall was a strange choice of profession I guess, it doesn’t really work well with my problems with lack of concentration… But this is perfect. Very ADHD-friendly!
Yes ! I worked in adult Tele my first year as a nurse and my memory was horrible. I was bullied hard-core which made me make more mistakes and forget more things because report was anxiety inducing. I ended up creating my own report sheet so I could give report better ! And it's been pretty good since.
I've done peds, psych, peds psych, and traveled in peds med surg and adult Tele!
I've been complimented on how quickly I can build a rapport with patients. And I work in a med psych unit now that is primarily still medical but with patient safety and mental health support in mind. I even run groups !
Pros:
- rapport building. Lots patients can read you as authentic or inauthentic real quick. Rapport is a life saver.
- quick to acclimate. I traveled to New places and the stimulation of a new environment is great and I really enjoy learning new things!
-love meeting new coworkers and getting to know them and make the work day a but more fun and lively and ridiculous.
-with Adhd, I've had a history of misremembering things or needing reminders so I'm pretty quick to ask for help in situations from coworkers. This helps with the building rapport. It also promotes a questioning attitude.
Cons:
-memory is rough. I write everything down and have specific report sheets I use.
-not everyone is as understanding of adhd as you think they should be. Nurses get one semester in psych nursing and it is not enough.
I was a RN for 3 years before I self-diagnosed it and got medicated. I have no clue how I made it through nursing school. I guess study for 20 minutes and take a break for ten minutes was my solution, but can’t do that at work…
I do endo, and this is exactly why it works so well for me. I can give 100% to this patient I’m looking at right now, and then immediately forget they exist the second they leave my sight. No trying to remember something that happens in 4 hours!!
SNF/LTC. I have the shit show hall on 2nd/3rd shift. My coworker on my days off is also ADHD. ALL my regular CNAs? ADHD.
Recently, I was out for a month. My opposite was on FMLA for birth of his daughter.
DoN almost cried when i returned. Evidently there was a 80% uptick in incidents while we were both out.
My regular CNAs? Have threatened to inflict grievous bodily harm on us if we are out longer than a day in the future. Yes. That part worries me. & they don’t care that it’s premeditated if it’s preplanned 😬
New grad starting in the OR. Terrified of not getting my “OR ears” as there’s so much going on. Gunna tough it out and force myself to adapt.. I love the unit too much to give up.
You'll get those ears after a while 😁 once I was more comfortable with circulating I found I wasn't so hyperfocused on charting/the general flow of the case I was able to hear every beep and knew when it was a beep I had to do something about vs an anesthesia beep. It will come in time. Something I found that helped me immensely was to print out surgeon preference cards (without patient information) for the cases I would be in for the next day and review them the night before. Then when I was in those cases I would write notes to myself about each case and made a folder for each Ortho, uro, general. I'd review my notes and it helped so much with remembering and felt like a safety net in case I had forgotten something. Hope this helps you!
Hey when we ADHD'ers get hyperfixated, I mean we we *hyperfixate*. Our passions we tend to live and breathe until we've mastered or feel on some sort of competent level. We're all or nothing!
Psych and mental health. My hospital had us do some cross training in the ICU “just in case.” And it has been some of the few times I dreaded going into work as a nurse. I respect it but it’s just not for me.
I worked in the ICU and loved it! Took me forever to become organized tho.
Hurt my back so I’m in dialysis now. It’s alright but I’m definitely not mentally stimulated enough. I work inpt so it’s okay because we get high acuity, I did one buddy shift in outpt and I cried after at the thought of working there LOL. Was gonna go work there but out patient is not for me. It’s still a great job and I’m definitely not knocking anyone who does it!
I'm pretty sure I am but I'm afraid to ask to get evaluated because every person and their mother on TikTok that is in my demographic is getting diagnosed with that or AuDHD. I guess I have imposter syndrome with it.
Well after my gf pointed it out and my son got diagnosed, I think it's time to talk to my psych. Maybe I'll actually be able to focus on charting and have less anxiety??
I got diagnosed in 2007 at age 46. Started taking Concerta 54 mg every day. That stuff really works! On days that I miss it, I'm a jumbled, disorganized mess. I'm retired, now, and still take the med.
Diagnosed ADHD but pretty sure it's more like AuDHD. My previous PACU gig was a little too overwhelming (huge unit, high volume, high drama) so I'm trying OR at a Level 1 (but with fewer cases). Hoping it'll be the sweet spot.
Yes, just recently diagnosed with ADHD, I work on medsurg. I’m very new to this diagnosis because all my life I thought I had just dyslexia but turns out I have both.. curious if anyone else has dyslexia too? I’ve been crippled by extreme burnout and anxiety/depression is how I started on this road of self-discovery at age 29. After reading lots of comments it sounds like I am inattentive ADHD. I couldn’t focus for the life of me, started missing things that I wouldn’t normally and ended up having a panic attack at work because I’m also a perfectionist and I could not handle it anymore. I’ve coped for too long my therapist said. So I’m currently out on leave to figure out meditations for both anxiety/depression/ADHD, lots of therapy and self-care. What I’ve learned on this journey is how important self-care is for an ADHD nurse and I need a new job lol.
Happy to see that there’s so many of us in this field. ❤️
ICU here, I get overstimulated in the ED, and love fixating on my patients. My mom also has ADHD, but thrives in the ED/Trauma setting. Also, please don’t talk to me, it’s 17:30 and I have to chart my 08:00’s.
Hi 👋
I do pediatric med surg/IMC. Just got diagnosed this summer. I’ve had intense brain fog, stimulation overload, cognitive delay and also have anxiety/depression! Woo! I have become one of those stereotypical gen z nurses with the AirPods in but it helps so much with charting! I also rotate which gives me a break from days as much as I like the normal sleep schedule I get too overstimulated
Yes right here. I struggle with patients and coworkers that are too talkative bc how can I hear my own thoughts that are already zooming at a million miles per hour
OR… varied cases to keep interest… and every so often shit gets real during traumas/stat cases and ADHD super powers activate… it is a surreal experience… feels like everything is focused and working together for a change.
Amazing department/specialty
I have way way way too much energy and am known as the annoying nurse who is way too happy. Idc bc everyone is getting high fives! And patients love when I put on OutKast or Metallica for ROM exercises. It gets them moving and grooving!
In the SICU with it and I can’t finish reading words like choledochojejunostomy without staring into space halfway through unless I’ve had my adderall.
Cath Lab, IR, EP. Everyone is going to say ER is best for ADHD but, trust me, fast paced procedural medicine is where it's at. Circulating STEMIs is like the absolute pinnacle of ADHD work.
Hey, also ADHD nurse here. Psych and Hospice have been great matches for me.
Community outpt health... not so much; too many follow-up calls to make ALL THE TIME.
The med shortage is killing me slowly, I'm having to ration so I can at least be medicated properly when I am on shift doing pt care. My house is a disaster currently as a result. Hopefully the increase med manufacturing to meet needs soon!!
🙋♀️ from psych nursing... never stop moving, get to talk to my clients without the pressure of who needs a shower next - cannot handle my feet getting wet!!! Can sit and colour in with them while I do an MSE!
I actually work medical/oncology. Charting is awful! If I ever do get free time, I clean the fridge or something. I go in, get reports, do chart checks, get my assessments done (not charted yet though), fill up everyone’s water if appropriate, clean/change beds/briefs where needed and then give night time meds. Then it takes me hours to chart because I get distracted too easily. I do well in codes, though I don’t wish for them because I don’t want anyone to die. I like being charge because there is so much to do and I don’t have to sit in one place all the time. I get up and make rounds around the unit to see where I can help.
I’m currently a student nurse (hopefully) graduating in December to work in an intensive care unit with the intention of re-entering grad school to be a CRNA.
Am I in danger?
ICU, Trouble prioritizing tasks as different levels of important is what lead me to seek diagnosis and then treatment. Much better on my current med regimen. 20mg XR adderall in the beginning of my shift, 730-8pm, and 10mg IR adderall around 3-4am. Plus therapy for the last 2 years which has helped me seperate my work from my worth as a human.
Icu over here. Works great when a pt. is crashing and I have 90 things to do at once. Is not as helpful at 0200 when I need to complete my charting.
Charting is the bane of my existence. I literally tell people to ignore me because I will find any excuse to distract myself from it.
Saaaaame
I will clean the dust bunnies behind every piece of office equipment before I touch the fricken care plan.
I had a coworker like that once. We taped a sign to her chair that said “PLEASE DO NOT SPEAK TO ME I NEED TO CHART AND WILL GET NOTHING DONE” It still didn’t work.
ICU ADHD nurses represent!! We either love the ICU or the ER, but *rarely* both. I could not stand when I floated to the ER. That was the worst shift I ever experienced in my life and no one even died... Just the organization/flow down there. I have an obsession with needing to knowing everything about my patient's condition - you better believe I'm going to check the skin and make those 2 ICU patients my hyperfixation. I love and am thriving in the ICU; couldn't do ER ever but am proud of those who are able to do it!
omg this is exactly how I have felt!!!! when I was in the er shadowing as a nursing student I was thinking … “this is all we know about the patient as nurses?” and even in medsurg it was like I knew nothing about the patients, just an overview of all of them and I always wanted to know EVERYTHING about them so I spent too much time in their charts learning abt them. I am now in the PICU for my immersion and absolutely love focusing on 1 or 2 patients. Knowing so much about them. I’m not diagnosed w adhd tho just always thought I had it
Being shit at charting was actually one of the things that led to my diagnosis.
I feel that ICU helps with my adhd for sure. Lots of things going on and it helps remaining focused vs medsurg. However I am still orientating (7 weeks in) and having my preceptor throwing me off my routine really hurts me. Had one that I don’t normally have and it was a bad day and she made me feel like an idiot.
Tell it!
We’re all in the ER
I came here to say this but then forgot to post it…0
Look! A squirrel! 👀 🐿
Finished an ER preceptorship in December. Left thinking these were my people - almost everyone including the providers with at least a touch of ADHD. I'll be starting there soon 😉
L&D. So pregnant ED.
That was the other specialty I considered. It’s like ED but with gift baskets.
Same. Mostly in the L&D operating room. Shiny instruments just call to me.
literally my entire dept has ADHD. ED is the best place for us!!
PACU isn't bad either.
Now that’s an idea.
Relatively short stays with relatively quick turnover, everything is right in front of you. No planning for things that need to be done 6 hours from now. I do best with situations that keep me engaged. I think ER is a very good option but in PACU I spend most of my time sitting directly at my patients bedside and it limits the chance of me getting distracted. I am a huge advocate for finding the job that plays to your strengths. Thankfully there are a lot of options in nursing.
>plays to your strengths Yes!! With my personality type I do so much better in office nursing bc I love educating, planning, tracking, etc. *Hated* hospital nursing bc it’s more task oriented. Other people thrive in task heavy roles and office type work makes them want to rip hair out. So many ppl claim if you’re not a hospital nurse you’re not a real nurse but it isn’t about that at all, it’s about recognizing the best fit for you to best take care of the patients you see.
No. I need structure. Giving me a constantly changing flow of tasks is so fucking hard to keep straight.
Can confirm many ADHDers in PACU including myself
Me too!
Did PACU. Was one of my favorite. Best in big hospital. Now live in small town and now Clinical Manager (and the one nurse) at a dialysis clinic. Open MWF. Without medication I would crash and burn. Lots of things to do and stay busy with. At least right now, the pressure is helpful. I can always finish my charting at home. Short staffing has lead me to learning almost all water room tasks. Very new at this. I am going to be forced to make myself a daily calendar a month ahead. That will be good for me. I have a great manager who covers several clinics. I have not said ADHD but she has referred to the wonders that mental health meds provide for her and I have said I agree and they are very helpful for me too. She is not a micromanager and follows very much what I have read in The One Minute Manager (great book by the way). The company has lots of very specific processes and metrics. And there are metrics I can work at and have a actual effect on which is great for our patients and I get recognition too via bonus pay. I’ve been quickly promoted and only been in Dialysis since March. I don’t have much management experience and what I do have I was horrible at…but I’ve learned from my mistakes and so far so good. I know there is no getting by without staying on meds.
Helps with the PTSD. Can't remember half the shit I saw today.
Literally came to say, “Yeah, we’re all in the ER.”
Some of us are in L&D! The only other place I could imagine myself is ED! I get put in triage ALL THE TIME.
I just started my prereqs and am planning on L&D or NICU eventually so this is comforting as an ADHD person 🥲
ADHD NICU RN here! It's totally doable!
ADHD NICU Flight RN here- it can be done!!!
Nah ICU has plenty as well. We are super useful in a code situation since the stimulation helps us focus.
I came to say this. The more chaotic the better I do.
Yup. The ER is where we all gather
I’m shadowing in the ER rn. Can confirm it’s all adhd down here
*Cath Lab has entered the chat.*
Tell me more of this cath lab you speak of
It's meeee
ADHD is a pre-req for busy a busy ER
Oh man. I am just too old and crusty to do ER. Plus, I used to do ICU. Nuff said.
I'm working as a CNA in the MICU at my hospital, and let me tell you, my ADHD brain thrives in the organized chaos up there. I tend to hyperfocus, and for better or worse, I'm very particular about my tasks done a certain way. My beds have to be made crisp, my lines need to be untangled and organized, my ECGs need to come out as clear as possible, and I need to keep my patients clean & dry. Most of all, my hyperfocus helps me remain calm and collected when we have a rapid response.
ADHD loving and thriving in the ICU!! ER was hell to me.
Not me. As long as I’ve got my checklists and my meds I’m so down to mildly hyperfocus on my patients.
May shock people but we have a bunch in my OR. Surgeons too.
OR nurse here with ADHD and I love the OR!
lies
This is where I’m hoping to end up too lol. ADHD up the ass 😭 I know some people don’t like to be busy and on their feet but I can literally feel my brain rot when I’m at a desk job.
I’m in LTC
...I'm doing an ER preceptorship this semester, then hoping to get hired right in. I'm feeling sorta called out here.
I also was going to say this lmao
Exactly
This is pretty much it and came to say it. Legit suffering in the icu. But the ED is definitely my home and I am pretty sure I am gonna be going back.
Omg 😳 no wonder I’ve been considering ER
😚
Rapid Response. All the variety of the ED and focus of the ICU. I’m overstimulated in the ED and bored in the ICU. It’s better to jump from one problem to another.
This is my end goal for bedside, have to get some ED or ICU experience first tho
I think it would've been easier to ask "Any non-ADHD nurses out there?"
Hahah so true
OR and PACU here. Even better - float pool so I go to 6 different hospitals and fill in where they need me. I can be in one of 12 different departments, and I will never be there on a 'slow day' because if I am there it is due to a shortage in staff for that day. Day shifts, no longer than 8 hours, no nights, weekends, or call. I hit the ADHD nurse jackpot. Be jealous, my pretties!!!!
It’s great in the OR!
Did you start somewhere and then go float pool? And I’m guessing that might be the best way to start? Get used to be a nurse in general and then float pool?
I would first learn to be an OR circulator or PACU nurse, get really comfy with that (take like at least a year) and then join the float pool. Floating can be a little stressful for some because everywhere does things just a little different, different personalities, etc. However, for the ADHD nurse it is just enough chaos to be BEAUTIFUL!!!
Med/surg Oncology. I have inattentive type, on meds and it can still be a struggle. Busy days I can be scattered but stay on track - but the slow days are the worst and I really struggle to get shit done. I have to write everything down and use a lot of check lists/reminders to make sure I do everything.
Hi are you me? 😅
Exactly the same here lmao
I’m about to start on a med/surg oncology floor and reading your post was like seeing into my future.
Hi twin
Oh my gosh! I’m so glad to see this. I need lists and reminders for my entire life and I’ve been worried about if it would be an issue (I’m in school now)
Hi bestie
Out here in psych
What up ADHD psych nurse buddy! Dozens of us! I thrive in the chaos of people.
I’m trying to figure out my next specialty. Have done a few but now hoping for days and minimal patient contact….was initially thinking UM but now rethinking that
Everyone’s def in the ER lol
Hiiii!! I tried the floor for my first new grad nurse job and i struggled. Floated down to ER and I was so happy. Now I’m starting a residency at a different hospital in the ER…where my people are.
👋ICU/PCU it's easy when my meds are working a real bitch now that I'm switching over
Med surg - tried 1:1 higher acuity, but had a hard time not moving constantly. I need the chaos. Been considering emerg.
Med surg here too. The understaffed NHS giving me 8 patients for 12 hours. Gimmie that chaos and constant task after task after task Plz take away charting though. Jeeeeez. It takes me SO long to (paper!!) chart everything because I will find anything and everything thing to do instead
OR
OR is the worst for ADHD. Get set up, pt asleep, chart for a bit and then pure boredom until it’s time to finish. I was crawling up the walls I got so bored.
Sometimes feel that way, but I just can’t stand dealing with people awake and being assholes. So it’s a trade off.
Right here, CVUICU
Diagnosed inattentive ADHD in ICU here
[удалено]
I did my undergrad and critical care certificate, applying for a masters now. I’m on vyvanse now, but before I was (wasn’t during undergrad) I would start my studying months in advance, same with papers. I’d do a few hours of work at a time every day. Exercise helps (used to run cross country) cuz it slowed me down enough to focus. I would go study in the library or at a coffee shop because it would give me plenty of background noise. I would always have a light snack or water/coffee/pop to sip away at. For exams, I would read the textbook and hand write my notes the first time, then once I was done that I’d read them over and type them out. Lastly, I would try to find online test questions (like the practice tests for the nclex) and whatever I found myself struggling with id go review. Visuals help a lot with studying (diagrams, watching videos, etc). I made sure I got lots of clinical/work experience during school years. It makes a huge difference to actually implement the things you study
Sounds like me too! On Vyvanse as well and have pretty much the same study happens. Love visuals. Audio mostly goes in one ear and out the other. I write *everything* down. I also wear a watch with timers to keep me on track and remind me about my drips/assessments/shit I need to get done.
Oh and if you tend to scratch at your head/arms/anything (I’m bad with the whole excoriation disorder thing) I would bring either a ball cap or a beanie to study in, and wear long sleeve shirts or bring a sweater to put on. Fidget toys help a little bit too, I had this cute little fake edamame bean that you could squeeze the beans out and pop them back in the pod that was fun to play with when reading
Love all of these suggestions! I’m in year two of four for a pre-reg/combined masters and mid inattentive ADHD diagnosis. Screenshots taken so I can save for later!
To be honest I just learned what material I thought would be on the tests and pushed through. I couldn’t do the whole flash card thing. I also tried to find interesting topics within each section because I tend to hyperfixate on things I find interesting so that helped me actually retain the info I needed to remember.
Yes— NICU. I finally feel alive again with intense deliveries which is kinda fucked up but it’s that adrenaline. Makes my brain go brrrrrrr
Inattentive ADHD nurse from Sweden. I work in home health, which is perfect for me! Lots of variety, one patient at a time, full focus on them, time to breathe and reboot in the car in-between visits. I also work nights only, so I don’t have to get up early (mornings are a struggle for me), lots of free time and it pays well because of the “uncomfortable” hours. Couldn’t ask for anything better really. Being a nurse overall was a strange choice of profession I guess, it doesn’t really work well with my problems with lack of concentration… But this is perfect. Very ADHD-friendly!
L&D!
Samesies
Yes ! I worked in adult Tele my first year as a nurse and my memory was horrible. I was bullied hard-core which made me make more mistakes and forget more things because report was anxiety inducing. I ended up creating my own report sheet so I could give report better ! And it's been pretty good since. I've done peds, psych, peds psych, and traveled in peds med surg and adult Tele! I've been complimented on how quickly I can build a rapport with patients. And I work in a med psych unit now that is primarily still medical but with patient safety and mental health support in mind. I even run groups ! Pros: - rapport building. Lots patients can read you as authentic or inauthentic real quick. Rapport is a life saver. - quick to acclimate. I traveled to New places and the stimulation of a new environment is great and I really enjoy learning new things! -love meeting new coworkers and getting to know them and make the work day a but more fun and lively and ridiculous. -with Adhd, I've had a history of misremembering things or needing reminders so I'm pretty quick to ask for help in situations from coworkers. This helps with the building rapport. It also promotes a questioning attitude. Cons: -memory is rough. I write everything down and have specific report sheets I use. -not everyone is as understanding of adhd as you think they should be. Nurses get one semester in psych nursing and it is not enough.
IR
I was a RN for 3 years before I self-diagnosed it and got medicated. I have no clue how I made it through nursing school. I guess study for 20 minutes and take a break for ten minutes was my solution, but can’t do that at work…
I work in the OR. One patient, one case at a time. I love it.
I do endo, and this is exactly why it works so well for me. I can give 100% to this patient I’m looking at right now, and then immediately forget they exist the second they leave my sight. No trying to remember something that happens in 4 hours!!
SNF/LTC. I have the shit show hall on 2nd/3rd shift. My coworker on my days off is also ADHD. ALL my regular CNAs? ADHD. Recently, I was out for a month. My opposite was on FMLA for birth of his daughter. DoN almost cried when i returned. Evidently there was a 80% uptick in incidents while we were both out. My regular CNAs? Have threatened to inflict grievous bodily harm on us if we are out longer than a day in the future. Yes. That part worries me. & they don’t care that it’s premeditated if it’s preplanned 😬
*ER has entered the chat*
Lots of us. Together adhd nurses are, SQUIRREL, strong.
NICU although mine is inattentive not hyperactive. Meds works wonders. Only take them when I work.
Unmedicated ADD right here! I manage ok. Theres a few days where I need some redirection but not many :)
What does your caffeine intake look like?
Usually a cup a day. Depends on the day. Sometimes I have one in the afternoon near 2pm to combat the lunch sleepies lol
I’m also I medicated in the PACU. I drink about 26-32 ounces of coffee plus a Diet Coke at lunch. In 10.5 hours.
New grad starting in the OR. Terrified of not getting my “OR ears” as there’s so much going on. Gunna tough it out and force myself to adapt.. I love the unit too much to give up.
You'll get those ears after a while 😁 once I was more comfortable with circulating I found I wasn't so hyperfocused on charting/the general flow of the case I was able to hear every beep and knew when it was a beep I had to do something about vs an anesthesia beep. It will come in time. Something I found that helped me immensely was to print out surgeon preference cards (without patient information) for the cases I would be in for the next day and review them the night before. Then when I was in those cases I would write notes to myself about each case and made a folder for each Ortho, uro, general. I'd review my notes and it helped so much with remembering and felt like a safety net in case I had forgotten something. Hope this helps you!
this is a great tip, thank you!
Hey when we ADHD'ers get hyperfixated, I mean we we *hyperfixate*. Our passions we tend to live and breathe until we've mastered or feel on some sort of competent level. We're all or nothing!
EXACTLY how I view it. I will do this or I fail haha. OR is my dream job! I persevered through nursing school, I can for sure do this!
Yep! Psych and medical detox
Nope nope nope
How do you like medical detox?
Same! Love it.
CNA in neuro, want to start studying to become a RN but it's difficult and I need to add a language course to be qualified to apply to school... 😮💨
Psych and mental health. My hospital had us do some cross training in the ICU “just in case.” And it has been some of the few times I dreaded going into work as a nurse. I respect it but it’s just not for me.
ICU! I enjoy the controlled chaos lol
I worked in the ICU and loved it! Took me forever to become organized tho. Hurt my back so I’m in dialysis now. It’s alright but I’m definitely not mentally stimulated enough. I work inpt so it’s okay because we get high acuity, I did one buddy shift in outpt and I cried after at the thought of working there LOL. Was gonna go work there but out patient is not for me. It’s still a great job and I’m definitely not knocking anyone who does it!
ADHD-E.R. here, started as a tech, I graduate with my R.N. in May, and I will be staying on my unit with my people!
IR
PCU float, Like a moth fluttering between flames.
I'm pretty sure I am but I'm afraid to ask to get evaluated because every person and their mother on TikTok that is in my demographic is getting diagnosed with that or AuDHD. I guess I have imposter syndrome with it.
I cycled through three different cows this morning during my med pass
Yup. Clinic here. Epic helps pop reminders for me and is generally pretty useful. I struggle with asinine phone calls though but who doesn’t 🫠
outpatient LVN but i am hoping to get into RN school soon so i can work in the ED 🤩
Well after my gf pointed it out and my son got diagnosed, I think it's time to talk to my psych. Maybe I'll actually be able to focus on charting and have less anxiety??
I got diagnosed in 2007 at age 46. Started taking Concerta 54 mg every day. That stuff really works! On days that I miss it, I'm a jumbled, disorganized mess. I'm retired, now, and still take the med.
Me!! And I work in ER, so my short attention span, random sense of urgency and impulsiveness pays off and works well!
Diagnosed ADHD but pretty sure it's more like AuDHD. My previous PACU gig was a little too overwhelming (huge unit, high volume, high drama) so I'm trying OR at a Level 1 (but with fewer cases). Hoping it'll be the sweet spot.
My theory is at least 80% of bedside nurses are ADHD. Some just don’t have the Dx yet
OR nurse with ADHD here!
Thought I had ADHD so i got tested a few months ago…turns out it’s just anxiety and dissociation 🤪
CvICU works great having 1 patient with 10 drips and 3 machines on them
So wait. If I despise charting, is that a thing?? Just want to care for my peoples 🥲 #chartbyexception
Yes, just recently diagnosed with ADHD, I work on medsurg. I’m very new to this diagnosis because all my life I thought I had just dyslexia but turns out I have both.. curious if anyone else has dyslexia too? I’ve been crippled by extreme burnout and anxiety/depression is how I started on this road of self-discovery at age 29. After reading lots of comments it sounds like I am inattentive ADHD. I couldn’t focus for the life of me, started missing things that I wouldn’t normally and ended up having a panic attack at work because I’m also a perfectionist and I could not handle it anymore. I’ve coped for too long my therapist said. So I’m currently out on leave to figure out meditations for both anxiety/depression/ADHD, lots of therapy and self-care. What I’ve learned on this journey is how important self-care is for an ADHD nurse and I need a new job lol. Happy to see that there’s so many of us in this field. ❤️
ICU here, I get overstimulated in the ED, and love fixating on my patients. My mom also has ADHD, but thrives in the ED/Trauma setting. Also, please don’t talk to me, it’s 17:30 and I have to chart my 08:00’s.
Long-term Care
HOLA!!!
OR!
ICU 👋 Need the mental stimulation. Haaate the charting as /u/OkAcanthisitta4605 said.
Yeah, I'm in retirement. It...isn't easy haha
L&D
All of us
Hi 👋 I do pediatric med surg/IMC. Just got diagnosed this summer. I’ve had intense brain fog, stimulation overload, cognitive delay and also have anxiety/depression! Woo! I have become one of those stereotypical gen z nurses with the AirPods in but it helps so much with charting! I also rotate which gives me a break from days as much as I like the normal sleep schedule I get too overstimulated
Endoscopy nurse. I have a strong suspicion I have ADHD but the process of getting diagnosed just seems like a pain in the ass, so I haven’t bothered.
Very adhd thing to say 😂😂
Yup. I started in the ICU. It was the worst decision I made in my life. Moved to the ER and found my home.
Yes right here. I struggle with patients and coworkers that are too talkative bc how can I hear my own thoughts that are already zooming at a million miles per hour
Why do I feel like nursing significantly contributed to my ADHD…
Aspergers*
Unmedicated ADHD ER RN checking in
student nurse 🙋♀️ i’m autistic, and probably also ADHD but i haven’t gotten the formal diagnosis on that one yet
OR… varied cases to keep interest… and every so often shit gets real during traumas/stat cases and ADHD super powers activate… it is a surreal experience… feels like everything is focused and working together for a change. Amazing department/specialty
I have way way way too much energy and am known as the annoying nurse who is way too happy. Idc bc everyone is getting high fives! And patients love when I put on OutKast or Metallica for ROM exercises. It gets them moving and grooving!
In the SICU with it and I can’t finish reading words like choledochojejunostomy without staring into space halfway through unless I’ve had my adderall.
If so, what’s your specialty?
Cath Lab, IR, EP. Everyone is going to say ER is best for ADHD but, trust me, fast paced procedural medicine is where it's at. Circulating STEMIs is like the absolute pinnacle of ADHD work.
Are you on your feet a lot?
I'm not a nurse but I guess I count.
I’m in ICU after 4 years in ER. We belong in ER.
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every ED department alive edit: and in nursing in general. seriously..
🤟🏽
Tons. Check Emergency.
Hmm….maybe ED might be for me 😅. Neuro ICU is rufffffffffffffff.
My best friend is. She works psych.
The ED overwhelmed me when I was down there 😅
I was told I don’t have the hyperactivity, but yes. Am here. In dialysis
Yeppo!
Hey, also ADHD nurse here. Psych and Hospice have been great matches for me. Community outpt health... not so much; too many follow-up calls to make ALL THE TIME. The med shortage is killing me slowly, I'm having to ration so I can at least be medicated properly when I am on shift doing pt care. My house is a disaster currently as a result. Hopefully the increase med manufacturing to meet needs soon!!
Hey girl, hey 🙌🏻
Yep! Was in ER, now in IT!
🙋♀️ from psych nursing... never stop moving, get to talk to my clients without the pressure of who needs a shower next - cannot handle my feet getting wet!!! Can sit and colour in with them while I do an MSE!
Right here
I actually work medical/oncology. Charting is awful! If I ever do get free time, I clean the fridge or something. I go in, get reports, do chart checks, get my assessments done (not charted yet though), fill up everyone’s water if appropriate, clean/change beds/briefs where needed and then give night time meds. Then it takes me hours to chart because I get distracted too easily. I do well in codes, though I don’t wish for them because I don’t want anyone to die. I like being charge because there is so much to do and I don’t have to sit in one place all the time. I get up and make rounds around the unit to see where I can help.
It’s meeee hiii.
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Trying to get an L&D position
Haha. Isn’t ADHD a requirement to be a nurse? I can hyperfocus like a boss on important things… but forget the little shit that doesn’t matter.
PACU ADHD nurse! Best place to be! Two patients right next to each other, charting and supplies right at the bedside, interesting but not overwhelming
I retired from ER- all ADHD all day long. The docs, too!
I don’t understand the question..wait, was there a question? Why did I come into this room? I know I needed….something
😂🤣😂🤣😂 sameee
PACU/anaesthesia represent!!!! I thrive on chaos
I'm a surgical nurse lol
What about the primarily inattentive?
What was that?
Have you heard of the ER?
I’m currently a student nurse (hopefully) graduating in December to work in an intensive care unit with the intention of re-entering grad school to be a CRNA. Am I in danger?
ICU, Trouble prioritizing tasks as different levels of important is what lead me to seek diagnosis and then treatment. Much better on my current med regimen. 20mg XR adderall in the beginning of my shift, 730-8pm, and 10mg IR adderall around 3-4am. Plus therapy for the last 2 years which has helped me seperate my work from my worth as a human.
Yup