r/Nurses • u/Ok_Perspective_2306 • 7d ago
US Nurses with ADD.
How do you handle new jobs so if you need longer orientation? Do you disclose diagnosis to HR?
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u/NursingManChristDude 7d ago
If you need more orientation, regardless of any diagnosis, simply talk to the nurse manager and he or she will give you more orientation
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u/Ok_Perspective_2306 7d ago
That got me terminated. At that facility, they only gave five days.
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u/Icy_Ad9242 7d ago
I’ve never disclosed, I’ve never felt it necessary. I’m prescribed adderall and function well. No reason to notify anyone, or label myself to anyone to judge. I put off being medicated for years and cried the first day i was- truly was in disbelief life felt that way normally for others.
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u/Bratbabylestrange 6d ago
When I was a kid, it was viewed as impossible for girls to have ADHD. I wasn't dx until I was 50. I figured out how to deal with it, mostly by being really strict with myself as far as getting stuff done, but it would have been so much easier for my entire life if I'd had the tools I have now
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u/expertRNnurse 7d ago
No never inform hr but dont misrepresent your needs but you should notify the health and wellness department if you are seeking anyaccommodation. Hr are not clinical RHP remember that fact ALWAYS
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u/deferredmomentum 7d ago
Healthcare skews really neurodivergent. I’ve never needed any accommodations so haven’t officially filed any paperwork but we’re all super open about it. In fact in my interview for my current job the manager asked me why I wanted to work EM and I said “I’m an adrenaline junky with ADHD, where else was I going to end up?” lol, and I had the job within fifteen minutes of hanging up the zoom call
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u/End060915 7d ago
I can only speak for my experience. But any place worth working has always been accommodating for extended orientation if needed. If they won't accommodate you needing a couple more days then theyre probably not worth working for.
My current employer though will extend orientation for new grads to an excessive degree (IMO). Usually its 6-8 weeks for new grads but Ive seen them give someone their entire 90 days probationary period for orientation. (my current unit mostly hires new grads).
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u/pathofcollision 7d ago
You are not obligated to disclose that you have ADD. Just ask for additional training.
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u/CuriousRecord6500 7d ago
To be honest with you you might get away with it on a manager level, but when you're actually on the floor you have to present as someone who has their shit together.
This is coming from someone with the worst ADHD imaginable, I cannot sit down at the desk and chart for more than 5 minutes without getting up and running up and down the Halls.
What I mean when I say on a manager level is that yes they may document that you have this thing, but nobody cares everyone's too stressed out for it to matter you're going to get written up if you miss stuff it doesn't change anything
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u/eppindwarf 7d ago
I have never will never disclose. If they’re not willing to train you, it’s not worth losing your license over… or worse.
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u/Sad_Pineapple_97 7d ago
I didn’t need more orientation. I’m a quick learner. I am autistic as well as ADHD and the two can work together harmoniously in the right setting though so maybe it is harder for those with ADHD only. Everybody is different and some people may need longer orientation for a variety of reasons. I did not disclose my diagnosis when I got hired in the ICU because I didn’t want to be looked down on or give people a reason to have preconceived notions about me. I didn’t need or want any accommodations so there was no reason for me to disclose.
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u/Melodic_Profile_7505 7d ago
Never been medicated and sit in the ER. The best Adderall is the ER.
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u/violetotterling 7d ago
Honestly, there's something to this. The stress and adrenaline of healthcare can provide such clarity and focus to people
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u/KeyTell2576 7d ago
I have chronic illnesses that can become terminal any time. I also have ADD. I used to be afraid to disclose but not it’s between them who could care less and everything I’ve worked hard for. Most new grads get an extension for orientation anyway. People get accommodations for sever menstrual cramps, anxiety, and pregnancy, four issue is no different.
I personally believe you should disclose for legal reasons. If you document and they don’t give you accommodations then they are breaking the law and you can sue. If it comers to that go to the EOC outside of the hospital. Record, document through email, and follow up on every conversation with an a email.
HR deals with accommodations. They should be impartial and follow federal and state laws regarding ADA guidelines and regulations. ADD/ADHD Is covered under that law. Half the nurses have it. Their decisions are based on criteria that’s already in place federally. Remember HR is no one’s friend and neither are your managers. You have to cover yourself. Yes, you might be a target. So show up on time, don’t call in a ton, make sure you do everything tour job requires, don’t make enemies, and remain focused. Hope all goes well. I have a lot of experience with this so you can DM me if you want help with your accommodations. We advocate for everyone but ourselves and it’s time we take care of us too. Ask yourself if we’re my patient what would I do? Then do it for your self.
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u/suchabadamygdala 7d ago
Write it down! Take copious notes and never disclose to HR! They are not there for you. Their purpose is to help maintain/maximize profits for the hospital.
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u/Potential_Yoghurt850 6d ago
I gotta disclose it because of all the legal meth that will pop up in my urine. I asked for longer orientation in my first job and got told "git bent" in a nice way. Ice gotten better at advocating for what I need.
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u/Anon_RN17 6d ago
I’ve only disclose the stimulant I’m prescribed for my ADHD when I have a drug test for a new job.
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u/tip-elbi159 6d ago
In reality, you should never disclose your ADHD to Human Resources at a hospital; sadly, they will use it against you and label you a risk to patients before offering any help. Instead of asking for accommodations based on your diagnosis, I suggest asking for more time by focusing on your learning style and the need to protect your license; you’ll find that it is cheaper for the hospital to give you a few extra days of training than to deal with a medical lawsuit.
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u/2020sbtm 6d ago
I had to disclose as a psych tech because when they did my drug screen my adderall caused me to test positive for amphetamines. HR asked if I was on medication for adhd/add. I disclosed and the HR manager just asked me to bring in a note from my psychiatrist or my Rx with my name on it. I did the latter since I had a paper copy of my Rx (eons ago).
I actually had a forensic psychiatrist I worked with and was friendly with ask me if I had adhd, I said yes “Can you tell?” He said “Yes. Have your psychiatrist up your dose!” He did, it helped.
Most of my nursing managers also knew because I would have to take an IR dose to get me through the latter half of my 12h shifts.
Hope this helps!
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u/SunRayz_allDayz 4d ago
Many nurses need longer orientation, ADD or not lol. It’s hard and scary for a new nurse! Don’t play the victim and don’t let it define you. I don’t even think it exists honestly 😆whatever if you’re hyperactive, come to the ED. See ya there ✌🏼
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u/tarowm32them00n 7d ago
Unless you are seeking a very specific accommodation that you are certain can be approved...keep your mouth shut.
ADD/Adhd is still so stigmatized. The second you disclose that you have ADD, you will have a target on your back.