5 Ways to Support an ADHD Nurse at Your Facility
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects both children and adults. While nurses often care for patients with ADHD, they may sometimes be living with the condition themselves. An ADHD nurse faces unique challenges when it comes to managing their symptoms at work. However, with the right tools and support, they can excel in their roles and even bring distinct strengths to their team.
As a facility leader, creating an environment that welcomes neurodivergent nurses is vital for building inclusivity. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of how ADHD impacts nurses and outline five ways that you can help them thrive in the workplace.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a developmental disorder that causes a pattern of inattention (not being able to focus), hyperactivity (excessive movement and thoughts), and impulsivity (hasty acts taken in the moment). Symptoms most commonly begin in childhood, but often continue into adulthood. It’s estimated that roughly 15.5 million adults in the U.S. have a current diagnosis of ADHD.
While ADHD is defined by groups of symptoms, it can impact everyone differently. Individuals can be diagnosed with one of three types of ADHD based on how their condition manifests:
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| Inattentive | People with predominantly inattentive ADHD may have more difficulty concentrating or remembering to do tasks, and can get bored of what they’re doing quickly. |
| Hyperactive-Impulsive | People with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may have more difficulty controlling emotions, staying still, or waiting their turn. |
| Combined | This is the most common type of ADHD that can include various symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. |
How Does ADHD Affect Nursing Professionals?
Every nurse experiences different challenges when it comes to working with ADHD. But, with proper management and support, these challenges can be overcome. Nurses with ADHD may need to develop a tailored workflow or regimen that works for them. Once they do, they’re just as capable of doing their job as a nurse without ADHD.
For example, an inattentive ADHD nurse may benefit from writing down detailed checklists that help them stay on task. On the other hand, nurses who experience hyperactivity/hyper impulsivity may actually excel in fast-paced environments (e.g. emergency room), where their quick thinking and high energy can be significant assets.
Fundamentally, it’s important to avoid generalizing how nurses may be impacted by ADHD. Offering individualized solutions to those who disclose their condition is the best way to support and maximize the talents of your team.
5 Ways to Support a Nurse with ADHD
Remember, you should never be asking an employee about a medical condition if they haven’t brought it up themselves. However, it’s crucial to foster an inclusive environment and be prepared to provide accommodations for those who request them. Here are five general practices and ADHD nurse accommodations that you can employ to support your staff.
1. Don’t Make Assumptions
When a nurse first discloses their condition to you, it’s crucial to handle the conversation with sensitivity and confidentiality. Avoid making assumptions or saying things like ”you don’t seem like you have ADHD”;. Even if you have good intentions, comments like this can come off as dismissive, undermine your staff member’s trust in you, and potentially expose you to claims of workplace discrimination.
Instead, give your nurse time and space to explain what they need from you. Acknowledge their challenges and ask how you can best support them in their role. This will foster better communication and allow you to collaboratively develop effective accommodations.
2. Minimize Environmental Distractions
At baseline, hospitals can be quite busy and overwhelming for an ADHD nurse. However, you can always find ways to minimize unnecessary distractions. For example, consider implementing guidelines that prevent workstation clutter and minimize inappropriate use of personal, mobile devices. Ensuring that unused monitors are turned off in a timely manner is also an effective way to reduce alarm fatigue — which can benefit your team as a whole.
3. Offer Customized Breaks
When a nurse with ADHD becomes overwhelmed by their environment, they may just need a few minutes of alone time to recollect their thoughts. Offering customized, 10- to 15-minute breaks allows nurses to pop into a quiet, relaxing area that helps them better regulate their emotions. Work with your nurse to figure out a fair system for taking breaks and to ensure that there’s coverage for their patients, if needed.
4. Create Structured Care Regimens
A regimented specialty like critical care is often cited as the best type of nursing for ADHD since it requires structured regimens. A predictable workflow minimizes ambiguity, which can help a nurse with ADHD stay on task.
You can work with your nurse to identify patient assignments that are more structured. Consider implementing well-defined protocols for routine tasks (e.g., taking vital signs and charting), which can help set clear expectations.
5. Provide a Quiet Charting Space
Some nurses with ADHD may struggle with documentation when the floor is busy or loud. Creating a “quiet charting zone” that’s a bit more removed from the main area can help your nurses focus. If this isn’t possible, consider offering up the floor manager’s office if a nurse needs a calmer space to finish up charting.
Learn More Ways to Support Your Nursing Team
Accommodating an ADHD nurse is vital for fostering a more inclusive workplace. While figuring out how to adapt to the needs of your staff can be challenging, you don’t have to do it alone. Our team of experts is here to provide the latest nursing management insights — all at no cost to you.