[hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students and nurses with a learning disability face challenges when they choose a healthcare career, including greater fatigue that can impact performance.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses working with a learning disability have several options to improve their performance and increase their job satisfaction.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses must advocate for themselves within the educational setting and with nursing administration to receive the accommodations needed to be successful.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Experts estimate that nearly [hen-ui-link href=”https://ldaamerica.org/lda_today/the-state-of-learning-disabilities-today/”]20% of the population[/hen-ui-link] has one form of a learning disability. As a nursing student, when a learning disability goes unrecognized it can interfere with success and passing the National Council Licensure Examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In the past, students may have experienced more challenges as learning disabilities were not easily recognized or treated. Now, more students with learning disabilities are identified in primary and secondary school and offered accommodations needed for success.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although you may think a learning disability prevents you from working in nursing, most nurse managers in 2010 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.researchgate.net/publication/44616990_Nurses_With_Disabilities_Working_in_Hospital_Settings_Attitudes_Concerns_and_Experiences_of_Nurse_Leaders”]rated the work performance[/hen-ui-link] of nurses with a learning disability as “exceptional” or “above average.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We talked in depth with Gail Trauco, RN, BSN-OCN, who is the CEO and founder of PharmaKon. She was diagnosed with dyslexia in her first year of college and has spent four decades in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about Trauco’s journey and discover the strategies nurses and workplaces can use to accommodate the needs of nurses with learning disabilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Learning Disability?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/”]Learning Disabilities Association of America[/hen-ui-link], a learning disability is a neurobiological or genetic factor that alters cognitive processing related to learning. This can include reading, writing, or math skills. Learning disabilities can also interfere with organization, abstract reasoning, attention span, and planning.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An alteration in these skills can also create challenges for people in their relationships with friends, family, and in the workplace. Many students who have a learning disability are identified during grade school or high school. Some may not be diagnosed until they are adults or in college.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are five types of learning disabilities that are recognized under federal law in the [hen-ui-link href=”https://sites.ed.gov/idea/”]Individuals with Disabilities Education Act[/hen-ui-link] (IDEA).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-primary-800 text-lg” tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Dyslexia[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This learning disability impacts a person’s ability to read and related language-based processing. Individuals struggle with spelling and word recognition. Reading comprehension can be impaired.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-primary-800 text-lg” tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Dyscalculia[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This specifically affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and do math calculations. Individuals may have difficulty solving real-world problems.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-primary-800 text-lg” tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Dysgraphia[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals with dysgraphia have problems with fine motor skills, which affects handwriting ability. This can include letters and numbers. If the ability to write numbers is affected, it can also impact math skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-primary-800 text-lg” tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Nonverbal Learning[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals have difficulty with reading and interpreting nonverbal facial clues and body language.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-primary-800 text-lg” tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Oral/Written Language Disorder and Specific Reading Comprehension Deficit[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This affects a person’s ability to understand what they have read or heard.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/diagnosed”]individual examination[/hen-ui-link] in childhood will include a medical history and examination to rule out a physical health condition. It also includes academic and psychological testing and reviewing the child’s developmental performance.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accommodations for learning disabilities in primary and secondary school involves monitoring the student’s progress, providing help on different levels, and moving the child to increased levels of support if needed.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As individuals move into adulthood, [hen-ui-link href=”https://ldaamerica.org/info/adult-learning-disability-assessment-process/”]diagnosis is made[/hen-ui-link] through formal testing for intelligence and processing. Specific strategies that can improve work and daily activities are recommended.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Learning Disabilities Impact Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse with a learning disability might face challenges when they choose a healthcare career. For instance, Trauco’s dyslexia created unique challenges for her while learning biochemistry. She found strategies that helped her learn and retain the knowledge she needed.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”I attended ALL additional lab review sessions and was often the only student seeking one-on-one professor assistance,” she says. “Writing out chemical formulas and calculations was helpful with memory retention. Additional study time was always required to review and re-review written materials.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nearly all colleges and universities have a disability services center. The office offers accommodations for learning disabilities to students. They help interface with professors and teachers, and they provide additional resources for note-taking, test-taking, and studying.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other strategies that nursing students may use include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prereading a chapter before reading and taking notes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Using different colored highlighters to identify key details[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Structuring checkpoints within the text to stop and check for comprehension[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reading aloud[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Visualizing the material by drawing charts, graphs, or diagrams[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Considering an academic coach to focus on study skills[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working nurses also face challenges with ensuring accuracy in medication administration, calculations, and tasks that require multiple steps, such as wound care. Trauco also warns that technological devices, meant to make care easier, can create additional challenges.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Nursing utilizes more ‘devices’ such as chemotherapy infusion pumps. Programming may be challenging for a nurse with a learning disability. Check, double-check, and request another nurse to verify settings to ensure programming accuracy,” she advises.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses with a learning disability may experience greater fatigue than other nurses as many cognitive tasks take more energy to complete. Specific challenges that nurses may face include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fatigue and stress[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Executive function deficits[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Memory loss[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Organization[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Planning and prioritizing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Difficulty reading[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Difficulty writing or spelling[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Difficulty taking shift notes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Difficulty processing facial cues or emotions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Despite these challenges, nurse managers report their staff with learning disabilities perform above average or better. Dyslexia was one driving force that motivated Trauco to push harder and perform better.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Discipline and focus helped me develop an outstanding work ethic. Today I own a mobile nursing company that generates over seven figures annually,” she says. “Discipline, dedication, and drive to excel were learned at an early age secondary to dyslexia.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Ways Workplaces Can Help Nurses With a Learning Disability[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to Trauco, 12-hour shifts, doubles, and high patient-to-staff ratios do not maximize the performance of a nurse with a learning disability. The administration must be made aware of how fatigue affects performance.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Exhaustion after about nine hours of bedside nursing creates a disadvantage for nurse performance for the last three hours of a 12-hour shift. Nursing shortages and the pandemic do NOT allow most nurses any breaks,” Trauca says. “This contributes to the exacerbation of a learning disability.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before choosing this career, nurses with learning disabilities should become aware of the legal protections they have under IDEA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/rehabilitation-act-1973″]Rehabilitation Act[/hen-ui-link]. New programs and technologies can also assist nurses working with a learning disability to enhance their working environment and improve their performance.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sharing this knowledge with nursing administration is necessary since they may not seek out nursing accommodations for learning disabilities. Nurse managers may rely on the nurse to communicate what is needed to function best.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing is a physically demanding profession and the pandemic and global [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/post-pandemic-nursing-shortage/”]nursing shortages[/hen-ui-link] have not helped improve working conditions. However, there are adaptations and adjustments administration may offer a nurse working with a learning disability that does not negatively impact patient care or other staff.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn the specific challenges that a nurse working with a learning disability experiences to develop customized adaptations.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Evaluate the need for education and training for other nursing staff.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recognize the impact fatigue has on nursing performance and patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adjust 12-hour shifts to avoid fatigue.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide an experienced and compassionate [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//the-importance-of-mentorship-in-nursing/”]nurse mentor[/hen-ui-link] to help ensure accuracy.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Encourage [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/mobile-apps-every-nurse-should-have/”]smartphone apps for nurses[/hen-ui-link] that help with patient management and clinical decision-making.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Routinely meet with the nurse working with a learning disability to evaluate the need for adaptations.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide for routine breaks for nutrition and hydration.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Suggest the nurse with a learning disability share their story with the staff.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ensure an open, authentic working environment to improve staff interactions and [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/how-to-support-nurses-considering-resigning/”]nurse retention[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Encourage physicians and nurses to have open, nonjudgmental communication.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for Nurses With a Learning Disability[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following organizations provide helpful resources for nurses living with a learning disability.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nond.org/”]National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading]This open-membership, professional organization promotes equity for nurses with a variety of learning and physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. They use education, advocacy, and participation in research to achieve their goals.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncld.org/”]National Center for Learning Disabilities[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading]Their mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with learning and attention issues. For over 40 years, they have participated in research, innovation, and nationally centered advocacy. The organization uses scholarships and awards to recognize students and leaders with learning and attention issues.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://askjan.org/index.cfm”]Job Accommodation Network[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading]This organization provides resources for employers and individuals. Employers can receive free consulting about job accommodations for nurses working with a learning disability. Individuals also have free information and consulting services available. This includes referrals to other resources, job adaptation solutions, and information on assistive technologies.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://ldaamerica.org/adults/”]Learning Disabilities Association of America[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading]The organization specifically helps those with learning disabilities by advocating for federal policies and legislative change. They offer teaching and learning resources, podcasts, state-based resources, and an annual conference.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As Trauco and many other nurses with a learning disability have demonstrated, you can have a successful career as a nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Find your passion and develop your expertise as a ‘Master’ of your determined career focus,” Trauco urges.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consider the specialties that play to your unique strengths. For example, communication skills are essential for telephone triage, administration, legal consultant, and case management. They make excellent choices for nurses working with a learning disability.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Don’t let a learning disability stop you from experiencing the rewards and benefits of working with and helping patients in some of the more challenging times of their lives.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Meet Our Contributor[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Gail Trauco, RN, BSN-OCN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1664925611/NurseJournal.org/Headshots/gail-trauco.jpg” img-alt=”Gail Trauco, RN, BSN-OCN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]A registered oncology nurse, pharmaceutical trials expert, and long-time patient advocate, Gail Trauco has spent four decades helping patients navigate the sea of red tape in the U.S. healthcare system. She is the CEO of [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.thepharmakonllc.com”]The PharmaKon LLC[/hen-ui-link], which specializes in clinical pharmaceutical product development and trials.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Sources[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Barto A. (n.d.). The state of learning disabilities today. [hen-ui-link href=”https://ldaamerica.org/lda_today/the-state-of-learning-disabilities-today/”]https://ldaamerica.org/lda_today/the-state-of-learning-disabilities-today/[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How are learning disabilities diagnosed? (2018).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/diagnosed”]https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/diagnosed[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals with disabilities education act. (n.d.). [hen-ui-link href=”https://sites.ed.gov/idea/”]https://sites.ed.gov/idea/[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The adult learning disability assessment process. (n.d.). [hen-ui-link href=”https://ldaamerica.org/info/adult-learning-disability-assessment-process/”]https://ldaamerica.org/info/adult-learning-disability-assessment-process/[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The rehabilitation act of 1973. (n.d.) [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/rehabilitation-act-1973″]https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/rehabilitation-act-1973[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Types of learning disabilities. (n.d.).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/”]https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wood D, et al. (2010). Nurses with disabilities working in hospital settings: Attitudes, concerns, and experiences of nurse leaders. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.researchgate.net/publication/44616990_Nurses_With_Disabilities_Working_in_Hospital_Settings_Attitudes_Concerns_and_Experiences_of_Nurse_Leaders”]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/44616990_Nurses_With_Disabilities_Working_in_Hospital_Settings_Attitudes_Concerns_and_Experiences_of_Nurse_Leaders[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]