Can I be a Mental Health nurse and Autistic/ADHD/Neurodivergent?
Original post by ZL04
Hi,
My doctor has suggested that I should get screened for Autism and ADHD because of the issues I face daily like overstimulation and non verbal tendencies etc.. (there's a lot more factors as to why he suggested i get screened).
However I am hopefully going to be starting my Undergraduate in Mental Health nursing this September and i could help but be scared that If i do get a diagnosis of Autism, will i have to disclose it to future employers when i apply for a job as a nurse? Will they deem me as unfit, especially because I want to be a mental health nurse. Could having this diagnosis mean that i may not be able to be considered a well abled MH nurse?
My doctor has suggested that I should get screened for Autism and ADHD because of the issues I face daily like overstimulation and non verbal tendencies etc.. (there's a lot more factors as to why he suggested i get screened).
However I am hopefully going to be starting my Undergraduate in Mental Health nursing this September and i could help but be scared that If i do get a diagnosis of Autism, will i have to disclose it to future employers when i apply for a job as a nurse? Will they deem me as unfit, especially because I want to be a mental health nurse. Could having this diagnosis mean that i may not be able to be considered a well abled MH nurse?
You can be a MH nurse.
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 1
This question has been asked in multiple threads.
Reply 3
Original post by ZL04
Wdym by this??
Of course you can apply to be an MH nurse. There is an occupational health assessment you have to undergo, but this will not affect you becoming a nurse.
Reply 4
Hi! I have autism and ADHD and my goal is to work in the mental health sector as a clinical psychologist (start my psychology degree in september too!) , I don’t believe a diagnosis of either would hinder your ability to become a mental health nurse, so I wouldn’t worry! 
because 1 it does not effect your ability, 2. you and i know its not nice you will be classed as a disabled student/nurse, they have to employ a number with disabilities, 4. for you to qualify your ASD must be high enough so that you can cope with a uni course. 5. at the moment i have 1 autistic daughter studying learning disability nursing she loves it, a second spectrum child has just been accepted to study medicine after doing an access course and another wanting to do medicine at post graduate level use you autism so it helps you dont let it control you and use it as an excuse like i did. you will be an asset to mental health nursing you will understand your clients better than a "normal" fresh out school. you will do well. try and get some work experience in a metal/ learning disability unit. and occy health will only be worried that your course wont cause you harm. if you coped with school and you got the grades needed you will cope.
Reply 6
Original post by ZL04
Hi,
My doctor has suggested that I should get screened for Autism and ADHD because of the issues I face daily like overstimulation and non verbal tendencies etc.. (there's a lot more factors as to why he suggested i get screened).
However I am hopefully going to be starting my Undergraduate in Mental Health nursing this September and i could help but be scared that If i do get a diagnosis of Autism, will i have to disclose it to future employers when i apply for a job as a nurse? Will they deem me as unfit, especially because I want to be a mental health nurse. Could having this diagnosis mean that i may not be able to be considered a well abled MH nurse?
My doctor has suggested that I should get screened for Autism and ADHD because of the issues I face daily like overstimulation and non verbal tendencies etc.. (there's a lot more factors as to why he suggested i get screened).
However I am hopefully going to be starting my Undergraduate in Mental Health nursing this September and i could help but be scared that If i do get a diagnosis of Autism, will i have to disclose it to future employers when i apply for a job as a nurse? Will they deem me as unfit, especially because I want to be a mental health nurse. Could having this diagnosis mean that i may not be able to be considered a well abled MH nurse?
You do not have to disclose to your employer any disability unless you think it will affect practice or indeed you wish for adjustments to be made. As long as any adjustments are reasonable, as others have said this will not be an issue, maybe even a net positive in MH nursing
Reply 7
Original post by wanga_wanga
You do not have to disclose to your employer any disability unless you think it will affect practice or indeed you wish for adjustments to be made. As long as any adjustments are reasonable, as others have said this will not be an issue, maybe even a net positive in MH nursing
Good advice given, unfortunately I don't think they even have an offer at a uni to study nursing (
). They are constantly chopping and changing careers from nursing to the police force and asking the same question in various threads.Reply 8
Original post by ZL04
Lmaooo I was considering being in the police 2 years ago just to clarify since you think you know everything , I have 3 offers form Unis to do Mental health nursing this year 20204 MISS HAZELNUT, because you sure are a nut job, how you are soooo obsessed with me. U can defo private message me if you want and I can happilyyyyyy show u my offers since you’re so knowledgeable about my personal life. 😘😘😘
Police Officer and Mental Health Nurse. These seem like really sensible choices with such an temperament.
Reply 9
Original post by ZL04
Says the one named wanga wanga.
Lmao with thati single handedly said you believe people with mental illness don’t deserve to have aspirations and dreams of careers.
That they should just stick to be sick , yikes you suck
Lmao with thati single handedly said you believe people with mental illness don’t deserve to have aspirations and dreams of careers.
That they should just stick to be sick , yikes you suck
Do you know words have meaning?
Single handedly, what?
People with mental illness shouldn't have careers?
They should stick to being sick?
You're going to have to demonstrate where that happened, the burden of proof is upon you now.
This reply in itself is quite indicative, some people, for whatever reason inc disability, mental health and A N Other are NOT suitable for certain careers, this is absolutely true.
What you have amply demonstrated for all to see is that to put you in positions of power with people who may disagree with you may be dangerous, for you and for them.
Reply 10
Original post by Hazelly
Good advice given, unfortunately I don't think they even have an offer at a uni to study nursing (). They are constantly chopping and changing careers from nursing to the police force and asking the same question in various threads.
). They are constantly chopping and changing careers from nursing to the police force and asking the same question in various threads.Cant reply yet, but gotcha!
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