Dyslexia & dyscalculia in Nursing

1. Dyslexia & dyscalculia in Nursing Peter Bentley, Senior Lecturer Applied Biological Sciences/ Route Leader Adult Nursing (Diploma) City University, London

2. Pre-registration Nursing • In England most students undertake a 3 year Diploma Programme, student study adult, child, mental health or learning difficulties nursing. • A minority do a 3 year BSc (Hons). • ? Future all graduate Profession • Both are 50% Theory & 50% Practice. • Students are assessed using essays, exams, OSCE & in Practice based assessments

3. Dyslexics in Nursing • Dyslexia is a heterogeneous condition, not all dyslexics will struggle with calculations, some will suffer from dyscalculia. • Nursing attracts people with dyslexia. • Dyslexics have much to offer the Nursing Profession. • Not allowed to bar people with dyslexia entering the profession under Disability Discrimination Act, also required to make ‘reasonable adjustments to support those with disability’.

4. Dyslexic students • May already be diagnosed before commencing programme • Other family members may be affected • More commonly detected during time in university • Detection through written work, tutorials, following marking or by behaviour

5. Challenges for dylexics/dyscalculic students • Assignments, deadlines. • Exams, OSCE stressful • Time management • Balancing theory & practice, shifts 24 7 • Practice environment may be stressful • Calculations in clinical practice, drugs, fluid balance, body mass index

6. Case study 1 • S female student, lacked confidence, slow reading speed, diagnosed at University. • Acknowledged limitations, sought help from dyslexia unit & personal tutor. • Dips in confidence. • Passed all 2nd & 3rd year assignments at 1st attempt. • Good in clinical practice • Completed programme & working as a registered Nurse

7. Case study 2 • R outgoing female student, muddled in answering questions, major problems with time management, difficulty multi-tasking. • Exams, stress, panic attack • Break due to non progression • Due 2nd break due to non progression • Exam scribe

8. Case study 3 • K male student, low self esteem, hides behind humour, poor attendance, dyslexia diagnosed late in university. • Break due to non attendance. • Multiple deferrals, looses extension forms • High powered mother • 2nd break due to non progression

9. Case study 4 • F female student, failed year 1 exams with very poor marks, described muddling work and difficulty with order in essays. Diagnosed after tutorial. • Time management late for classes, tutorials. • Has not sought available help • Some improvement, but erratic

10. Case study 5 • S a Year 3 student, very experienced personal tutor. Diagnosed following problems sequencing information in clinical practice. • Milder form of dyslexia. • Coping with coursework, good feedback from clinical practice

11. Support in University • Use of Dyslexia support unit. • Support from Personal tutor/Subject Specialists. • Guidance with time management. • Using appropriate learning resources.

12. Support for Dyslexics in Practice • Encourage declaration Supportive mentorship helps • May need longer to perform calculations • Dyslexia may worsen under stress • Raise awareness, support from Clinical Practice facilitators, Link Lecturers. • However, may still fail placement and academic work if unable to demonstrate safe practice. • Most dyslexics can complete their programme, with additional help