Dyslexia

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Dyslexia dyscalculia in Nursing

• Peter Bentley, Senior Lecturer Applied Biological
  Sciences/ Route Leader Adult Nursing (Diploma)
• City University, London

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Support in University

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

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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