Do you know of any resources for neurodivergent nurses?

RE: Do you know of any resources for neurodivergent nurses?

Katherine Spear — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 22:06:57 GMT

Hi Amy, there was a really interesting podcast I heard on the VN Times Happy hour from Lacey Pitcher, and in trying to find the link I've found a few interesting bits you may have seen already, but Laceys was really good to listen to for me, a discussion from nurses and vets who are neurodivergent. See if you can find her Happy hour about it, she's the editor of VN Times and I think she's neurodivergent, a lot of us are I think! I think its about finding the right role for you. Alot more awareness these days at least. Hope you are doing ok.

https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/vn-voice-neurodivergent-nursing/

www.vettimes.co.uk/.../

RE: Do you know of any resources for neurodivergent nurses?

Amy M — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 11:05:13 GMT

[quote userid="47669" url="~/f/nonclinical-discussions/32453/do-you-know-of-any-resources-for-neurodivergent-nurses/178454#178454"]bvna.org.uk/.../[/quote]

Thank you that's really useful, I do love an infographic. Thanks!

RE: Do you know of any resources for neurodivergent nurses?

Amy M — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 11:04:43 GMT

Hi Louise,

Thank you so much for your reply. There is a lot of good information in there and it really helps me to feel more accepting of doing vet nursing in a more alternative way, rather than on the front line in first opinion, which is too stressful for me.

I think what I am working thorough now is learning that my qualification isn't wasted and how I can make it work for me. There is potential for some night nursing in wards coming up, I am seriously considering the idea however I don't know how well I'd manage working nights, but I'm keen to give it a go. Then, yes, I would love to do some sort of teaching/clinical coaching in a way. Although I do worry about having students rely on me when I am having a nonverbal day.

I know what you mean re clients, I found I was so so over the top high masking with them that it became unsustainable, especially after a morning of theatre where I would use a lot of mental energy. I have only had my surprise diagnosis a year so I am working hard on relearning myself and unmasking and working out how best I can work.

Thank you,

Amy

RE: Do you know of any resources for neurodivergent nurses?

Lisa Jones — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 22:57:53 GMT

bvna.org.uk/.../

RE: Do you know of any resources for neurodivergent nurses?

Lisa Jones — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 22:56:28 GMT

I have recently become disabled and today I found a great toolkit on the BVNA website. I will get you the link

RE: Do you know of any resources for neurodivergent nurses?

Louise Buckley — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:00:39 GMT

Hi there,

I am autistic and I know what you mean about getting burnout! Through the first year of my training I used to spend my half day off under a duvet sleeping recovering from the mental strain of being in a busy practice. I found my space in working nights for years, and then became a university academic as it appeals to my nerdy side - a lot of uni academics are autistic I think as it lets us fulfill our obsessions and turn them into career enhancers.

I would locum as a NQ vet nurse and then if I was starting to burnout would take a block of nights at a practice just wanting inpatient care (the referral centres are great for offering this).

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2263263837206675 would be a great group to join because it is full of use neurodivergents and the administrator is writing a book at the moment to help neurodivergent veterinary professionals. I think it is going to be free and open access so I am sure he wouldn't mind it being uploaded to VetNurse.co.uk once it is finalised.

The 3 roles that I think might suit are:

1. Night nurse doing inpatient care

2. Wildlife nurse

3. Charity nurse working somewhere like Dogs Trust or Cats Protection, primarily treating shelter animals. More structured, a bit repetitive, predictable hours, etc - and no wondering where you are going to put your eyeballs when you are talking to clients! You might not feel that - I do when I am getting mentally tired and cannot mimic any more.

Best wishes,

Louise

RE: Do you know of any resources for neurodivergent nurses?

sarah lonsdale — Sat, 02 Dec 2023 14:34:43 GMT

Hi Amy

Neurodiverse individuals are amazing. It’s great to hear you found the course easy. Many with Neurodiversity find it difficult.

Like schools, the workplace could be better informed on how to help and support the neurodiverse community.
Neurodiverse people can be outstanding Vet Nurses because they are Neurodiverse. However, because they can sometimes give too much, it can lead to burnout.

It sounds like you may have experienced only a few work places? Have you thought about locumming? This would allow you to take breaks when you need it. It also allows you to find the place that suits you, allows you to show your skills and get to see how supportive the management team really are, without committing to a long term contract. Think of it as you interviewing them.

You could look for a small branch surgery. Even at branch surgeries, there is lots of room to grow. You can learn how to set up nurse clinics, build relationships with clients and their pets and really make it yours. Clients really appreciate a friendly, helpful and supportive practice nurse so there is lots of job satisfaction.

If you love nursing, I would say, don’t give up yet but also look after yourself. My daughters generation are so more aware of mental health and are less afraid to ask for help. The Vet profession is better but it’s still too common for staff to not even get a lunch break and management not uk have any formal management training. Maybe, the plus side to having so many large companies owning practices, is that HR is more professionally run and therefore better at taking care of its staff.

Good Luck

RE: Resources for neurodivergent nurses

Amy M — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 09:04:33 GMT

Thank you, I will have a look at this

RE: Resources for neurodivergent nurses

jenni99 — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:20:21 GMT

https://vetmindmatters.org/resources/neurodiversity-resource-hub/
Also BVNA Good luck, I hoe you find a supportive practice

RE: Resources for neurodivergent nurses

jenni99 — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:17:08 GMT

https://vetmindmatters.org/resources/neurodiversity-resource-hub/

Also BVNA