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

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

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.

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

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

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 2 nd & 3 rd year assignments at 1 st attempt. Good in clinical practice Completed programme & working as a registered Nurse

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 2 nd break due to non progression Exam scribe

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 2 nd break due to non progression

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

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

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

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