Support for neurodiverse nursing staff
By Gemma Raw
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has published two new guides to support nursing staff and students who are neurodiverse.
The Neurodiversity Guidance for Employers, Managers, Staff and Students has been produced by nurses with lived experience and includes input from stakeholders with an interest in neurodiversity. It's accompanied by a Neurodiversity Pocket Guide which gives a snapshot of effects and strengths which are experienced by neurodiverse people.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for a range of conditions. It includes people who have dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Neurodiversity recognises that people's brains function and interpret information in different ways, and that we all bring individual experience, strengths and assets to different situations and challenges. Unfortunately, because of a lack of awareness, this is often not recognised in the workplace.
How many people in nursing jobs are neurodiverse?
There are no reliable statistics available on the number of nurses who are neurodiverse. However, it's estimated that at least 15% of the UK population have at least one of the neurodiversity conditions, so it can be assumed that this also applies to a significant number of nursing staff. Within the healthcare system there's plenty of support and guidance for patients who are neurodiverse. However, until now support for those working in nursing and other healthcare jobs has been limited.
"I hope these publications will make people more aware of neurodiversity," said Aaron Hobin, a major trauma staff nurse who worked on the RCN guides. "It's important we all understand how people learn and work differently and the reasonable adjustments that can be made in the workplace to accommodate our neurodiverse nursing colleages."
Support network for nurses
NeuroDiverse Nurses UK is a group of volunteers who are driving awareness of neurodiversity in nursing and identifying support routes for neurodiverse nurses, as well as those who work alongside them in other healthcare roles.
NDNursesUK was set up in 2019 by Joan Pons Laplana, a senior nurse working at Health Education England (HEE). The official launch of the network was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in January this year development plans got back on track and the network is now up and running. Much of the group's activity is delivered via their twitter feed (@NDnursesUK) where you can connect, learn and share on a daily basis, as well as taking part in regular tweetchats.
The vision of NDNursesUK is to create a health system where neurodiversity is seen positively, focusing on abilities and not disabilities. As part of their mission, the group aims to help address the recruitment and retention issues for nursing jobs by enabling neurodiverse people to enter the profession, remain and progress.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism ensures healthcare staff receive appropriate training to better understand people’s needs, resulting in better services and improved health and wellbeing outcomes. Find out more here and read our previous blog.
