RCN Peer Support Service - Information for students
Many nursing staff work whilst managing their own health and disability issues whether acquired or pre-existing. Lived experience of working as a medical professional with a disability or neurodiversity is a great asset.
- Students with impairments can, and do, complete their courses and go on to be employed in the health care sector
- A diverse cohort brings benefits for all as students with protected characteristics bring valuable lived experience, increased resilience and resourcefulness.
- It is good practice to support nursing students to get the reasonable adjustments they need and often it is also a legal obligation.
The main barriers to inclusive healthcare placements are:
- The way information is shared between education provider and placement;
- Lack of knowledge about how to support colleagues with disabilities amongst placement staff;
- Incorrect assumptions about the implications of a disability for being able to perform a nursing role.
- Student’s fear about disclosing their disability (often due to the points above).
Shaun's story
Student council member Shaun talks about his role and being diagnosed as Neurodiverse during his degree.
Reasonable adjustments case study: Dyslexia
After initially struggling with academic assignments and organisational skills, Kate was referred to Student Services for additional support, and was later diagnosed with dyslexia.
Read about the adjustments and support put in place to help her thrive.
Read about the adjustments and support put in place to help her thrive.
Reasonable adjustments case study: Depression
Liam didn't want to disclose his depression on placement, but when his mood and energy levels dipped, he felt unable to attend his shifts.
Upon meeting with the Disability Liaison Tutor, adjustments were put in place to help Liam succeed.
Upon meeting with the Disability Liaison Tutor, adjustments were put in place to help Liam succeed.
