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
Reasonable adjustments case study: Dyslexia
Read about the adjustments and support put in place to help her thrive.
Reasonable adjustments case study: Depression
Upon meeting with the Disability Liaison Tutor, adjustments were put in place to help Liam succeed.