Intensley upset about issues with new job.

[Kevin L.]

Hi guys.

I need advice.

I am a brand new registered nurse who is autistic and has a few learning disabilities.

I just started my new nursing job, and my proctor lost patience with me when I struggle with using the computer because she says "Sink or swim, I'm not answering your questions because you don't bother to read," raised her voice to me in public in front of everyone because I didn't understand with using certain things in the computer, and now refuses to be my proctor.

I read perfectly well, but I sometimes have trouble interpreting what I'm reading, and when I ask for clarification, she refuses to answer my questions because I am--somehow--obligated to figure it out without being told.

How do neurotypical people get around these issues?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Aspychata]

Congrats on getting this far. l hope others here can help you. Some medical staff are extremely helpful and compassionate. Yet l have encountered a few that border on out-right sadistic behavior. Just hope you can find another proctor.

 

[Kevin L.]

I run into this a lot, so I believe it's me. I have heard from my parents and employers many times: "If you're smart enough to be a nurse, then you can figure out how to not be autistic."

I have heard this so many times in different ways from many different people and--yet again--interfering with my job.

When I was on the other side of a breakroom door, I heard one of them ask another if I "took the short bus to nursing school."

 

[Kevin L.]

Congrats on getting this far. l hope others here can help you. Some medical staff are extremely helpful and compassionate. Yet l have encountered a few that border on out-right sadistic behavior. Just hope you can find another proctor.

Thank you, BTW.

 

[Rodafina]

Sounds rough, @Kevin L.

Are you eligible for any accommodations at work? Do you have a supervisor who you could speak to who may understand your unique challenges?

Maybe getting a new proctor would actually be helpful as it sounds like the current one is not a good match for you (and seemingly kind of a jerk).

Telling one of us to figure out how not to be autistic is like telling someone to figure out how not to breathe. What a ridiculous thing to say to you. Just try not to internalize this. Just because you are struggling at the moment, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be a great and successful nurse.

It sounds like you are going to have to be the one to build up your confidence and self worth here. Remind yourself of your strengths and consider how they can help you now.

 

[VictorR]

Sorry to hear of your experiences.

If you're comfortable, would you like to share an example of how you asked for clarification on something?

 

[Kevin L.]

Sounds rough, @Kevin L.

Are you eligible for any accommodations at work? Do you have a supervisor who you could speak to who may understand your unique challenges?

Maybe getting a new proctor would actually be helpful as it sounds like the current one is not a good match for you (and seemingly kind of a jerk).

Telling one of us to figure out how not to be autistic is like telling someone to figure out how not to breathe. What a ridiculous thing to say to you. Just try not to internalize this. Just because you are struggling at the moment, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be a great and successful nurse.

It sounds like you are going to have to be the one to build up your confidence and self worth here. Remind yourself of your strengths and consider how they can help you now.

Thank you very much.

 

[Kevin L.]

Sorry to hear of your experiences.

If you're comfortable, would you like to share an example of how you asked for clarification on something?

I tend to take things literally, and I'm struggling to properly use the computer.

There are--for example--ten discrete steps to go through in order to properly document a patient's pharmacy so that they can get their prescription medications after leaving the hospital.

I asked to be walked through these steps, and get told "no", you have to figure it out yourself. Sink or swim.

So I sank.

And then there is the Spanish keyboard.

The Spanish computer keyboard has a few subtle differences where some characters are (like the ampersand @).

All the keyboards are standard keyboards, but one keyboard at a specific computer is a Spanish keyboard, and some characters on the keys are different, so the computer at this specific work area won't accept my password . . . and I'm expected to automatically kniw this because it's "sink or swim."

 

[VictorR]

I tend to take things literally, and I'm struggling to properly use the computer.

There are--for example--ten discrete steps to go through in order to properly document a patient's pharmacy so that they can get their prescription medications after leaving the hospital.

I asked to be walked through these steps, and get told "no", you have to figure it out yourself. Sink or swim.

So I sank.

And then there is the Spanish keyboard.

The Spanish computer keyboard has a few subtle differences where some characters are (like the ampersand @).

All the keyboards are standard keyboards, but one keyboard at a specific computer is a Spanish keyboard, and some characters on the keys are different, so the computer at this specific work area won't accept my password . . . and I'm expected to automatically kniw this because it's "sink or swim."

I hear you about getting a walkthrough - I usually learn best when I can read detailed instructions, watch something being done, and then try it out.

Definitely a big challenge at technical jobs is that it's one thing to learn the core concepts of a job, but it's not unusual that the software and/or hardware used may be completely new to us (sometimes even proprietary or custom) and indeed, the expectation is to just struggle your way through it.

Some thoughts...

1.
Some jobs, for whatever reasons, simply don't provide walkthroughs / demos to new staff, which is unfortunate given different learning styles.

Perhaps you could, following the directions provided, do your best, and if stuck, to then ask for help, while explaining how you got stuck and what you think is the issue and what potential solutions are to show that you had tried and aren't simply asking for the answer.

2.
Are you a member of a union? Where I am, hospital nurses are almost always unionized, in which case you may wish to speak with a shop steward to ask about your situation and what support options may be available.

Management not providing support to a staff member with a disability (where support needs were disclosed) is not something a union would take lightly, generally speaking.

2a.
Same applies if you and/or the proctor are members of a regulatory body, especially if the same one - that's another place that may be albe to provide support in navigating the situation.

2b.
Same, but in regards to a peer support network, or with HR. A word of caution - HR is generally there to protect the employer, and talking to them is kind if a last resort.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

Hi guys.

I need advice.

I am a brand new registered nurse who is autistic and has a few learning disabilities.

I just started my new nursing job, and my proctor lost patience with me when I struggle with using the computer because she says "Sink or swim, I'm not answering your questions because you don't bother to read," raised her voice to me in public in front of everyone because I didn't understand with using certain things in the computer, and now refuses to be my proctor.

I read perfectly well, but I sometimes have trouble interpreting what I'm reading, and when I ask for clarification, she refuses to answer my questions because I am--somehow--obligated to figure it out without being told.

How do neurotypical people get around these issues?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

I've not only been in healthcare for nearly 40 years, I am have also been an instructor for over 30 years. I train ALOT of people. What you are experiencing is not uncommon. I also know that one of the top occupations for autistics is healthcare. You're not alone. Neurotypical people have their own issues in healthcare because many do tend to be people focused, which is great, but there's a lot of technology they also work with and must be proficient at. It's not easy for anyone.

I tell my students that if you think that school was difficult, all the studying, the testing, the board exams, etc....Well, wait until you actually get into the real world. You may have been excited getting a 96% on one of your exams in school, well, in healthcare, you can be 99.9999% correct and that 0.0001% could get you fired. No pressure there (sarcasm). I also tell them that once you get hired into your position, that is when your real education starts. As an instructor, my goal is to streamline your education towards the end goal of you passing the national board exam. What happens afterward, well, that's up to you. Whatever specialty area you decide to work in, cardiology, neurology, emergency medicine, neonatology, etc. you then need to study on your own because it will be a million and one things I could never teach you in school. When I got out of school, I spent the next 10 years studying on my own, digging into all things neonatology, and I still find myself reading scientific journal articles on a regular basis. There's always new things coming out, something new to learn all the time.

The computer stuff, that just takes time, playing around, making mistakes, being curious, asking questions. Every so often, the hospital will decide to completely change the computer software. I have worked with at least 4 completely different systems within the past 40 years, or so. Right now, it's EPIC, but in 5-10 years, it might be something complete different. One thing I do know, is that there will be things that you do, day in, day out, every day while working with the computer software. After a while it just gets routine. Will you run into unusual situations and have to ask questions? Absolutely. Things you run into every 6 months or so, you're not going to remember, but chances are there will be some resource person to ask. Know your resource people.

My advice, don't beat yourself up thinking that you are somehow "less than" because of your autism. Do not, ever, take on a "victim mentality". Know your self-worth and don't give off those silent signals that allow others to turn you into a "door mat" to be walked upon. Stick up for yourself. Establish those boundaries. The reality is that nearly all the autistic co-workers I have run across in my years, were all top performers in their field, from doctors, nurses, to respiratory therapists. Two, you have to do a lot of self-study when you are new. I've come in on my days off, spent a few hours here and there, pulling equipment, playing around with it, reading user manuals, etc. You need to take on that challenge. If you are simply putting in your shifts and calling it good, you will not progress at the pace you want. You need to put in your own time. At some point, you may be one of those resource people for other new employees.

Sure, yes, I agree your interactions with your proctor/preceptor were not professional, nor appropriate. This you take up with your supervisor or manager. "I have a concern,..." Again, it's sticking up for yourself and setting those personal boundaries. Do not approach this like you're a victim, nor how it affected you, but rather put it on the proctor as "unprofessional behavior".

 

[Mary Terry]

Hi guys.

I need advice.

I am a brand new registered nurse who is autistic and has a few learning disabilities.

I just started my new nursing job, and my proctor lost patience with me when I struggle with using the computer because she says "Sink or swim, I'm not answering your questions because you don't bother to read," raised her voice to me in public in front of everyone because I didn't understand with using certain things in the computer, and now refuses to be my proctor.

I read perfectly well, but I sometimes have trouble interpreting what I'm reading, and when I ask for clarification, she refuses to answer my questions because I am--somehow--obligated to figure it out without being told.

How do neurotypical people get around these issues?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Ask another one of the employees how to solve the computer issues you are having. The proctor is just one person there and she sounds like a jerk.

 

[Masked Man]

Wow, I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through this. I work at a medical center and - while our clinic staff is supportive and kind - there are nurses and other staff in the hospital that are not nice.

Sadly, this is all too common - nurses have the reputation of "eating their young." I have my own theories but I don't entirely understand why they do this. I suspect it's to maintain their own status. Either way it's a crappy thing to do.

Anyway, my suggestion to you would be to contact the educational manager/supervisor for the nursing staff. If your hospital is like the one I work for, they are the ones who manage the student and new nursing staff intake and placement. You can probably find this out by contacting someone in Human Resources. This proctor's behavior is unacceptable.

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

I am not very good with computers, my wife flunked out of a course years ago So I just tell I'm a bright guy show and I will figure it out. I now know how to attach videos to thus forum. I like to fool around, got really good with excel,
now I make very good spread sheets.