Feeling like an untapped resource. Experiences of working life among nurses with ADHD and/or autism: An interview study

Abstract

BackgroundADHD and autism are common and increasing neurodevelopmental disorders in the world and also occur among nurses. However, almost nothing is known about nurses with these diagnoses. To promote high-quality care provision and well-being in the nursing workforce, it is important to discover more about these nurses. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to describe how nurses with ADHD and/or autism experience their working life. MethodsThe study was descriptive in design. Nurses were invited via Swedish Facebook groups targeting nurses. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 17 nurses with ADHD and/or autism, online or by telephone. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. ResultsOne overarching theme and seven subthemes emerged from the analysis. The theme “Feeling like an untapped resource” reflected the subthemes: 1) Being passionate about one's job, 2) Having strengths and talents to use in working life, 3) A stressful and disturbing work environment inhibits personal strengths, 4) Managers show goodwill but lack knowledge and resources, 5) Feeling appreciated but socially different among colleagues, 6) Using a variety of strategies to facilitate working life and 7) Toward an uncertain future. ConclusionNurses with ADHD and/or autism experience having abilities and talents that are useful in the nursing profession. However, they feel that the physical and organizational working conditions and lack of managerial support entail challenges that prevent them from making optimal use of their strengths.