Challenges and Support for Neurodivergent Nurses and Nursing Students : A Descriptive Literature Review
Delic, Evelin (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121135078
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121135078
Tiivistelmä
Neurodivergence is a growing field of research, attributable to the increasing number of populations diagnosed with some form of neurodivergence, and it is predicted to continue attracting more research. However, the effects of neurodivergence on nurses and nursing students are not well researched. The purpose of this thesis was to describe the work and education experiences of nurses and nursing students with neurodivergence, as well as the support they receive, with the aim of bringing attention to the challenges nurses and nursing students face in their work and education due to their neurodivergence and what support they receive.
This descriptive literature review used data gathered from fourteen peer-reviewed primary research articles found through CINAHL and PubMed databases. All selected articles were found after determining specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and applying the PICo framework model. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Inductive content analysis produced generic categories ‘Stigma, Discrimination, and Negative Perceptions’, ‘Social, Cultural, and Communication Difficulties’, ‘Executive Functioning and Cognitive Challenges’, ‘Systemic or Environmental Barriers’, and ‘Need for Compensatory and Coping Strategies’, leading to ‘Challenges Encountered by Nurses and Nursing Students with Neurodivergence’ main category. The second main category, ‘Support for Nurses and Nursing Students with Neurodivergence’, is carried by generic categories of ‘Academic Accommodations’ and ‘Workplace Accommodations’.
The results lead to conclusions that stigma, discrimination, communication and social difficulties, executive functioning difficulties, systematic barriers, and need for coping strategies are all challenges experienced by neurodivergent nurses and nursing students. The accommodations in place, such as adjusted hours, frequent breaks, spell checkers, specialised staff, and release from certain duties, are often not enough, and additional effort is needed towards inclusivity and more individualised support. The findings of this thesis are potentially useful to nursing educational institutions or clinical placements looking to better understand the needs of nurses and nursing students with neurodivergence.
This descriptive literature review used data gathered from fourteen peer-reviewed primary research articles found through CINAHL and PubMed databases. All selected articles were found after determining specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and applying the PICo framework model. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Inductive content analysis produced generic categories ‘Stigma, Discrimination, and Negative Perceptions’, ‘Social, Cultural, and Communication Difficulties’, ‘Executive Functioning and Cognitive Challenges’, ‘Systemic or Environmental Barriers’, and ‘Need for Compensatory and Coping Strategies’, leading to ‘Challenges Encountered by Nurses and Nursing Students with Neurodivergence’ main category. The second main category, ‘Support for Nurses and Nursing Students with Neurodivergence’, is carried by generic categories of ‘Academic Accommodations’ and ‘Workplace Accommodations’.
The results lead to conclusions that stigma, discrimination, communication and social difficulties, executive functioning difficulties, systematic barriers, and need for coping strategies are all challenges experienced by neurodivergent nurses and nursing students. The accommodations in place, such as adjusted hours, frequent breaks, spell checkers, specialised staff, and release from certain duties, are often not enough, and additional effort is needed towards inclusivity and more individualised support. The findings of this thesis are potentially useful to nursing educational institutions or clinical placements looking to better understand the needs of nurses and nursing students with neurodivergence.