Nursing & ADHD
I just graduated nursing school and started my job search. When filling out job applications, I noticed that they ask about disabilities with a list that included ADHD. I feel like I’m able to mask really well and that it would have hindered my chances of being considered. I really want to work at the hospitals I applied for. I feel bad about not allowing others to know my authentic self and lie, but I don’t want to risk my career over judgments and opinions of others. From my experience, even in the healthcare field, there are still people who see any developmental or behavioral disorder as a hindrance.
Would you have done the same?
@Cypress42 From a moral standpoint I would say people need to disclose conditions like ADHD as a matter of representation. If people who are hindered from doing their work are the only ones to disclose their conditions, then conditions such as ADHD become or continue to be associated with negative outcomes such as decreased performance and productivity, perpetuating stigma and informally being used to justify internal discrimination in companies.
But personally I would've done the same as you. It's not your responsibility to fight structural issues on behalf of everyone with ADHD. It is however, your responsibility to nurture your career and opportunities, and lift yourself up in the workplace, so I think you made the right choice.
You
shouldn't have to hide your ADHD, but unfortunately the nature of
labour markets are often cut-throat at best. While it may be best for
you to mask in the workplace, I wanna urge you to practise self-care outside of work. Masking is so draining, and it can sometimes be difficult to tell just how much of a cost it has on you. Make sure to take breaks when you need, to have outlets for emotions, and most importantly, remember that there's nothing bad or incorrect about your natural behaviour <3