How to Become a Better Nurse Writer in a Medical Health Field

/in /by

A well-presented document, a clear and succinct email, a precise and persuasive report all go a long way to ensure nursing maintains professional standards. This makes sense, as good writing skills equal good communication – a prerequisite for effective nursing. A nurse writer is naturally skilled communicator who advocates for their patients and can engage in long-term dialogue within the medical health field.

To advance as a nurse writer, communication skills must be coupled with years of experience, along with a degree of empathy and compassion.

Just as nursing requires dedication and practice, so too do effective writing techniques within the clinical setting.

Tips to Become a Great Nurse Writer

  1. Identify your target audience.

To write effectively, you have to understand the needs of the people you are writing for. Think of the variety of audiences you have to communicate with as a practitioner – such as patients, other nursing professionals, physicians. An essential component of nurse writing is to write for the reader. It won’t be effective to write a piece about disease using jargon if the audience consists of novices or laypersons. Similarly, it is wasteful to elaborate on the meaning of fundamental language when the audience consists mostly of experts. A nurse writer discussing heart disease would write a different way if their audience consists of nursing students vs. writing for cardiac nurses. Fortunately for nurse writers, the publisher will make clear who will be reading it.

Then think about how you communicate differently to each. If it’s a report for a healthcare organization, find out the ethos of that organization. If it’s for a nursing manager, do they need to be informed or persuaded – or both?

  1. Overcome the fear of the blank page.

Break through writer’s block by:

  • Establishing the purpose of your writing and what you hope to achieve
  • Using mind maps or spider-grams to get ideas flowing
  • Creating a defined timeframe with deadlines and milestones
  • Writing in incremental bursts if you’re faced with a lengthy document
  • Focusing on your readers’ needs but (crucially) forgetting about their possible judgements of the work.

If you’re really stuck, set an alarm for five minutes hence, then tell yourself you only need to write until it goes off. After all, how bad can five minutes be? What you’ll probably find is that you speed up as the time starts to run out, giving you the energy to burst through the block. But if that doesn’t happen, stop at five minutes, give yourself a ten minute break, then set the alarm for another five-minute session. Two or three short sessions like this are usually enough to cure the block.
These apply to most writing tasks, including proposals for improvement projects, reports, patient records, staff references, memos and even emails.

  1. Keep going until you have a complete working draft.

Forget about perfection – for now. Organize the relevant information on separate piece of paper (such as with a mind map – see above), then write. Only when you’ve finished should you revise and edit. Even the greatest writers work from a rough, first draft. Make sure you plan first though, as a ‘stream of consciousness’ can be very difficult to disentangle once you’ve written it.

To help with the final edit, ask yourself if you’ve addressed all your pertinent issues, especially problems, action and results.

  1. Don’t dress it up.

Florid language and great swathes of rhetoric won’t impress a busy board member, nursing manager or worried patient who wants to read only the salient facts. Time is of the essence in a clinical workplace, so clear, direct communication is key. Present your message clearly from the start in a straightforward style that will keep your audience interested.

  1. Don’t be lax in your report writing.

Computerized report templates may have made the task easier but they are no replacement for courtesy and good grammar. Never make shortcuts in punctuation and spelling, and make sure the facts are correct.   Get someone else to look over the document if you’re unsure of its accuracy.

  1. Be honest.

If you don’t understand the subject matter, the chances are those reading it won’t either. Don’t mask your lack of understanding with unnecessary jargon. If you’re working collaboratively – on a report or proposal, for example – ask for help.

  1. Know the Content

It may not be wise to accept assignments that cover topics outside of one’s expertise. However, when covering a topic that they do not specialize in, a nurse writer can consult with experts, and if possible, develop the content in the format of an interview. For example, a labor and delivery nurse asked to write about heart disease should consult with outside sources. In some instances, it is best to turn down work when a nurse is not qualified to cover the subject and does not have adequate resources.

Furthermore, as every nurse is well-versed in applying the evidence-based practice, a nurse writer should be well aware of the quality of their sources. The type of citation will depend on the character of the content; but no matter the context, any technical information discussed or claims made should be supported by valid sources. Most nurses have access to academic databases, particularly if they work for teaching hospitals; therefore, they should favor this resource over basic web searches whenever possible.

  1. Know Your Limitations

In order to be effective, nurse writers have to navigate deadlines, the politics of writing, internet trolls, and stringent fact-checking and sourcing. In addition to their own lives, which may include full-time work as a nurse and a family, the time needed to write must be available to meet deadlines and create articles worth publishing.

Nurse writing at its best is a joyful extension of the practice of nursing. For those nurses who are enthusiastic about their work and talented in writing, nurse writing can be a fulfilling channel of creativity and income that allows them to combine their talents. Nurse writing enables nurses to extend their knowledge and experience beyond patients to readers.

Being a Nurse Writer

Nurse writers must have several years of experience as a registered nurse before they can provide guidance or personal knowledge in medical writing.

Becoming a nurse writer does not require specialized advanced courses or education beyond the degrees needed to become an RN. However, nurse writers should have exceptional grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Some knowledge of writing styles, such as AP Style, may be required depending on the type of employer or client. Nurse writers must also have a strong sense of who their audience is; for example, a nurse writer may use more technical terminology if the intended audience is fellow nurses, or explain things in layman’s terms if the piece is for a more general readership.

What Are the Roles and Duties of a Nurse Writer?

Clear and concise writing is an asset in any field, but nursing, in particular, relies on clear and specific language to allow for continuous patient care and safety. Nurses, throughout their careers, need to be detailed, specific, and accurate when communicating and conveying information. There is little room for appealing to emotions or establishing connections in this type of writing.

When writing for a variety of audiences, nurses have more freedom to communicate on a fundamental level. Nurse writers often rely on their own experiences or those of their colleagues to create informational and engaging content.

Nurse writers must be willing and able to follow instructions from their clients and employers regarding the tone, subject matter, and content of their written pieces. This may involve edits and revisions, interviewing subjects, and providing detailed sources for their work. Writing often involves tight deadlines and quick turnarounds, so nurse writers must be able to meet these demands.

Conclusion

Becoming a nurse writer does not require specialized advanced courses or education beyond the degrees needed to become a registered nurse. However, nurse writers should have exceptional grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Some knowledge of writing styles, such as AP Style, may be required depending on the type of employer or client. Nurse writers must also have a strong sense of who their audience is; for example, a nurse writer may use more technical terminology if the intended audience is fellow nurses, or explain things in layman’s terms if the piece is for a more general readership. With written communication now so much a part of clinical nursing, these tips, and a little practice should give you the confidence to handle any writing task. A little time spent perfecting the process now will leave you more time for other pressing responsibilities in the future.

 

 

How to Deal with Difficult Patients as a Nurse

/in /by

Your dream has always been to become a nurse and help others for a living. You’ve gone through a difficult journey in nursing school and you’re now ready to graduate. All of your hard work is about to pay off as you’ll finally earn your degree. But beneath all of the excitement, there is one fear that is still in the back of your mind: What if you encounter difficult patients?

Just like any profession that involves dealing with the public, nursing can mean working with people that are difficult in a manner of ways. You can run into all reactions including defensiveness, anger, fear, demandingness, hysteria and a whole list of other things And that’s just the patients, not the families that you need to work with and work around.

Add in medications or diseases that can cause confusion, drowsiness or agitation, and it’s a whole new ball game of trying to give the best care, professionalism, and empathy. But there are useful strategies in handling the unrelenting, frustrated, unpleasant or uncooperative patients.

Nursing is just like any profession that involves dealing with the public. So this can mean working with people that are difficult in a manner of ways. You can run into all reactions atients including defensiveness, anger, fear, demandingness, hysteria and a whole list of other things and that’s just the patients, not the families that you need to work with and work around.

Add in medications or diseases that can cause confusion, drowsiness or agitation, and it’s a whole new ball game of trying to give the best care, professionalism, and empathy. But there are useful strategies in handling the unrelenting, frustrated, unpleasant or uncooperative patients.

Tips for Dealing with Difficult Patients

Handling difficult patients comes with the territory of your new nursing career. You want to be prepared as you enter the workforce. Take advantage of this expert advice to help you diffuse these situations or perhaps avoid them altogether.

  1. Don’t take it personally

“Just knowing that the nastiness is not about you is a good start.”

It’s easy to think a difficult patient is upset with you personally, but that’s almost never the case.

Remember that the patient is dealing with unfortunate circumstances and likely isn’t in the best mood. Continue to do your job and don’t let their negativity get in your head. “Just knowing that the nastiness is not about you is a good start,” says Haydel.

  1. Look for the underlying cause

Many patients are dealing with medical conditions, pain or side effects from medications that can alter their mood and make them more irritable. Sometimes you can alleviate a patient’s bad mood by determining the underlying cause of the problem.

  1. Learn to prioritize

An agitated patient may try to goad you into tending to their needs above your other patients. It’s important to view your patients’ needs objectively.

All nurses need a healthy sense of what’s important and what won’t diminish quality of care if it never gets done. Never neglect a patient in need because you feel pressured into helping a difficult patient who doesn’t require immediate care.

  1. Show that you care

Sometimes difficult patients make a fuss about minor requests because they feel like no one is listening to them. Set aside your frustration with the patient and do what you can to meet their needs, as long as it doesn’t take away from other patients’ level of care.

Angelis recalls swallowing his pride and getting a second cup of coffee for a particularly irritable patient: “I stayed gracious and her whole demeanor changed. She just wanted to know that someone cared and she wasn’t going to be ignored.”

  1. Know your strengths & weaknesses

Angelis says simply being aware of your strengths and weaknesses in tough situations can help you prepare for difficult patient interactions.

For example, you may be able to rely on your good sense of humor to keep you feeling positive or to improve a patient’s mood. If you’re easily discouraged by negative comments, you can plan to take a few moments to yourself to regroup before moving on in your workday.

  1. Pay attention

Nurses may be able to prevent difficult situations before they happen just by being observant, according to Angelis. Learn to recognize pathological processes that may soon cause a patient pain or distress and be on the lookout for escalating social situations. You may be able to diffuse a tense situation before it starts.

  1. Stay calm

It’s easy to become annoyed, irritated and angry when you’re faced with a difficult patient. Taking your frustration out on the patient will only make matters worse. Staying calm will help you ease tension and keep the situation from escalating.

Don’t hide your feelings behind fake smiles, Angelis advises.  That will only make you more stressed. Instead, try taking some deep breaths and pausing outside a patient’s room to collect your emotions and calm down.

  1. Connect with the patient

No one wants to be just another patient. Taking the time to get to know and connect with a difficult patient is a great way to show you care about them as a person and not just another item your to-do list.

  1. Don’t accept abuse

It’s never in a nurse’s job description to be the victim of verbal abuse from an agitated patient. You must be careful not to establish habits where you are accepting abusive behavior or continually confronting patients. You must be careful not to establish habits where you are accepting abusive behavior.

The line between a patient who is abrasive and abusive will depend on your work environment. A nurse working in a prison will likely have a different tolerance for abusive behavior than a nurse in an intensive care unit.

  1.  Focus on patient care

All patients deserve the best care you’re able to provide—even the difficult ones. Make it your main focus to deliver excellent, positive care to all of your patients. Even if a patient remains agitated, you’ll leave your shift knowing that you did your job to the best of your ability.

  1. Acknowledge the Situation

Start by saying, “I understand why you are upset” or “I feel our communication has been broken down”. Most importantly, remain calm and take stock of your own emotions. Avoid negative language which may lead to escalation of the situation.

  1. Set Boundaries

Keep yourself, your patients and colleagues safe by staying in control while defusing the situation. It’s okay to end a consultation if a patient is becoming increasingly angry and you don’t think the situation is going to improve – particularly if you feel there is an imminent risk of physical aggression.

  1. Explore Your Thoughts/Feelings/Opinions

Self-awareness is extremely important when learning how to deal with difficult patients. Allowing ourselves to be aware of our own experiences, feelings, and triggers because  we can dictate how we respond to others in heated situations. For example, suppose you are someone who grew up in a household where you frequently experienced violence — in that case, you might respond in an unexpected, unhelpful, and unprofessional way when exposed to angry behavior from others, such as shouting back. On the flip side, perhaps you grew up in a household where there was little to no conflict and you are unsure of how to properly respond when someone behaves angrily towards you. Maybe you have been judged harshly for your feelings and/or resulting actions, and consequently, judge others the same in turn.

Oftentimes we aren’t aware of our own tendencies until we step back and intentionally evaluate them. Considering your own experiences, thoughts, judgments, and things that trigger you can help you to become aware of why you react to situations the way that you do. You’ll then be more prepared to respond in a deliberate way when you next find yourself in a scenario with a disgruntled patient.

  1. Find extended help for the patient – If you feel something else is needed to help this patient through their anger, emotional breakdowns or other difficulties, you can suggest finding a social worker, hospital chaplain or someone else for them to talk to. This needs to be handled very gracefully and sensitively so they don’t feel abandoned by you

As a nurse, you’ll have the rewarding opportunity to work with patients from all walks of life. Sometimes this results in unexpected situations, so it’s important to be prepared to handle yourself confidently.

 

How do Nurses Manage 12 Hour Shifts

/in /by

Nurses work long hours and have very demanding jobs, making it hard to manage a healthy exercise and eating plan. We preach healthy eating and exercise habits to our patients, but do we practice what we preach? What’s the best way to stay fit on 12 hour shifts?

So Nursing seems like the perfect fit for you. You can make a difference. You thrive in a fast-paced environment. You’re not squeamish, and you love caring for people. There’s just one problem—you’re not sure if you’re up for the 12-hour shift schedules many nurses work.

There are definitely challenges to this kind of schedule. You’ve seen the tired eye-bags and the comically large coffee cups. But you’ve also heard how great it can be—how much you can travel, volunteer and spend time with family on your days off.

If you’re trying to decide whether 12-hour shifts are a deal-breaker, look no further. We talked to those who’ve done it before, and they explained the ups, downs and tips for making the most of it.

But first, you might have some questions about how 12-hour shifts even work for a weekly schedule. A look at the anatomy of a typical week with this kind of schedule might provide some helpful context.

Best Way to Stay Fit on 12 Hour Shift

  1. Decide what time of the day you want to exercise.

Some people have enough energy to work out on the days they work, and others may need to workout on their days off. Decide if you are a morning workout person or an evening workout person. When I trained for half-marathons I found early morning runs were the best for me. I even ran before a 12 hour shift sometimes! Now that I’m a full-time grad student, work, and have clinicals 3-4 days a week, I’m more into the evening workouts. Either way, whatever works for you stick with it!

  1. Find something you enjoy doing and be consistent.

Exercise doesn’t have to be hardcore like the CrossFit or Insanity workout routines, but be sure to work up a sweat. Take your dog out on a long walk, participate in a Zumba class, or go outside and play with your kids. Make exercise fun and you won’t even realize you’re doing something healthy! As long as you are active 3-4 days a week you’ll reap the benefits of regular exercise.

  1. Stay well hydrated throughout your day.

If you’re anything like me you’ve probably had a few shifts where you don’t have time to drink, let alone pee during your shift. Make a few quick runs to the break room throughout the day to get a drink whenever you can. I’ve found that I do well with drinking a bottle of water before my shift begins, one at lunch, and one in the afternoon. That’s nowhere close to what I drink on my days off, but I don’t end my shift feeling completely dehydrated. Aim to get your weight in kilograms in ounces of water (e.g., A 60kg woman should drink 60 ounces of water daily).

  1. Pack your lunch and resist the goodies at the nurse’s station.

I’ve come to realize the food I bring from home is way healthier (and cheaper!) than the food offered in the cafeteria most days. In addition, if you stash something to snack on in your pocket like peanut butter crackers you’re less likely to grab that cookie Mrs. Smith’s family brought in for the staff that day. Believe me—eating every treat someone brings to the nurse’s station can add serious weight if you’re not careful.

  1. Get plenty of sleep to recharge and de-stress.

I know it’s hard to get a full 8 hours of sleep when you work 12+ on the days you work, but aim for at least 7 hours. Studies have linked lack of sleep to weight gain because of the ghrelin/leptin hormone imbalance. Ghrelin is the hormone that tells you when to eat and leptin is the hormone that tells you when to stop eating. When you’re sleep deprived your body produces more ghrelin and you may be more prone to grabbing a sweet treat for a quick energy boost, which eventually leads to weight gain.

  1. Get Yourself Organized

It may come as no surprise that working 3,12-hour shifts in a row doesn’t leave much time for well, anything.

You’re not only away from your family and friends for a solid three days, which can feel socially isolating, but you can’t get any of your jobs done quickly.

Why? The shops are closed, the call centers you need to contact to fix your issues close at 6 pm and you don’t finish till 7 pm and your friends don’t work your crazy schedule.

Instead of getting caught up or sad about this stuff, make time to do the important things before you start.

Here is where I would begin:

  • Run your errands.
    Take in your dry cleaning, visit the bank (if you need the teller and it can’t be sorted out online), pay the bills (again if you have an issue you need to discuss) etc. Don’t put this stuff off because there is unlikely a 24-hour option for these services.
  • Straighten up around the house.
    Get out the vacuum and fill the mop bucket. Spend some time doing the housework to give yourself (and your family) a clean space to come home to. These mundane jobs usually get put on the back burner while you’re working, so lighten the load for later and do a bit now. It’s funny what a clean house can do to your headspace.
  • Minimalize your stuff.
    I recently watched an amazing documentary about minimalizing your life, your clothes, furniture and nick-nacks… When working 12-hour shifts, don’t clutter your brain with stuff you don’t use or need. It may be time for a clean out and man it can be SO refreshing!
  • Hitting the grocery store and getting organized socially
    We dive into in much more detail later in this post.

 

The disadvantages of working 12-hour shift schedules

Every job has its disadvantages, but as a nurse, they can range from inconvenient to just plain dangerous if you don’t manage them well. As you consider these points, take an honest inventory of your ability to navigate them.

Fatigue

Depending on whether you work day shift, night shift, or a rotating schedule, you may be more or less fatigued but fatigued none the less. Your feet will get sore, your body will ache, and by the end of the shift you’re probably not going to be up for much mental strain. If you’re working overnight shifts, you may also have trouble getting your sleep schedule adjusted—and the cumulative effects can be rough.

Long-term health risks

When you are working for 12 hours there is often little time before, during and after your shifts to eat healthy meals or exercise properly. This combined with fatigue and other adverse factors can result in some serious health risks including depression, anxiety and insomnia.

Nurses working these shifts should make a conscious effort to carve out time for self-care—perfectly healthy choices might not always be feasible on a shift day, so do your best to counterbalance it on off days.

Impact on your social life

Even if you love the schedule, having your days off fall in the middle of the week while most people are working traditional schedules means sometimes you’ll have limited windows of time to spend with others. Additionally, working at 24/7 healthcare facilities means you’re going to be scheduled for holidays and other times of the year where you may traditionally get to see family and friends—so you may have to make some compromises.

Increased potential for errors

While fewer handoffs may reduce errors related to miscommunication, working longer shifts can also increase errors related to fatigue. A study by Health Affairs found that nurses were three times more likely to make a mistake when working 12.5-hour shifts or longer.

Erickson admits, “I really feel like care isn’t as good in hour 11 as it was in hour three.” While there are things hospitals can do to reduce these errors, mistakes are inevitable. This uncertainty can be one of the most difficult aspects of nursing.

Small changes in your lifestyle can make a world of difference when you consistently incorporate them. These are just a few ways to keep fit while working 12 hour shifts. Take care of yourself so you can lead by example.

 

Components of a Research Process

/in /by

Understanding the research process is an important step towards executing thorough research or study. Let us examine the different phases in research planning as well as the stages involved in a research process.

A deeper understanding of the process of research will help you identify the similar features that occur in the different fields, and the variety in the purpose and approaches to some studies.

Understanding the research process will help you understand the implication of deviating from a systematic approach to research, as well as the associating consequences of ineffective and ineffectual research.

The following steps outline a simple and effective strategy for writing a research paper. Depending on your familiarity with the topic and the challenges you encounter along the way, you may need to rearrange these steps.

Step 1: Identify and develop your topic

Selecting a topic can be the most challenging part of a research assignment. Since this is the very first step in writing a paper, it is vital that it be done correctly. So you identify a research problem by first selecting a general topic that’s interesting to you and to the interests and specialties of your research advisor. Once identified, you’ll need to narrow it. For example, if teenage pregnancy is your general topic area, your specific topic could be a comparison of how teenage pregnancy affects young fathers and mothers differently. Here are some tips for selecting a topic:

  1. Select a topic within the parameters set by the assignment. Many times your instructor will give you clear guidelines as to what you can and cannot write about. Failure to work within these guidelines may result in your proposed paper being deemed unacceptable by your instructor.
  2. Select a topic of personal interest to you and learn more about it. The research for and writing of a paper will be more enjoyable if you are writing about something that you find interesting.
  3. Select a topic for which you can find a manageable amount of information. Do a preliminary search of information sources to determine whether existing sources will meet your needs. If you find too much information, you may need to narrow your topic; if you find too little, you may need to broaden your topic.
  4. Be original. Your instructor reads hundreds of research papers every year, and many of them are on the same topics (topics in the news at the time, controversial issues, subjects for which there is ample and easily accessed information). Stand out from your classmates by selecting an interesting and off-the-beaten-path topic.
  5. Still can’t come up with a topic to write about? See your instructor for advice.

Once you have identified your topic, it may help to state it as a question. For example, if you are interested in finding out about the epidemic of obesity in the American population, you might pose the question “What are the causes of obesity in America ?” By posing your subject as a question you can more easily identify the main concepts or keywords to be used in your research.

Step 2 : Do a preliminary search for information

Before beginning your research in earnest, do a preliminary search to determine whether there is enough information out there for your needs and to set the context of your research. Look up your keywords in the appropriate titles in the library’s Reference collection (such as encyclopedias and dictionaries) and in other sources such as our catalog of books, periodical databases, and Internet search engines. Additional background information may be found in your lecture notes, textbooks, and reserve readings. You may find it necessary to adjust the focus of your topic in light of the resources available to you.

Step 3: Review the Literature

Find out what’s being asked or what’s already been done in the area by doing some exploratory reading. Discuss the topic with your advisor to gain additional insights, explore novel approaches, and begin to develop your research question, purpose statement, and hypothesis, if applicable.

Step 4: Locate materials

With the direction of your research now clear to you, you can begin locating material on your topic. There are a number of places you can look for information:

If you are looking for books, do a subject search in the Alephcatalog. A Keyword search can be performed if the subject search doesn’t yield enough information. Print or write down the citation information (author, title, etc.) and the location (call number and collection) of the item(s). Note the circulation status. When you locate the book on the shelf, look at the books located nearby; similar items are always shelved in the same area. The Aleph catalog also indexes the library’s audio-visual holdings.

Use the library’s electronic periodical databases to find magazine and newspaper articles. Choose the databases and formats best suited to your particular topic; ask the librarian at the Reference Desk if you need help figuring out which database best meets your needs. Many of the articles in the databases are available in full-text format.

Use search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.) and subject directories to locate materials on the Internet. Check the Internet Resources section of the NHCC Library website for helpful subject links.

Step 5: Determine Research Question

A good research question is a question worth asking; one that poses a problem worth solving. A good question should:

  • Be clear. It must be understandable to you and to others.
  • Be researchable. It should be capable of developing into a manageable research design, so data may be collected in relation to it. Extremely abstract terms are unlikely to be suitable.
  • Connect with established theory and research. There should be a literature on which you can draw to illuminate how your research question(s) should be approached.
  • Be neither too broad nor too narrow. See Appendix A for a brief explanation of the narrowing process and how your research question, purpose statement, and hypothesis(es) are interconnected.

Step 6: Develop Research Methods

Once you’ve finalized your research question, purpose statement, and hypothesis(es), you’ll need to write your research proposal—a detailed management plan for your research project. The proposal is as essential to successful research as an architect’s plans are to the construction of a building.

Step 7: Evaluate your sources

See the CARS Checklist for Information Quality for tips on evaluating the authority and quality of the information you have located. Your instructor expects that you will provide credible, truthful, and reliable information and you have every right to expect that the sources you use are providing the same. This step is especially important when using Internet resources, many of which are regarded as less than reliable.

Step 8: Make notes

Consult the resources you have chosen and note the information that will be useful in your paper. Be sure to document all the sources you consult, even if there is a chance you may not use that particular source. The author, title, publisher, URL, and other information will be needed later when creating a bibliography.

Step 9: Write your paper

Begin by organizing the information you have collected. The next step is the rough draft, wherein you get your ideas on paper in an unfinished fashion. This step will help you organize your ideas and determine the form your final paper will take. After this, you will revise the draft as many times as you think necessary to create a final product to turn in to your instructor.

Step 10: Cite your sources properly

Give credit where credit is due; cite your sources.

Citing or documenting the sources used in your research serves two purposes: it gives proper credit to the authors of the materials used, and it allows those who are reading your work to duplicate your research and locate the sources that you have listed as references. The MLA and the APA Styles are two popular citation formats.

Failure to cite your sources properly is plagiarism. Plagiarism is avoidable!

Step 11: Proofread

The final step in the process is to proofread the paper you have created. Read through the text and check for any errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Make sure the sources you used are cited properly. Make sure the message that you want to get across to the reader has been thoroughly stated.

Additional research tips:

  • Work from the general to the specific — find background information first, then use more specific sources.
  • Don’t forget print sources — many times print materials are more easily accessed and every bit as helpful as online resources.
  • The library has books on the topic of writing research papers at call number area.
  • If you have questions about the assignment, ask your instructor.
  • If you have any questions about finding information in the library, ask the librarian.

 

The Сomplete Guide to Writing a Nursing Paper

/in /by

A nursing paper is a prerequisite to becoming a top-notch professional in your occupation. Plans-of-care, plans and other legal forms of documentation require to be well-versed in this type of nursing essay writing. A good nurse must assess the patient’s state of health, critically approach and analyze all the data provided by necessary screens and communicate first aid treatment.

Why Do Nurses Have to Write Research Papers?

The reasons why nurses have to write research papers may vary, but generally, writing teaches students valuable proficiencies that will assist them in the nursing practice. When nurses write research papers, they learn how to:

  • Document research
  • Cite sources
  • Maintain an academic/professional tone
  • Organize information
  • Synthesize data
  • Pay attention to detail
  • Manage their time

What Is a Research Paper?

A research paper is a form of academic writing that demonstrates a student’s knowledge, research capabilities, powers of persuasion and organizational skills. Typically nursing school research papers are written in the American Psychological Association (APA) format and fall into three categories:

  • Analytical: The writer presents an analysis of a topic.
  • Argumentative: The paper is analytical but the writer uses information as evidence to reinforce their opinion and persuade the reader.
  • Expository: The research paper explains a subject matter with facts.

What Is APA Style?

The APA style is used most often by scientists, educators and nurses. Writers in other fields may use another style, such as AP, MLA or Chicago. The purpose of any style guide is to ensure the writer’s work is consistent for a number of criteria, including citations, font size, spacing, paragraph structure and punctuation.

What Is the Structure of a Research Paper?

A good research paper usually follows this structure no matter the subject or style:

  • Introduction: The paragraph should introduce the subject and include your thesis.
  • Body of paper: These paragraphs should cover your analysis of a topic and show evidence that supports the argument or explanation you have offered.
  • Conclusion: The end should recap the main point of your paper, reassert your thesis statement and signal the end of the document to the reader.

How to Write a Nursing Research Paper

  • Find an interesting topic that was not previously elaborated. Look on the Internet, for example, for topics for a research paper, family assessment paper nursing, case study essays.
  • Sift through relevant documentation and materials to understand whether you possess the necessary amount of information and data.
  • Your essays should include both theoretical and practical parts.
  • Try to find more keywords that are connected with your topic and that due to the search engines find more information that fits the topic of your survey.
  • Make the structure coherent.
  • Each paragraph in your nursing essay needs to begin with a topic sentence.
  • Apply tables, graphs, statistics to present the reader with the indispensable data.
  • Always stick to a plan.

The Common Structure of Nursing Papers

  1. This section of the essay is primarily devoted to the presentation of the following parts. It must encompass the reason of the value of your research, the aim (why are you conducting it), the already existing data concerning your topic (names of the prominent scientists who touched it), what hypothesis or hypotheses you have. Your introduction is like a face of your project. It should draw reader’s attention and engage them in the whole thing. To come up with the introduction of your own you may look through Dissertation Introduction. E. g.  “Pain and culture are both nebulous terms which are difficult to define authoritatively. However, they are both important considerations in the provision of health care”
  2. Methodology and literature used. This section is one of the most time-consuming ones. Here you describe very precisely and meticulously all the methods and approaches you used while doing your survey. Every topic in the field of nursing has been already covered by at least a few scientists. That is why there exists lots of literature connected with nursing (articles, essays, documentation, dissertations etc.).
  3. Obtained results. Present all the outcomes you have while fulfilling your task. What results are the most productive and essential. Tell what supports and backs results you have got.
  4. This is the part where you may express your personal opinion. Name all the downsides and advantages of your research. Tell whether the topic you dwelled on have  future perspectives within the theory and practice. You evaluate the results and explain them to the reader.
  5. The conclusion is a concentration of the information mentioned above. Mention points that were stated in the introduction  including hypothesis, tell whether the aim of your survey was achieved or not, mention all the methods you turned to. Do not go into detail, this part is the briefest one. E.g. “This report has highlighted elder abuse as a complex social problem…”

Ensure you follow the rubric

The first step toward getting an “A” is to follow the rubric. A rubric serves as a guide you should use when planning your research paper. Faculty, like me, use the rubric to score the quality of your written responses according to specific evaluative criteria.

The rubric is what you will be graded against. Do not wander away from it. Read the rubric. Seriously, read it. On occasion, I have read a paper and wondered one of two things:

  1. Did the student even look at the rubric?
  2. Did someone else write this research paper?

Do not make us think this for a second. Once we think this, we will be reading your research paper even more critically. At this point, I am preparing for the worst-case scenario. If you couldn’t follow the rubric, did you read the article or book or do the appropriate research to write this paper? Are you trying to pull the wool over my eyes and pretend you know what you are talking about?

Visualize your professor sitting down to grade your paper with one screen open to your paper and another screen open to the rubric. I scroll down my rubric as I read through your paper. But your paper doesn’t follow the rubric.

Faculty members spent hours creating that rubric for a specific purpose — to make grading easy and to make it easier to understand what we wanted you to write about. Follow the rubric and don’t deviate from it without permission.

Avoid These Mistakes While Writing Your Research Paper on Nursing

  • Using colloquial style.
  • Reiteration of the same again and again in different parts of the essay.
  • Choosing topic that you do not like and are not interested in
  • Going into detail in the conclusion and discussion paragraphs.

What Are Some Tips for Writing Research Papers?

Guidelines for writing a research paper may vary among nursing schools and educators, so it is important for students to adhere to any instructions given to them, including citation style. It is also beneficial for students to check in with their institution’s writing lab for any questions they may have about writing. Other tips include:

  • Form a well-thought-out thesis statement to set a clear purpose for your paper.
  • Create an outline so you have a roadmap while writing your paper. An outline aids the writer with arranging key points and organizing the flow of the paper.
  • Develop a spreadsheet to keep track of the information needed for references.
  • Read your paper out loud or use a text-to-speech feature on your computer so you can pinpoint problems that need to be addressed.
  • Revise your paper without permanently deleting any information. Instead cut and paste the text you want to omit to another document so it is available if you later decide you want to use it.
  • Edit your paper to correct grammatical mistakes, style errors and typos.

Avoid These Mistakes While Writing Your Research Paper on Nursing

  • Procrastination.
  • Using colloquial style.
  • Reiteration of the same again and again in different parts of the essay.
  • Choosing topic that you do not like and are not interested in
  • Going into detail in the conclusion and discussion paragraphs.

It is important for nurses to know how to effectively communicate in writing because they have to provide accurate documentation regarding a patient’s medical history, health status and care plan. Nurses may also find themselves in a research role at some point in their careers. Through writing assignments, students gain awareness of the need to write clearly, accurately and concisely.

 

Get a Good Medical Personal Statement

/in /by

Have you heard that a well-written medical school personal statement makes over 50% of your score as an applicant? Yes, it does! Contributing a worthy statement might become a start of your medical career. You may think it is enough saying to Admission Committee: “Since childhood, I have been dreaming of saving people’s lives”. Believe us, it is not enough to be admitted. Your Medicine Personal Statement is your chance to really explain who you are, and why you want to study Medicine. You should think of it as your opportunity to inspire Admission Tutors with your motivation. Get your Personal Statement right, and you’ll really stand out from the pool of other Med School applicants.

Such a wish sounds noble, but there are many professions making a great contribution to the well-being of other people. To reach your objective, prove helping people is your mission. How to do this? Persuade that medicine is your calling – write a top quality personal statement for medical school demonstrating strong points, great qualities, and benefits humankind can get if you become a doctor.

Challenging Exciting Stories Are Welcomed

Nobody promised it would be easy. The first challenge is choice of topic. Think of 1.5-page statement as of enjoyable adventure you have to go through with a medical school application. Brainstorm topic ideas. There are several winning variants for med school personal statement.

Why not tell about how excited you are about future experience? Remember, it is a competition! Be prepared for battle. Learn what is expected and exceed expectations. Sound creative and original to catch target audience attention. Explanatory and persuasive skills will be of great use. Explain how you can contribute to medicine. Mention research papers, if you already have publications. This would be a great benefit. Although it is not obligatory, why not to demonstrate an expertise you have, even as a student. You might tell a challenging story about an occasion that has completely changed your profession preferences. Regardless of chosen topic, the main key to success is to find your own tone and style that would sound natural.

Don’t exaggerate. No need to lie you have saved dozens of lives. But if you helped at least one person having a medical practice, it is a great plus. Let them realize you are ready for tough job and responsibility. Find best suitable words to characterize you as a reliable person who is strict about. Better demonstrate this through a story. Not your storytelling skills are checked but an ability to become a self-sacrificing specialist.

Helpful Tricks for Medical School Application Writing Process

Sitting in front of a clean sheet of paper puzzled how to write a personal statement for medical school? It is up to you to make writing process pleasant and enjoyable. Look at effective recommendations. They really work!

Organize time effectively

Preparation of top-notch quality medical statement requires much patience any worker obtaining medical profession must have. Don’t postpone until last minute. Reread, edit, proofread! Better leave statement for a while. Have a fresh look at writing in 1-2 days.

Concentrate on a specific point

Narrow topic writing about certain experience instead of sharing whole life story, plans for future. Highlight central idea. Prepare a list enumerating outstanding qualities. Brainstorm ideas for the best possible way to highlight them. Maximize chances to get accepted.

Show genuine interest in medicine

Prove that medicine sphere is your choice, not your mom’s, dad’s or granny’s. Words are your major weapon. Use it right carefully selecting each adjective characterizing you. Committee wants to discover more about your nature, reasons to connect life with medicine, and goals that are planned for future.

Stand out

Wish to help people is great but does this make unique? Everyone applying to the medical institution would say this. Not all applicants can be admitted. Take efforts making your statement different. Don’t think about standard reasons why everyone wants to work in a medical environment. Banality is the main enemy of success. Don’t be afraid to sound original. Think how to sell yourself at a higher price. Use promotional techniques to stand out. Make them want you and reject others. This is competition! Run, run, run! Never look back and reach the finish. Use honest, competitive methods.

Add secret ingredient to statement

Each tasty dish has secret component. Each person is unique having own secret ingredient. Reveal yours to make an unforgettable impression on Admission Committee. Raise interest in your personality. Include stories connected with career choice. Manage to intrigue avoiding vagueness.

Provide illustrative examples

Everyone knows: Better see than hear. People prefer seeing than listening to talks. Most applicants create nothing interesting listing good features: “ I am a well-organized person who feels compassion and sympathy”. No, no, no! Never do like this! Committee representatives will read hundreds of such unworthy senseless sentences. How to prove you have characteristics described? Words can’t be compared to actions. Use another tactic: instead of boasting saying “the best of the best”, tell life story about the incredible experience. Let officers make conclusions themselves.

Use understandable language

Don’t think the more complicated you’ll sound, the smarter you’ll look in front of Admission officers. Much better to choose a simple language. You are going to enter a medical school instead of art school. Doctors express thoughts concisely.

Write, re-write, let it sit, and write again!

Allow yourself 6 months of writing and revision to get your essay in submission-ready shape. This gives you the time to take your first pass, set your draft aside (for a minimum of 24 hours), review what you’ve written, and re-work your draft.

Stay focused.

Your personal statement should highlight interesting aspects of your journey—not tell your entire life story. Choose a theme, stick to it, and support it with specific examples.

Back off the cliches.

Loving science and wanting to help people might be your sincere passions, but they are also what everyone else is writing about. Instead, be personal and specific.

Find your unique angle.

What can you say about yourself that no one else can? Remember, everyone has trials, successes and failures. What’s important and unique is how you reacted to those incidents. Bring your own voice and perspective to your personal statement to give it a truly memorable flavor.

Be interesting.

Start with a “catch” that will create intrigue before launching into the story of who you are. Make the admissions committee want to read on!

Embrace the 5-point essay format.

Here’s a trusty format that you can make your own:

  • 1st paragraph: These four or five sentences should “catch” the reader’s attention.
  • 3-4 body paragraphs: Use these paragraphs to reveal who you are. Ideally, one of these paragraphs will reflect clinical understanding and one will reflect service.
  • Concluding paragraph: The strongest conclusion reflects the beginning of your essay, gives a brief summary of you are, and ends with a challenge for the future.

Good writing is simple writing.

Good medical students—and good doctors—use clear, direct language. Your essays should not be a struggle to comprehend.

Be thoughtful about transitions.

Be sure to vary your sentence structure. You don’t want your essay to be boring! Pay attention to how your paragraphs connect to each other.

 

5 Mistakes You Won’t Be Forgiven

  • Don’t say you are sure you’ll be the greatest doctor among all those existing today. Nobody like boasters!
  • Never say you have had a working experience if in reality saw blood only on pictures.
  • Don’t ask anyone write statement instead of you. This will be evident!Committee members have good analytical skills.
  • Don’t try sound better than you are. Show your skills, vocabulary, commitment.
  • Don’t tell that you know everything. Be a knowledge-seeking, motivated applicant.

Ability to Stick to Format is a Must

Don’t hurry while writing, look at medical school personal statement examples. Consider but don’t copy samples. You can’t focus on uniqueness ignoring required structure. The personal statement is a document written according to certain rules, structure, format. Make it bright, vivid, and plagiarism-free. Generate original ideas able to engage a reader.

Medical school personal statements contain 5-6 paragraphs. Start with introduction playing a crucial role in grasping attention. Use effective hooks. The reader must feel impatient willing to continue reading the main body. Write 3-4 paragraphs about personal experience connected to medicine, explain you were born to work in the medical sphere providing persuasive evidence. Bear in mind: Simplicity is a sister of talent. Never make things complicated if everything is simple.

Summarize remembering conclusion is the final part able to spoil overall impression or change attitude even if the beginning wasn’t impressive. Do the best writing within the word limit. Meet requirements taking into account writing instructions. Stick to right format following tips. Success formula has three components. They are verbs rather than nouns. Be persistent, goal-oriented, self-confident. Become best possible candidate they have ever seen applying useful recommendations in practice.

 

 

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

/in /by

The symptoms below are common to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, people with type 2 diabetes may not show any symptoms.

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination (due to the high blood sugar, which passes through the kidneys to increase volume of urine)
  • Feeling very hungry
  • Feeling very tired
  • Losing weight without trying (people with diabetes are unable to absorb and use the energy from sugar in the blood)

How Is Diabetes Treated?

Changes in your lifestyle, such as increasing physical activity and making healthy eating choices, are the most important ways to treat diabetes, specially type 2 diabetes. Counting the carbohydrates in your food, for example, should become routine as carbohydrates contribute to high blood sugar. Physical activity is essential because muscles that are regularly exercised consume sugar more efficiently than muscles that are inactive. In addition to these lifestyle changes, there are medications available for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

People with diabetes also should keep some candy or sugar drink on hand at all the times in case of a low blood sugar emergency, called hypoglycemia. Talk with your diabetes care team about how to prevent and be prepared for a low blood sugar emergency.

What Are Complications of Diabetes?

People with diabetes are at higher risk of various other conditions (often called complications) due to the damaging effects of the disease on blood vessels. Managing your diabetes is key for preventing or delaying these complications, which include diabetic eye disease such as retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy), diabetic nerve disease (neuropathy), heart attacks and stroke.

The good news is that keeping the blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy and kidney disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, can also lower the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Below are some ways you and your diabetes care team can keep track of your health and watch for complications:

  • Keep your blood glucose levels at ranges as close to normal as possible and monitor them regularly.
  • Get your urine tested at least once a year. The results can be used to check if you may have early kidney disease based on the levels of microalbumin in the urine.
  • Get the following tests on a regular basis:
    • Blood pressure measurement  (on every visit to your provider)
    • Cholesterol and triglyceride levels (at least once a year)
    • Eye and foot exams with a simple nerve function test (called the monofilament test) (at least once a year)

You can make physical activity part of every day. You can create a balanced diet for your child—one that everyone can live with and thrive on. Throughout it all, know that diabetes can’t keep your child from doing whatever they want and achieve their highest goals. There are Olympic athletes with diabetes, as well as professional football players, politicians, actors, rock stars, and CEOs. So, take a deep breath. You can do so much to make sure the people you love are thriving as they manage their diabetes.

 

The Road to Understanding Diabetes

/in /by

Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed, have been fighting against type 1 or type 2 diabetes for a while, or are helping a loved one, you’ve come to the right place. This is the start of gaining a deeper understanding of how you can live a healthier life—with all the tools, health tips, and food ideas you need. Wherever you’re at with your diabetes, know that you have options and that you don’t have to be held back. You can still live your best life. All you have to do is take action and stick with it.

Understanding type 1

Here’s what you need to know about type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs at every age and in people of every race, shape, and size. There is no shame in having it, and you have a community of people ready to support you. Learning as much as you can about it and working closely with your diabetes care team can give you everything you need to thrive.

In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the carbohydrates you eat into blood sugar (blood glucose) that it uses for energy—and insulin is a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, everyone can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.

Remember: this is a condition that can be managed. By living a healthy lifestyle filled with exercise and proper diet, you can live a normal life and do everything you set out to do.

Understanding type 2

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes—and it means that your body doesn’t use insulin properly. And while some people can control their blood sugar levels with healthy eating and exercise, others may need medication or insulin to help manage it. Regardless, you have options—and we’re here with the tools, resources, and support you need.

A key part of managing type 2 diabetes is maintaining a healthy diet. You need to eat something sustainable that helps you feel better and still makes you feel happy and fed. Remember, it’s a process. Work to find helpful tips and diet plans that best suit your lifestyle—and how you can make your nutritional intake work the hardest for you.

Fitness is another key to managing type 2. And the good news, all you have to do is get moving. The key is to find activities you love and do them as often as you can. No matter how fit you are, a little activity every day can help you put yourself in charge of your life.

Understanding gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes can be a scary diagnosis, but like other forms of diabetes, it’s one that you can manage. It doesn’t mean that you had diabetes before you conceived or that you will have diabetes after you give birth. It means that, by working with your doctor, you can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. No matter what, know that you have all the support you need for both you and your baby to be at your best.

We don’t know what causes gestational diabetes, but we know that you are not alone. It happens to millions of women. We do know that the placenta supports the baby as it grows. Sometimes, these hormones also block the action of the mother’s insulin to her body and it causes a problem called insulin resistance. This insulin resistance makes it hard for the mother’s body to use insulin. And this means that she may need up to three times as much insulin to compensate.

The key to treating it is to act quickly—as treatable as it is, gestational diabetes can hurt you and your baby. Work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar levels normal, through special meal plans and regular physical activity. Your treatment may also include daily blood sugar testing and insulin injections.

Understanding diabetes from other causes

In addition to type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, a small minority of people develop specific types of diabetes due to other causes. This includes:

  • Monogenic diabetes syndromes, such as neonatal diabetes and maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)
  • Diseases of the exocrine pancreas, such as cystic fibrosis and pancreatitis
  • Drug or chemical-induced diabetes, such as with glucocorticoid use, in the treatment of HIV/AIDS or after organ transplantation

Because these types of diabetes are rare, they are often misdiagnosed as other types of diabetes. You can learn more about these types of diabetes in the Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes section in the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. If you think you might have one of these types, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Understanding prediabetes

When it comes to prediabetes, there are no clear symptoms—so you may have it and not know it. Here’s why that’s important: before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have prediabetes—blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. You may have some of the symptoms of diabetes or even some of the complications.

Regardless, check with your doctor and get tested. If you discover that you do have prediabetes, remember that it doesn’t mean you’ll develop type 2, particularly if you follow a treatment plan and a diet and exercise routine. Even small changes can have a huge impact on managing diabetes or preventing it all together—so get to a doctor today and get tested.

Loved ones

Hearing that your child or loved one has diabetes can be a shock. But after that shock wears off, know that there are plenty of things you can do to help manage their diabetes. With planning and preparation, you can get back to normal life and resume your daily activities.

 

 

How to Begin a Diagnosis Process of Autism

/in /by

Adults who suspect they or a loved one might be autistic can do a self-assessment test for adults. A person can find these tests online. While they cannot give a diagnosis, the tests are a good starting point.

A person seeking a diagnosis can take the results of such a test to a primary care doctor who will try to determine whether ASD may be present by:

  • enquiring about the symptoms, both current and during childhood
  • observing and interacting with the person
  • speaking to a loved one (with permission)
  • checking for other physical or mental health conditions that may be causing symptoms

If no underlying physical condition can explain the symptoms, the doctor may refer the person to a psychiatrist or a psychologist to make an ASD diagnosis.

If symptoms are not present in childhood but begin in adolescence or adulthood, this may indicate a cognitive or mental health condition other than ASD.

It may be difficult to find a specialist who can diagnose ASD in adults. Individuals who would like a diagnosis for themselves or a loved one may need to do research to find a provider with experience diagnosing autistic adults.

Another option is to speak to a developmental pediatrician or child psychiatrist who is willing to see adult clients.

Benefits of diagnosis

Not every undiagnosed autistic adult may want or need a diagnosis. It is important to respect the needs and preferences of the individual. For those who prefer it, a diagnosis may offer several advantages.

  • It may provide an explanation for the challenges an autistic individual may be experiencing.
  • It may give family members, friends, and colleagues a better understanding of ASD.
  • It may open up access to services and benefits, including in the workplace or education environments.
  • It may replace an incorrect diagnosis, such as ADHD.

Living with autism

Living with ASD may be hard for some autistic adults. They may struggleTrusted Source with social interactions, get fixated on routines, or experience sensitivities to light or sound.

Many of the same symptoms that appear in autistic children may also exist in adults. But adults experiencing these symptoms may find it difficult to live independent, day-to-day lives as a result.

A study on services and outcomes in autistic adults showed that 27% of autistic participants were unemployed. Autistic adults may also have more limited options for support services than autistic children. In the same study, 25% of autistic participants reported not getting enough support services.

Some autistic adults experience high intelligence, strong memory, an ability to think “outside the box,” and strong talent in particular areas. Other traits can include a unique sense of humor, and a strong sense of fairness and justice.

For many autistic people, ASD is an essential part of their identity and does not require support. For those autistic adults who experience more challenges, increased access to the following may help:

Education

Learning more about autism can give autistic individuals and their loved ones or carers a greater understanding of the condition.

It can also help an autistic person feel validated and find solutions that work for them.

Friends and family can help reduce stress and be more compassionate by accessing available learning opportunities, many of which are free.

Therapy

As with neurotypical people, autistic people may benefit from seeing a therapist if they are experiencing anxiety, work stress, or feelings of isolation.

Therapists can introduce autistic people to methodsTrusted Source such as cognitive behavioral therapy. This may help with challenges that may be more particular to ASD, such as having rigid thoughts. Therapy may take place either individually or in a group or family setting.

Taking steps to improve mental health inequity can also help underserved autistic adults get the counseling they may need.

Vocational rehabilitation

Vocational rehabilitation can help autistic people cope with career-related challenges. It allows them to explore the possibility of further education, volunteering, or job changes.

Some autistic people may find their workplaces uncomfortable if they are too noisy, too bright, or require a long commute.

Employers can take steps to support neurodiversity in the workplace, for example, by making appropriate accommodations for autistic employees. Many resources are available, including from the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion.

Autistic people can thrive in the right workplace and with adequate support.

Peer support

Some autistic people may find it helpful to connect with other autistic people who may be experiencing similar things. A person can do this through online groups and forums, or at face-to-face support meetings.

Interacting with other autistic adults may give an autistic person new ideas about things they can do in their own lives. It can also expose a person to more resources.

Many autistic people advocate for taking a more active role in their own support services. A growing body of evidence shows that access to autistic peers can positively benefit an autistic person’s life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What you Should Know About Autism in Adults

/in /by

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most commonTrusted Source neurodevelopmental disorders. In most cases, autistic people receive a diagnosis in childhood, usually after the age of 4 years. However, some autistic adults are not diagnosed in childhood, even if their symptoms are more severe.

For an autistic person not diagnosed in childhood, receiving an ASD diagnosis later in life may be helpful for many reasons. In particular, it can provide better access to services and support. In this article, we discuss the signs and symptoms of ASD in adulthood and what to do if a person would like a diagnosis.

Signs and symptoms of adult autism

Autistic people may find some aspects of communication and social interaction challenging. They may have difficulty relating to people and understanding their emotions. Autistic adults may also have inflexible thought patterns and behavior, and may carry out repetitive actions.

Common signs and symptoms of ASD in adults can includeTrusted Source:

  • difficulty making conversation
  • difficulty making or maintaining close friendships
  • discomfort during eye contact
  • challenges with regulating emotions
  • extreme interest in one particular topic
  • frequent monologues on the same subject or subjects
  • hypersensitivity to sounds or smells that do not seem to bother others
  • involuntary noises, such as repetitive throat clearing
  • difficulty understanding sarcasm or idioms
  • lack of inflection when speaking
  • limited interest in only a few activities
  • preference for solitary activities
  • problems reading the emotions of others
  • trouble understanding facial expressions and body language
  • reliance on daily routines and difficulty dealing with change
  • repetitive behaviors
  • social anxiety
  • superiorTrusted Source abilities in a particular field, such asTrusted Source mathematics or other disciplines
  • the need to arrange items in a specific order

Autistic people will not usually have all the above signs and symptoms, and they may experience others that are not on the list.

There may be some similarities between ASD and other disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but the signs and symptoms of ASD vary from person to person.

Also, the symptoms can differ across genders. Some people may seem able to cope better with social situations than others, as their symptoms may be more subtle and masked. As a result, it can be more challenging to diagnose ASD.

Diagnosis

Seeking an ASD diagnosis as an adult can be challenging for several reasons:

  • People who did not receive a diagnosis in their younger years may have milder symptoms, which can be more difficult to recognize. At times, such people may never get a diagnosis.
  • If people have been living with ASD for some time, they may be better at masking the signs and symptoms.
  • Research shows that one of the common diagnostic tests for autism in adulthood, the ADOS-2, may be fairly reliable. But a doctor needs to recognize a person’s symptoms in order to refer them to testing.

Is there a test for ASD in adults?

Clinicians have developed different tests that can help diagnose ASD in adults. These include diagnostic tests such as ADOS 2 Module 4, ADI-R, and 3Di Adult.

However, it is not clear how reliable these tests are for adults. The reasons for this include:

  • Researchers who look at the reliability of ASD tests often useTrusted Source a small number of study participants.
  • Not many research studies on testing for adult ASD include enough participants from historically underserved groups, such as People of Color or people who are LGBTQIA+. This means the results of studies looking at ASD testing methods may not represent a true population of autistic adults.
  • Many clinicians may not be familiar with the signs of ASD in adulthood. This is especially true if the patient’s symptoms are not severe or if the patient also has other conditions, for example, anxiety.

Autistic people may have higher ratesTrusted Source of co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression, than those in the general population.