Getting a Great Career In Healthcare
Both Albert Einstein and Leonardo Di Vinci had learning disabilities. In fact, it has been estimated that between 14% of Canadians have some degree of learning disability. It certainly doesn’t mean that you should be held back in your aspirations. If you are living with a learning disability (LD), such as ADHD or dyslexia, a career in healthcare could be ideal for you. There are so many different options to choose from, and you can really help the lives of others.
Counselling
One thing that anyone living with a LD will know is that sometimes, life can be a challenge. You develop an enormous sense of empathy for people who are struggling. This life skill will set you on a good path for a career in counselling. Counselling is a very broad discipline, and there are many different types. If you are just starting out, and looking for good work experience, becoming a summer camp counselor, mentoring children and young adults can be an excellent place to start. Many of the universities offer short courses that can be a stepping stone into the industry. These courses can give you the perfect taster of different disciplines, such as consulting and exploring happiness. You can use these to boost your knowledge and understanding of how best to help people.
Nursing
If you are living with a learning disability, you can still get into nursing school – however, you will need to speak up if you have extra needs or require further tuition or assistance. Don’t forget that you have rights that are protected under both the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act. You should be able to get extra time if necessary on tests, and for studying, as well as someone to read the tests aloud for you. Take full advantages of all the resources online too, such as the free HESI practice tests. You might find it good to join a study group to learn and revise with if you are taking the exams to get into nursing school. Moving away from conventional “sitting at a desk” learning can be a big advantage when you are studying. Don’t forget that the exam and revision techniques that work for one person might not work for another. America always needs good nurses, and nursing schools are happy to accept and help candidates regardless of background.
Healthcare Assistants
Hospital healthcare assistants are becoming a necessity in medical centers all over the country. These are the people who play a vital role in making sure that patients get the best care possible when staying in hospital. This can be anything from helping with washing and dressing, to taking temperatures. This sort of role requires empathy, patience, understanding and kindness – qualities for which you don’t need a qualification, but will gain experience throughout your life. You could be working with families, and the elderly – people from all walks of life. Without Healthcare Assistants, the day-to-day running of hospitals would be very different. They help make patients feel at ease, and offer a friendly smile. They offer an ear to listen to concerns or worries, and a moment of calm in the noisy hustle of busy hospitals.
If you are living with a learning disability, there are an enormous amount of options for you if you want to work in healthcare. If you need to obtain qualifications and feel that you need extra help, just make sure that you ask, and explain what you need. Working in healthcare is an extremely rewarding career.
Special Thanks to Jackie Edwards, author and regular contributor at LDAH