My journey as a neurodiverse student nurse

Let's Talk Nursing

Let's Talk Nursing with Rochelle Tattersall.

In this episode, Samina is joined by Rochelle Tattersall, a recent nursing graduate from the University of Leeds, now working as a registered community staff nurse at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust. They discuss Rochelle’s journey of navigating her autism diagnosis while studying as a student nurse.

Throughout the episode, they explore a variety of topics, including:

• Getting an autism diagnosis
• Stereotypes that autistic nurses and student nurses encounter
• Requesting reasonable adjustments at university and on placement

Hear Rochelle’s three key actions for neurodiverse student nurses when going on placement, neurotypical nurses when interacting with neurodiverse colleagues or students and all nurses when facing challenges in their roles. Listen to the end to hear Rochelle’s practical tips for requesting reasonable adjustments and handling difficult situations as part of our scenario-based reflective exercises.

About Rochelle:

Rochelle Tattersall recently graduated from the University of Leeds, and is now working as a registered community staff nurse at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust. Her passion for nursing and writing drove Rochelle to become a Nursing Times Student Editor, where she discussed what it’s like to be an autistic student nurse – she is now an outspoken campaigner for the rights of autistic nurses and students. Her love of writing also drove her to write her first novel and become a published author, while studying.

Contact Rochelle:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rochelle-tattersall

More information and resources:

Rochelle’s article about being a neurodiverse student nurse: ‘I can still be a nurse while being neurodivergent’

Supporting the needs of neurodivergent nurses in the workforce

Supporting patients with autism: part one

Supporting patients with autism: part two

BJN inform:

For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/

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