A survey-based exploration of the impact of dyslexia on career progression of UK registered nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the effects of dyslexia on the practice and career progression of UK registered nurses (RN).


BACKGROUND
Literature suggests dyslexia can have a negative impact in the workplace and may pose particular difficulties for nurses, where accuracy in information processing activities is essential for practice.


METHODS
A questionnaire was used to survey RNs with dyslexia (n = 116) and results analysed using content analysis.


RESULTS
Dyslexia provided a challenge to the everyday work of RNs, which was often met successfully using a range of individualized strategies. Career progression was achievable but compared with peers, was perceived to take longer. Disclosure of dyslexia to work-colleagues was selective and dependent on the perceived benefits. Informal support mechanisms were commonly utilized with formal management support less well defined.


CONCLUSIONS
Dyslexia appears to have a negative impact on working practices and career progression, but remains a poorly understood and often hidden disability.
Morris
David
D
North Building Park Road, Chelmsford, Essex, UK. d.k.morris@anglia.ac.uk
Turnbull
Patricia
P
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D002322:Career Mobility; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D004410:Dyslexia / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D004651:Employment / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008008:Licensure, Nursing; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012650:Self Disclosure; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012752:Shame; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology