Tom - neurodiversity champion
Improving placement support to students
Tom is a mental health lecturer on Northumbria University's nursing degree course. He is also developing a new role - 'neurodiversity champion' - using his own experiences of being neurodivergent and his nursing expertise to ensure neurodivergent students are well supported on every element of the course.
In this video, Tom talks to the RCN's Disability Officer Holly about how nursing degrees can be more accessible for neurodivergent students (and any nursing students who need reasonable adjustments).
Key points:
- This discussion focuses on adjustments for neurodivergent students but the underpinning principles can benefit all students.
- There is a key role for practice supervisors in ensuring the needs of students on placement are met.
- Students should own their information and have control, but should be well supported to get the reasonable adjustments they need.
- The RCN can support you if you are struggling to get the adjustments you need on placement. Our peer support network is for all members with lived experience of disability and neurodivergence.
