The Impact of Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) on the Progression and Retention of Student Nurses, January 2009

People with dyslexia have patterns of strengths and weaknesses that may predispose them to adopt certain occupations. In the general population, estimates of prevalence vary from 2% to 15%; between 4% and 10% of the workforce is dyslexic, including nurses (N IACE 2005; Sanderson-Mann 2005). If they are in the professions, dyslexic adults are less likely than non-dyslexics to be involved in professions such as science, computing, management and finance and more likely to be involved in people-oriented professions such as nursing (Taylor 2003), perhaps because of their own experience of ‘feeling different’ (Eliason 1992). The principle aim of the study was; 1. To identify undiagnosed rates of SpLD 2. To deliver targeted study skills support 3. To encourage students to access mainstream support mechanisms 4. To assess the impact of screening and intervention