Dyslexia in Registered Nurses: Meeting Educational Needs and Filling Knowledge Gaps

Proposal Part 1
Literature Review &
Research Question

Dyslexia is a specific reading disability in which a child face difficulty in reading or
understanding easily (Snowling, Hulme and Nation, 2020). It is one of the most common issue
which is identified in school going students. It is majorly due to problem in identifying speech
sounds and ways in which it relates to words and letters (Wagner and et.al., 2020). It directly
affects area of brain that process language. According to a survey it has been identified that in
Australia 1 out of 20 nurses were figured out as dyslexic. Due to this it has become important to
focus upon this topic in order to identify ways in which this dyslexia problem among nurses can
be resolved.
This paper will first of all focus upon ways in which educational needs of dyslexic
students in different kinds of registered nursing programs can be resolved. Then discussion of
ways in which adoption of multi-dimensional approach to patient care as a part of course in
registered nursing program can help such nurses with dyslexia standard of best practice standard
of best practice, make adjustments within their practice. multi-dimensional approach teaching
and learning in nursing program can directly help such nurses in involving themselves in nursing
care in an appropriate manner. This paper will further explain ways in which bringing changes
within learning program of registered nurses and adoption of multi-dimensional strategies can
directly help nurses with dyslexia can involve themselves in nursing care and strength their
strengths such as social awareness, holistic thinking etc. This study will aim upon filling gaps
within knowledge and theoretical learning in registered nursing programs in order to fulfil needs
and requirement of nurses with dyslexia.
Registered nurses are known as those medical professionals who perform the work of
taking care of patients. They work in a variety of settings such as care facilities, schools, clinics,
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hospitals etc. They are involved in providing direct care to the patients. In order to become a
registered nurse, there is a requirement to be graduated from a nursing program. Registered
nurses play an important role in the healthcare system owing to the assistance provided to patient
care. Dyslexia is a difficulty related to learning ability that leads to problems in spelling, reading
and writing (Adlof and Hogan, 2018). The number of nurses suffering from dyslexia is not
known. However, it has been found that persons suffering from dyslexia have a tendency to be
drawn towards people oriented careers. It can be analysed that dyslexia might impact the
registered nurses and their practice. It results into difficulties that may arise from the
inefficiencies in the areas in brain that is responsible for language – processing.
However, there is limited research in the area concerning dyslexia in registered nurses and their
experiences. Illingworth, (2005) found that each individual is differently impacted by dyslexia.
In the field of nursing, this may impact the career choice as well as career progression. The
authors found the need for introduction of dyslexia friendly practices. It has been found that a
large portion of the healthcare workforce constitutes the nurses. Further, it is significant to
consider the number of nurses with dyslexia owing to the challenges that face during delivery of
services. The nurses with dyslexia may be linked to one of the two specific identities which are
creativity and patient risk. While Kannangara and et.al., (2018) found that nurses who were
dyslexic did not have a tendency to drop out. There is lack of studies which support that nurses
with dyslexia are creative.
Major and Tetley (2019) found that there is perceived stigma associated with dyslexia.
Also, nurses face lack of understanding from their colleagues. This not only affects disclosure
but also restrains them from accessing support for the condition. This indicates the need for
registered nursing programs that could meet the needs of nurses with dyslexia. In this regard,
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