Was I unreasonable to ask for adjustments re university?

[Raddox]

Hi all,

I don't know if I'm being silly but now I'm worried.

I've been diagnosed with CPTSD and Cyclothymia - I'm under the community mental health team, receiving weekly psychotherapy and on medication (anti depressants and anti psychotics).

I'm a mature student with two young children but have the support of family anyway to my AIBU (just wanted to give some background).

I'm starting a nursing (mental health) course next month and when I enrolled I disclosed my conditions and they asked me to fill out a form -

It asked what adjustments I think would be helpful and I've said if possibly I'd like flexibility with deadline and help planning assignments but would like to discuss what would be possible with someone on that team.

But now I feel like I've asked for too much and they're not gonna let me start the course but I don't know if that's my MH talking.

Was I unreasonable to ask? Or is it just a case of they'll say no if they can't accommodate it?

Hi OP

I worked in a university for twenty years and we got these sorts of requests all the time. You’ve asked for nothing they won’t have come across before and I’m sure they will be happy to chat to you about what would work. They are there to support you be the best learner you can be, asking for a reasonable adjustment just helps them to do that.

Best of luck with the course.

Hi OP, I had these adjustments and more as a mature student with MH difficulties. You’ll be fine x

They are likely to come back and ask for more details first (ignore if you've already provided these to the uni). Things like: what kind of help do you need with planning? And how much flexibility do you think you'll need with deadlines? If you can say '1 week extra would make all the difference' or 'sometimes I'll manage, sometimes I won't, it'll need to be on a case by case basis' then you've got something to discuss. Hope it works out for you.

Have you applied for Disabled Students Allowance? You might be entitled to have a mental health mentor. The support at university can be decent. You are not unreasonable to ask for it.

I'm currently studying as a mature student and they have different departments to assist you with whatever adjustments you need if they're able. There's lots of help and support. I've got ADHD and struggle with juggling essays etc but I've got a personal mentor just as an example of what they may be able to offer. Don't worry you haven't asked for anything they haven't heard before. Best of luck x

Thank you everyone.

I've provided evidence to the university from my key worker.

I didn't apply for DSA as I didn't think I'd be entitled to it but I've just added it to my application and uploaded the evidence. They can only say no and it doesn't affect my others loans so thank you for suggesting it.

Sometimes I just feel like I'm asking for too much and don't want them to think I'm expecting special treatment or anything.

Totally reasonable requests, try not to worry.

No you’re not being unreasonable; they’ll decide what actual accommodations they think are right in the circumstances.

Of course ask for accommodations. It is very commonly done.

I have to be wondering if nursing is the right course for you? It is quite grueling and intense, and so is the job when you graduate.

There are other careers that pay more and are less physically and mentally demanding.

That's a fair question and one I keep asking myself but I'm hoping now I'm finally receiving the right treatment things will look up for me.

I want to be a MH nurse as I want to help people like myself, I'm hoping to do a masters with children and young people eventually as I really struggled and I just can't think of anything else I'd like to do which is why I've asked for help on the course to hopefully assist with me completing it but I don't know if it'll be too much for me - I can only try my best and see if I can do it.

These courses are demanding, and rightfully so. Is the University likely to raise ethical issues with expecting a person struggling with their own mental health to be able to adequately support others? Do you have experience of being able to separate out your issues from work? I'm not sure this is going to work tbh

Thank you for your advice.

I've been assessed by the occupational health at the university and they believe with the right support and accommodations in place then there's no reason I can't do it.

My MH condition is being management and I can only try.

If it doesn't work out then it doesn't work out but I'm giving it a go.

I don't think there's anything unreasonable about your requests. They should hopefully be able to accommodate them for you. Just wanted to wish you the very best of luck with your studies. It sounds like you're wanting to turn around what has been a negative situation for you into a positive situation where you can help others. Be mindful that certain aspects might be triggering, but with the right support, you'll hopefully handle them well. Big hugs x

Well done on getting a place OP! 😀

I am a mature student on a different healthcare professional course and about a third of the cohort, including me, have reasonable adjustments, eg extra time for assignments / exams. You are not alone x

Many, many mature entrants to nursing and social work come about because life experiences bring a new perspective and a desire to help those who face similar difficulties.

As long as student is being effectively supported and isn't in acute mental health distress/instability, there is no conflict.

@Raddox there are many MH nurses with mental health diagnoses working in the field.
As long as you (i) get the right support & adjustments (ii) look after yourself well you will be fine.
Good luck!

Agree. As a healthcare student, my experience on placement and with my cohort is the majority have had health issues themselves or as a carer. As long as you have resilience and can work on your self-care and self-regulation, such experience is viewed as an asset when working in healthcare.

Well good luck to you then. If the occupational health team have made their assessment then why are you questioning if the adjustments are reasonable?! Go with what they say, let them support you.