Chemistry-phobic!

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Hi everyone,

I've been accepted to a diploma program school of nursing; fulltime studies begin this fall. Most of the non-nursing courses are taught at a nearby College for college credit. I have the opportunity to take the required Chemistry course this summer; in doing this, I'll be able to concentrate on A&P and the first of the Nursing courses in the first term. I have to admit now that I am terrified of Chemistry! I was hoping my previous coursework in the sciences would be transferrable, but because of their age (I took them almost 30 years ago!), I have to retake them. I'm not bothered that the school is requiring me to retake the courses; in fact, I think it's a good idea. But, I wasn't a great Chemistry student before. Then, I struggled to get a C, and I don't think I can tell you anything I learned. I'm hoping that as an adult learner with a more serious, mature slant to my personality and better study skills, it will all seem exciting and fun. I get nervous knots in my stomach whenever I think about taking Chemistry! Have any of you experienced this? What did you find helpful in overcoming the feeling? I'm grateful for any and all responses. Thanks, and good luck to us all!

I am sure you will do fine. I am an older student and when I took chemistery I was a little nervous myself. I ended up with a B. As long as you apply yourself you will be ok.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

You hit the nail on the head. You are an adult learner with 30 years experience under your belt. Don't let your struggles of 30 years ago jade you.

That said, Chemistry is a tough course. I just finished it with an A! After having taken it in high school about 30 years ago. If I can do it, you can too!

Good luck!

You hit the nail on the head. You are an adult learner with 30 years experience under your belt. Don't let your struggles of 30 years ago jade you.

That said, Chemistry is a tough course. I just finished it with an A! After having taken it in high school about 30 years ago. If I can do it, you can too!

Good luck!

Try to relax! I took Chemistry last semester and I am a "mature" college student as well. I was nervous about the class but I had a great instructor and ended up with a B+. I did not think it was too tough. Be sure to pay attention in lecture and study, study, study. You should do fine. Good Luck!

Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Thanks very much for the votes of confidence, and congratulations to each of you for your good grades.

Since I had the course number, I looked up the course description on the College's website. I'm a bit relieved to know that it's an "Introductory" course, which I hope translates to "We assume you know nothing at all about anything related to Chemistry...yes, Don, even you should be able to pass this course." :chuckle We'll see. It'll be nice to have it out of the way when classes begin fulltime. I'll let you know how it works.

Thanks again for the responses.

I was in a similar situation. I took Chemistry at the local urban university. Our professor was about 80 years old!! I kid you not. they brought him out of retirment to teach the class. Our class formed a study group, we meet every sunday at my office downtown. In the final few weeks of the term we hired a tutor to come in and work with us (we each paid $20 for 4 hours of his time -- so he earned up to $100). This study group really saved me.... I think getting a running start - don't just meet before tests -- meet each week. Keep up with it - you will find that it will be a great support to you!

Best of luck - you can do it!

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