Feeling OVERWHELMED ALREADY!!!

Students General Students

Published

Hello everyone. I started school again after almost 12 years, and decided to go for Nursing. I am taking my pre reqs and have been doing well in all my classes so far, but I am taking Pre-Algebra which I've never really been to good at math and am doing OK in this class, but all the homework and studying is just overwhelming. I am a single mom of two boys, work full time and this is becoming all my nights STUDYING. I guess I am worried if I feel like this now what will Nursing School be like.I know it will definitly payoff in the end but it seems so long 3 more years of this. I am taking the beginning Bio in summer and have to take the NET test. How hard is that???? Any comments I'd appretiate. Thanks

Is the class difficult for you? Is there material you don't understand? If so, you should talk to the professor. Also, what about studying with classmates or asking classmates (who are doing well of course!) for their study tips? Good luck!

Stephanie RN CDE

redwinggirlie

559 Posts

Hello everyone. I started school again after almost 12 years, and decided to go for Nursing. I am taking my pre reqs and have been doing well in all my classes so far, but I am taking Pre-Algebra which I've never really been to good at math and am doing OK in this class, but all the homework and studying is just overwhelming. I am a single mom of two boys, work full time and this is becoming all my nights STUDYING. I guess I am worried if I feel like this now what will Nursing School be like.I know it will definitly payoff in the end but it seems so long 3 more years of this. I am taking the beginning Bio in summer and have to take the NET test. How hard is that???? Any comments I'd appretiate. Thanks

I commend you for going back to school. I did late in the game as you are.

I can't comment on the net test, but I can offer a bit of advice.

While I did my prereqs, I worked as much as my studying and necessity would allow. As I neared nursing courses, I backed off. I saved cash prior to these courses by cancelling cellphone, cable, dining out.... all the unnecessary stuff. You have kids, which is great and yay for you! Think about your support system now. Be able to spend time studying - alone -, and get rid of those silly expenses. It will be for a short time... and yes, it is worth it.

Be well.

p.s. I had a prealgebra instructor who was great, but I also used the tutor. I wasn't a math bug then, but in time, I became comfy with all those equations. Still am. Use the school's resources!

redwinggirlie

559 Posts

P. S. Forgot to add..... your nights will be full of studying for a long time. It's not easy getting the things we want.....When you put your mind to it and be patient, good things will come. I felt the same from time to time while I was in school. I thought like you, "what three years of this?" Then I asked myself if I don't do this, where will I be in three years? Think about it.

Again, be well.

K

belabelisa

78 Posts

Specializes in Oncology.

I took the NET. It wasn't hard... just different. The math is nothing to worry about. There are a total of 5 algebra questions at the end and they are basic. The rest of the math test covers fractions, decimals, conversions, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division. Nothing difficult, but you will want to refresh your memory for it. The reading was strange. I took the ACT and scored an almost perfect score on the reading comprehension. On the NET, I didn't do so well. It's just strange. If you're overly analytical, like I am, it could be tricky. I thought the grammar was easy and did very well with that. You'll want to review, but most of the correct answers are obvious because they are the only ones that "sound" right.

Hope this has helped. Don't worry too much about it. It's not that bad.

Dixielee, BSN, RN

1,222 Posts

Specializes in ER.

Right now you are getting use to being back in school. You are having to learn to organize your time, your energy and your brain power. Plus you still have to take care of your children. As you progress it will get easier. The didactic part won't necessarily be easier, but you will have re-learned how to study and will have found a routine that works for you and your family. Don't try to do too much at once, take it slow until you can get up to speed. Good luck. It will be hard, but most things worth doing, are.

allnurses Guide

NurseCard, ADN

2,847 Posts

Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

I concur, about cutting back on work hours. Because I'm going to be quite frank; you will NOT be able to work full time hours and go to nursing school, particularly with two children to take care of in addition!

Nursing school is a *LOT* of work, and it will really take up a lot of your time. Right now you MIGHT be able to handle full-time work; if so, again, save up your money NOW by cutting back on unecessary expenses. That might mean getting rid of the cell phone, the cable, the internet... cutting back on your phone service extras such as call waiting, caller ID, etc. Make yourself a budget, and include in it a daily or even bi-weekly contribution to your "nest egg".

Who takes care of your kids while you are in school? I hope that you live close to your parents, or the parents of the father, or the father even... and they can help with child care?

Good luck!!!!! (Oh BTW... I DID actually work full time and go to school. I worked weekends only, 12 hour shifts. That could be another option for you.

I didn't have any kids though... well, not until I gave birth to my daughter towards the end of my third semester! :)

Zipster

4 Posts

I am finishing up my 3rd year in a part-time evening and weekend RN program. I work 24 hours a week and have 2 kids. I feel that if anything the subject matter has steadily increased in difficulty level, and I spend all of my free time studying.

ebrooks

19 Posts

Hi Brandy. We are in the same boat. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I too, am struggling w/the math stuff. I have found alot of useful websites that have helped quite a bit on learning/relearning prealgebra, algebra etc. If you are interested, send me a private message and I will send you the links. Good luck and hang in there-you will get through it all.

Tweety, BSN, RN

34,248 Posts

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

It's very tough and overwhelming and sometimes you just want to quit. You have to want it very bad to work that hard. Keep it one day at a time and those days add up to years and you're done! Good luck to you.

Alex Strike

3 Posts

You are at the very early stages of what may seem I very long road before you get yourself qualified.

Just look at how quickly your boys are growing up....believe me your qualifying time will go by even quicker. Its all a case of building blocks, the more you do the easier it becomes and there's a lot of help for you if you need it.

I am a mum of a one and two year old. I am commencing an adult nursing degree in sept. I believe that I am a better mum for using my brain in the evenings. When I have a few nights off studying I get bored and miss the challenge. I have learnt how to overcome the tireness in the evenings from caring for my children all day.

Stay focussed, you will soon find it all easier and rise to achieving great results as your confidence and stamina build.

Stick at it girl, after all don't you want to do something you want to do when the kids have up and left. !!

Bye for now

Alex :)

Alex Strike

3 Posts

My friend who is 36 is a single mum of a five yr old and seven yr old, both boys. She commenced her midwifery course last year. She is managing it and she had doubts. She has made sure that she has applied for all possible grant money ie, childcare etc,etc thats made life easier. Shes been my inspiration.

I am taking my maths GCSE it the moment, I failed my CSE 2w2 years ago, I am sticking at it. I agree algebra is an obsolute nightmare bit I am getting there!!!

:) XXXX

+ Add a Comment