Question about the necessity of math...

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Hi, brand new poster here! I recently made the decision to go back to school with a goal of finishing my Associates in Nursing in Spring of 2008. I'll be starting slow, spending three years taking the prerequisites before applying to the Nursing program of our local college.

I recently got my transcripts from the university I attended sporadically in the early '90s. I had taken a College Alegebra/Analytical Geometry class in '94 that I received a C on, which is eligible to transfer to my current school. My question is - it's all VERY hazy in my mind, I haven't used anything besides basic math in the last 8 years, and I'm wondering if I should take the class over again. How crucial is all this stuff for success with Chemistry and Microbiology? If I purchased an "Algebra for Dummies" book and studied it on my own, would that be sufficient to prepare me for these classes which require a math foundation? I'm REALLY hoping I won't have to take math again. I've spoken to my current school and they will accept math transfer credits up to 10 years after the class was taken, so I would JUST squeak by.

TIA

Kerry

Specializes in Med-Surg.

If it's hazy in your mind, I would either take it again, or do some serious studying on working ratio and proportion and algebra problems. Maybe you could just audit a math class? The math is really key for chemistry, and it's very important for figuring medications also.

I just finished my last of 2 algebra classes required by my ADN program, and now I am in the last of 2 chemistry classes and boy did that math come in handy!!! I used to gripe about math and how beneficial was it really. I am soooo glad I had it! It also helped me get a 100 on the quarterly math exam that my program also requires! Stick with it, does your program have a math test? Maybe that is why they require it.:D

Specializes in PCU, Critical Care, Observation.

I haven't taken algebra or calculus since 1990. I'm in the nursing program & have yet to feel the need to remember any of it. I didn't have to take chemistry so I don't know all that is required in that class. They teach you the equations you need to know in nursing.

Specializes in Med-Surg.

Jen, my school didn't teach us any of the math. They gave us some handouts, said to read pages in these books, and come to them if we had problems. Then we had to take a test and pass with 90 or better. I'd hate for the OP to go in thinking they will teach her all the math she needs and then end up in a program like mine where it's self study.

Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

If you dont know I would take it. Chem requires math and dont just go in assuming the nursing program will teach you the math- what if they dont? I would just take it as a refresher, your oviously a bit worried about it cause your asking on here so I would re-take the class or at least talk to whoever your Nursing advisor is about math and what the expect you to come into the program already knowing.

Marilyn

Well, you use the Algebra in Chem--and for dosage calculations in nursing. But I hadn't had Math in over 10 years when I came back and I did fine. It all came right back to me. Go through your Algebra for Dummies book and see if it all atrarts to look familiar again. If not, I would take the class. Better to do it now than struggle later.

Kim

I've been out of school for 13 yrs myself and would definately reccomend taking a math course. Esp. if you're like me and it's REALLY hazy! :chuckle Chemistry is ALL math and in my nursing classes, we do a TON of dimensional analysis and algebra! If I had to do it over, I would have made my life easier by taking a math class than struggling through the first semester of chem without it. I'm doing okay now, but the first semester was awful. Good luck!

Specializes in PCU, Critical Care, Observation.

Ok, you're right....you never know if your instructors will take the time to teach you what you need to know & I never thought about those that are in the self-study programs. Sorry about that.

My school devotes time to teaching us the equations & makes sure we know what we are doing instead of just throwing us to the wolves & having us figure it out on our own. Too bad all of the programs aren't like that.

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