Embarrassed to even post this.

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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I'm still on the fence about enrolling in the lpn program and the main thing that is holding me back is the math. From my research my program is 1yr long at a Vo Tech type school and you don't need pre required classes to start. This is something ill need to take a loan out for so I need to make sure I can do this. Now for the embarrassing part.....

When I was in high school I had a lot of trouble with math and they put me in the "slower math classes" I'm not sure the correct term for it but needless to say I learned nothing there because my teacher would hand me her grade book and class work and I would grade papers for her and she would give me a grade that way. She did this with a lot of students...she never got up and taught class. Here is what I do know.. Addition..subtraction...multiplication and division. Long division is tricky for me but I'm working on that.

I'm willing to learn but I want to make sure that it is something I will be able to learn and not fail at because these loans aren't cheap. I was reading about lab values and I was completely lost!

I guess I'm just looking for advice if you all that have been through it think i can get through the program or if I'm just too dumb and should try. Feel free to let me know if I'm not smart enough...I need honest feedback. Thanks :)

Specializes in LAD.

I'm sure that teacher has been fired by now with the new Common Core Standards and the new teacher evaluations being implemented!

Anyway, I have found a wonderful tool that I used to use for my kids. What I love about the website is that it goes up to algebra 1 & 2 and actually models the skill. After you pick a section, it will ask you a question. Try to answer it. If you get the answer wrong, it will show you how to do it using a visual and explanation. I hope this helps you.

IXL Math and English | Online math and language arts practice

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

If you've got ~$200 to spend, try Teaching Textbooks. I used them for homeschooling my kids through high school math, and they are amazing. You get a textbook AND a set of CDs that demonstrate EVERY SINGLE problem on a whiteboard, narrated by the instructor.

Don't get it the first time? No problem, the CD guy doesn't care if you watch it a hundred times. He never gets frustrated or mad. You just watch it as many times as you need to for it to click. Both of my kids who used this in high school passed their college math classes.

Teaching Textbook: You Can Learn More!

Oh, and when you get done, some local homeschooler will GLADLY pay you $125 for it- the entire program is completely non-consumable. I had people standing in line to snap up my used curriculum.

NoWoman.. If you put forth a little effort, you will be fine with the math. Like lorirn2b stated, a lot of schools use dimensional analysis -- scary name, but do not let that put you off. You can pick up a used copy of Mulholland's book The Nurse, The Math, The Meds and it pretty much will walk you through it. If you are thinking of enrolling in a community college, chances are that they have some FREE tutors available for their students. Decide you can do it, and it will happen. Best wishes!

Specializes in Rehab/Brain/Stroke/Spine.

I went to "drop in" tutoring, specifically for math. A LOT! like some others have said if we did it, you can, and will if you want it bad enough. Good Luck!!!

Specializes in LTC.

I thought I sucked at math, even though my previous career seemed to use math a lot (Casino Table Games). I discovered, in going back to school, that I didn't suck. My teachers had sucked, and I'd never insisted anyone actually teach me. When I got through College Algebra with an A, I realized that I had never spoken up and asked to be taught, and no teacher had taken the imitative to teach me. In college I used every resource, office hours, tutoring, online sites, anything, to learn. You can do this!

Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

I can tell you that I am horrendous at math. I don't think I ever learned the stuff I am learning now. Im also not worried though and am currently in an elementary math class. I intend to keep foing until I have finally reached statistics which is one of the last classes I need. I know I'm going to be a great nurse and I've decided I'm not letting lack of skills in math get in my way. I am just going to make sure between now and then I develop those skills ;)

Thank you ALL for the tips, books and advice to help me along the way. I plan to study my math before I start. I just feel like if I get the math down then ill be able to focus on actually learning how to be a lpn. I'm going to stay positive because I DO want this and I don't want to let my lack math stop me. :)

So glad for calculators. My school let us use them. You can take a continuing education class at your local junior college for pharm math. This way you can see how it is for yourself.

Honestly, calculators do most of the work. You just need to know what to plug in. Just make sure your school does not require you do math by hand.

Math is what held me back From starting nursing period. I also graduated in 2002 and was in the slower math classes, But I faced my fear. I still struggle at times, but my classmate help me. And best of all we get to use calculators! We just have to show our work to let the teacher know that we KNOW what we're doing.

And I got an A in pharmacology. I was so happy! God willing, I'll be graduating in December. Best of luck to you!

Personally, math is my strong suit. But in my program, math was the thorn in our collective side. In our final semester of school, over 75% of the class failed a math competency exam and it really exposed a serious flaw in the program. We never really knew how many people truly struggled with math. But I'll tell you this, these were people who HAD INDEED made it to the end of the program. Had passed HESI exams and passed classes, final exams, skills competency checks, and absolutely SOARED in clinical. They were definitely poised to be very strong nurses. Yes it is important to understand the math but as long as your school does right by its students by ensuring competency, it will have no bearing on your future success as a nurse. Eventually, the students that struggled with the math got everything they needed and succeeded in passing the math before the end of the program. And if they can do it, you certainly can. Please do not let something like math hold you back. You will get everything you need and you will be a great nursing student. :yes:

Find the book pharmacology made incredibly easy too. I am sure it will help with the math conversions that we need to know. My A&P teacher is big on learning about electrolytes and I bought the book Fluids and electrolytes made incredibly easy, boy did it help tremendously with what she was teaching us. I will get these books because if that one helps the others have got to be just as great. Better than any study guide!!

Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
If you want some online help, Khan Academy has basic skills sections. There are step by step video lessons and tests to see how much you've learned. It might be helpful to see how they do things.

This is great advice. Khan Academy is an awesome tool for getting you up to speed.

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