Should I become a nurse?

Nurses Men

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I always wanted to do something in the medical field, I enjoy helping people. One thing that concerns me is the math or how hard the course is in general to get your AAS and BSN degree. I just got done with my junior year, I got a A in Algebra 2/trig and a B in Physics. But can you use a calculator in nursing school? I'm not completely confident that I can do it without a calculator, I'm taking Orientation to medical careers and Medical terminlogy that's offered at my HS as duel credit to get a feel for it. What do you recommend I do or even what I should study up on. If I posted in wrong category um sorry first time using this site.

The math in nursing is not any harder than high school algebra. The science isn't really too much different than high school science. It might go a tad more in depth with classes like patho and pharmacology. I'd say it would be doable if you are a solid student who can concentrate and study.

And yes. We use calculators

Specializes in Psych.

If your doing that well in algebra, physics, and trig, by all means go for it. Yes we do use calculators, and nurses collaborate with each other in finding answers. We need more men in nursing; an efficient medical team needs both genders. I've been a nurse for 10 yrs and really enjoy the work. It can be challenging at times, simply because we're not dealing with commodity, but with peoples lives, which leaves us with little or no room for mistakes. You will find the peace of mind, and satisfaction of helping others meet healthy goals. Wishing you the best, and good luck in all of your endeavors............Peace/Samuel....

Specializes in Critical Care, CPICU, RAT, Current SRNA.

For your own sake, please job shadow a nurse and other healthcare professionals before you decide what career path you want to pursue.

The "I enjoy helping people and want to do something in the medical field so I should be a nurse" rationale is a very weak indicator of your interest in nursing. All healthcare professionals "help people" in one facet or another. I'm not saying nursing isn't for you. I'm saying find out for sure which career path appeals to you the most by job shadowing various professionals.

Regarding the math question, you're fine. Yes, you can use a calculator, but it is relatively simple math, and there is a plethora of information available to assist you if you ever struggle with dosage calculation. You may have to take an exam regarding medication dosages where you will not be able to use a calculator, but with your grades, you'll be able to brush up on your manual math skills immediately prior to the exam.

Here's a website that covers the math nursing students were responsible while I was in college (2007-2011): DosageHelp.com - Helping Nursing Students Learn Dosage Calculations

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