I'm getting a little frustrated here.

lmreed13 · May 31, 2013

Most nursing schools have a set curriculum for when and what classes to take. I would look into a school with specific nursing tutors. The school I went to had a ton of after hours help in both pre-reqs and actual nursing courses, writing centers, nursing groups, etc. If you find a school with a good support system and use the reasources that are available you should be able to make it work.

Good Luck!

NCmcMan · May 31, 2013

Most nursing schools have a set curriculum for when and what classes to take. I would look into a school with specific nursing tutors. The school I went to had a ton of after hours help in both pre-reqs and actual nursing courses, writing centers, nursing groups, etc. If you find a school with a good support system and use the reasources that are available you should be able to make it work.
Good Luck!

O, I didnt know that. I figured you just had to take em when you took em. It would make it much easier if it's laid out for me. thanks :)

runsalot · May 31, 2013

I was dx learning disable as a child. Was in all sorts of special classes as a kid. As an adult learning and worker, I have to take responsibility for getting the material in a manner I need. I ask questions (not in the middle of class) ,us the tutorial lab. I am not shy about getting help. I graduated with one degree already.

As a kid I always said I was horrible at math and science. I was a analyst for a fortune 5 company doing math all day. Than I went back to school for nursing. Loving it. Hard work. But loving it.

Good luck

Wannabeeinscrubs, ADN, LPN, RN · May 31, 2013

One of the great things about college, is there are so many ways to get extra help. I am in A&P right now and was in open lab last night till after 10pm. The learning center has free tutors, study groups... I was starting to panic yesterday, I even went to my advisor to see if I could drop it (fear of failing, or passing with a low grade), try again later, but it was a no go. After a few hours in the open lab, I feel a little more confident. Plus the group of us that all showed up are creating our own study group.

You are not alone, use the resources.

Get a list of the pre-requisites you need and just start. Maybe just one your first semester back to school, ease into it.

carbon86 · May 31, 2013

I think that a little fear is a good thing when it comes to school but you're getting yourself worked up over something you have no idea about. Go talk to a counselor and take the placement tests and see where you stand. I also have my GED, and 3 small kids and I have maintained at least a 3.5 pre-req GPA at all times (I start my nursing program in the fall). Trust me, having your GED instead of your high school diploma won't hold you back. If anything it was beneficial for me because I never had to turn in my TERRIBLE high school transcripts. For all you know you may rock school and wonder why you even stressed over it. There is a huge difference between high school and college. Also as far as the ADD goes I would talk to someone and figure out if maybe medication would be helpful. I went to school with a girl who was a struggling C student, she finally got her ADD diagnosed it was as if her eyes had finally opened.

NCmcMan · May 31, 2013

Thank you. Your a dear :)

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · May 31, 2013

I know two nurse executives whose academic careers began with GEDs - both were HS dropouts. One is a CRNA, EdD. and the other is an MSN, PhD. Anything is possible.

I agree with PPs - work on your study skills first. Learning how to learn is the most important factor in your academic success. One of my children was diagnosed with a learning disability at age 9... enormous problems with any type of theoretical math, so obviously health care or any other math/science-related field was not in the cards. But she was taught specific techniques to use, and managed to cope well with all math courses thereafter - even passed college algebra! Ultimately achieved an MFA and is enjoying a great career.

You can do this.

MrsStudentNurse · May 31, 2013

It is a bit overwhelming at first. In the big sciences I don't even touch my book until after lecture when the professor has gone over the material. The book is simply used as a reference when they explain something I don't get.

Haha I appreciate that you say "a redneck" like me. Sometimes it's way over complicated when it's a simple process and you have to let the professors way of explaining it roll over your head because they will only complicate matters. I always remember amidst studying that this is for the people. I'm not going to school for my professors, to impress anyone else but only the people Ill care for one day. That drives me to do well. I don't want to be responsible for hindering someone's health ever. Good luck!

Kvedaa · May 31, 2013

A lot of CC's have college success class you can take that help prepare you for the experience and teach you how to study and learn! They are great. My fiancé has ADHD and he choose to become a paramedic which has pretty much the same prerequisite requirements as nursing, he just started slow with general ed and tutoring then when he felt more confident in his study abilities he took the science requirements. Also if you have your ADD documented you can get extra time on tests and access to more tutoring resources. You are not alone many people have done it, you will do great!

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · May 31, 2013

My guess is there are a lot of people in your position.

I know that community colleges offer 'pre-classes' in some subjects that might help you get your feet wet a little bit at a time (I think the above post is saying the same thing). What I would do is call the CC you're interested in and ask to set up an appointment with a pre-college advisor, or whatever the school's equivalent is. Talk to them, address your concerns; they're there to help you. It's part of the reason we have CC's: to help out people in your situation and to get folks into and through college who may not have had that opportunity before. Hence 'community'. :)

You're already showing initiative by saying 'I need help and I don't know where to start'. THAT alone, that willingness to throw up your hand and say 'HELP ME PLEASE' will go as far to helping you meet your goals as any class you'll ever sit in.

You're going to do fine. :)

Boxer Mama · May 31, 2013

While reading your post, my advice to give to you is you "just do it!" (I know, a very over-used phrase). Like previous posts, look into a program you are interested and see what classes they require. Also, start slow. Do not try to cram too much into each semester, especially the first few when you are getting into the swing of things. You also probably want to consider only taking one science course per semester, as there is a lot of material to cover. But, you will find that in your biology science classes, there is material that is repeated (with more in-depth facts applied), but it gets easier every time you see it. Yes, sometimes it takes longer than you initially thought, but it will be worth it in the end. Do not be shy and ask for help. I know my CC offers free tutors for students, so use those resources!