Math & Science difficulty

[futureLVN40]

Hello, so I was wondering is it true that if you really have a hard time comprehending Biology, Chemistry, higher Math, and those subjects then you shouldn't or can't be a Nurse? I have a hard time with Math and Science. It takes me longer to really comprehend the material. But my dream is to be a Nurse and take care of people when they are sick or hurt and at their most vulnerable time in their life. Now I feel really discouraged and think maybe Nursing really is for geniuses.

[MoRNdreams]

I am having difficulties with math and I ask myself the same question. I just want to take care of people even-though I know that math and science will be very important part in the nursing field.

[LL143KnB, BSN, RN]

I can relate I am not too strong in math either. I absolutely hate algenra! In most cases I don't think that you're necessarily bad at math it just takes a little longer to grasp the concepts. For me I need to see things done step by step to understand it. If you're having difficulty ask your professor for help and take advantage of your college tutoring services.

[rubato, ASN, RN]

Math is not really that important. You need to be able to multiple fractions, and put those problems together for drug calculations, but that's about it.

Science is SUPER important. If you can't understand what is going on in the body and how diseases and medications can effect that process, you will struggle in nursing school.

But, nursing is not just for geniuses, it's for hard workers. So, get some tutoring, work harder, and really try to grasp those concepts.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

OK - I really don't want to rain on anyone's picnic, but . . .

Nursing is a science-based profession. In order to become fully competent, we have to have a pretty good grasp of the underlying physiology. And it doesn't stop with school. Each time you have to learn about a new drug or technology, you'll have to exercise those same brain cells in order to understand the new information.... and this NEVER stops.

There are all types of 'intelligence'. Einstein was not a musical genius. Mozart never worked with differential equations. So, if 'caring for people' is your passion but science is not your 'thing', psychology or social work would be a much more appropriate career choice than nursing.

[futureLVN40]

I actually love Psychology but cannot afford a University and you have to have at least a Master's degree for that. I think with a lot of tutoring and extra work I will be able to learn this Biology stuff. I am currently finishing up my Medical Assisting program and passed Anatomy and Physiology but it wasn't as in depth as it will be for Nursing. I will see what happens and if all else fails I will just be a CNA because I want to help people in a different way than Medical Assisting. I like the one on one interaction with the patient.