Needs some help with choosing the right path

[LV08]

Hi. My name is Lori. I am from NJ. My dream is to become a pediatric nurse. Getting to this point of getting into school has become a big struggle, all because of MATH on the TEAS test.... I feel like I don't know what to do in choosing the best path for me to get started. I have done my medical assisting and have my foot somewhat in the door. I lost my job Oct of 09 and have not been able to find anything. I had a job last summer but was let go because my skills were not good. Understandable. But I still have not found any work at all. So, I know I need better training again. I have been fighting for this help since I was laid off. But was not getting anywhere with Unemployment. Turns out I went to the wrong person and that person was just plain lazy and did not want to help me out at all. I did not give up and kept fighting. I finally got answers this year. Word of advice to fellow unemployed people. KEEP PUSHING AND KEEP ASKING!!!!

I am having a lot of trouble with the math portion of the TEAS. Unemployment has helped me greatly. I applied for the grant and it went through. I have been going for tutoring through them since the end of June. I want to get in for August 1st classes, but I am still having a hard time. I took the test once already and did not pass. I took the practice ATI in April and then I took it again last week. My scores have increased but not enough. I have a deadline to get in by August. I am planning on trying again, but I am very worried I will not pass. The math is extremely difficult for me. I am doing very good with simple stuff, fractions, decimals.....but very hard time with ratios,proportions,areas...

The question is this: Do I take the test again near the end of July knowing I probably won't pass and go with the MA program even though I am already certified. This course is 9 months with this school and if I do really good, I get pushed to the LPN without taking the TEAS. OR do I go elsewhere and possibly pass by taking a different kind of exam with a school that is not as good? I really like what Hohokus has to offer me since I want to continue to RN.

I am very torn because I know this is what I want to do with my life. I feel, Medical Assisting is setting me back because I already went past that hurdle. I have worked as an MA for 3 years prior. My training was only for 13 weeks and it could be beneficial. But I would really just move on and do my LPN stuff. This test is really holding me up. I have been studying for MONTHS and MONTHS!!!! The tutoring has been a big help, but I am running out of time.

What would you do if you were me??

*Anyone that can help would be so appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!! :) *