Algebra anyone??

I don't know why but I am embarassed to say I cannot get algebra for the life of me. I have mentioned this in some of my posts and Im wondering has anyone had this problem? I feel like this is the main thing holding me back from my goal to become an R.N. I thought I would just breeze through my Algebra class but I ended up in tears during the 3rd week of class and therefore I dropped it. I have no problem with science/biology classes. I had a 4.0 at Phoenix college. Why is it that Algebra is so incredibly difficult for me. I don't want to feel like a failure. Any suggestions on how to push forward in this?

Definitely hire a tutor. Do what you have to do in order to pass.

Let me tell you, if I had to take algebra I'm not sure I'd be a nurse today. I went into a program where taking Statistics was enough (thank goodness).

Hi, I'm in Az too. Just moved from CA 3 months ago. I suggest getting a tutor. Maybe check at the local high school. See if a algebra teacher can tutor you. Or suggest someone they know. Education is everything, and it's not being afraid to ask for help that will stregthen your career. Lisa W

I would also suggest hiring a tutor. For some reason Algebra was never my strongpoint either, but I aced calculus, go figure. I'm not sure if I had a bad teacher or what, but when you get into NS you really need a strong math background. We lost 5 out of 28 students this semester to the math test. The math isn't too hard in NS but it's really an added stress knowing you have to get 100% on the test to pass or you fail out of NS. You really need to have a good grip on math, so that you're not second guessing yourself during the test. Good luck with everything,

Keli

Sometimes, the CC has tutors on staff. You can schedule an appt for free.

I had the same problem I started and dropped Algebra twice, It was the only class left before I could apply. The third time, I stuck it out showed up to every class, did the homework and still did lousy on the tests. I told the teacher that I had huge math anxiety and I just needed to pass so I could go on to nursing. He told me I should go see the school counselor, now I thought he was crazy. It was apparent Algebra was his life! Anyway, somehow I got a "C", I was truley shocked, my point is go to class, don't drop, talk to the teacher and yes, get a tutor.. Good luck to you! It will Happen, trust me, I will graduate from the Nursing Program May 11th and am counting down the day's.

Go get any help you can while you're enrolled in the class....tutoring on campus or private tutoring, friends, family...most important, asking around to others on your campus to get the name(s) of GREAT math instructors....there are some really crappy ones who can't teach any way but their way and make it impossible for us who are NOT math geniuses, and then there are those who can interpret your problem areas and help it make sense....you know you have to get through it, so do whatever is necessary to do so....it's 16 weeks -- not a lifetime....

I almost did not go into nursing because of algebra! I cannot tell you what agony this caused me....but I decided I was not going to let this stop me. I did not have it in high school & I just could not figure it out. I was terrified to say the least. I took it over the summer (3 hr class) w/5 or 6 other classes ( can't remember) at two different schools!

I failed the first two tests horribly. On my days out of classes I would start at 7am trying to figure this stuff out & still be working on it that night...with a lot of crying in between. I went to my CC's math lab when it was open, to say I spent hours there is an understatement! THEN one day it just clicked...I could do it. I passed that darn class w/a B!!!

The point of all this is you can do it....you may think you can't & may darn near kill you trying, but if you work hard enough you can do it. Believe in yourself & get help! Once you get the formulas figured out, and when to use which one, its cake, you do it the same way every time. If I can do it anybody can! Good Luck to you & don't give up!

I, too, struggled with algebra in high school. I would argue with my math teacher "tell me what x is and I'll tell you if x+y=z!!!!" He'd just laugh at me and just say "work with me here....x + y equals z....just take my word for it, o.k?"

It wasn't much better taking algebra again nearly 20 years later. Until I found a really good instructor. He's at MCC and does a marvelous job at slowing down and working through ...every....point....so...you....get ....it. He warned the class in the first day that he'd go very slowly and that the new high school grads (those 18-21 y/o) would probably be bored and need to switch to another class. He was right. I saw him for extra help (along with many other "returning students") after class. It worked because I ended up with an A. Granted, in HS I barely passed algebra with a low C.

PM me if you want his name. I highly recommend him. A lot of instructors are foreign born, speak with a thick accent and don't spend the time you need to "get it". This guy takes the time.

By the way, at MCC they have free tutoring in the library lots of hours Mon-Sat. I've taken advantage of it many times (especially in Biology for the electron transport chain THING).

Good luck. If I can do it, you can too. Believe me, you need the confidence behind you when you face the math tests in NS. They're easy but nerve wracking and if you're second-guessing yourself, it'll do you in.

Hi, I am a LPN for 14 years. Never worked med-surg, but did nursing home, psych, and substance abuse. Not once, in all these years have I had to calculate anything on the job, other than maybe dividing a dose in half or some other similar simple thing. I see no reason for all this algebra as prereqs. I am in my last semester of prereqs for the RN program, and was wondering what do you keep referring to about the "math" tests in NS. Are you talking about pharmacology? I thought that was the only math involved in NS. I never had algebra in high school, (am 50years old), and am sooo lost in these algebra classes in college. I'm passing, but not because I totally "get it". Just getting by.....

I think the algebra is required at my CC as it's a requirement for an associate's....and therefore will be necessary for anyone advancing on to BSN and programs beyond....we don't necessarily use as that math as floor nurses...

As for "math tests" in NS, they consist of basic calculations such as "you need to 40 mg of a drug and only have 10 mg tabs on the floor, how many do you admin?"....they progress on to IV calculations...we are required to be able to know if a drug dosage seems reasonable...that we shouldn't just arbitrarily go to a MAR and just admin whatever's on there against what we're pulling for our pts....and that we should be able to tell if the IVs infusing at the correct rate, etc., etc....I think it's good we're required to know this...

Thanks for the reply,,that's what I thought. That's what we learned in LPN program,,,about drug calculations, the safety issues, etc. Never had to rationalize a radical ! Just feel algebra is too much pressure for someone who's not interested in BSN, but I've got to do it ,,so I shall....