Can I still be a good nurse if I'm bad at math?

Irish_Mist, BSN, RN · May 28, 2016

Can you do basic math? Like ratios and what not? The math in nursing isn't too bad. I'm no math genius and I did fine. Look at the Khan academy. They're very helpful.

barcode120x, RN, NP · May 28, 2016

Yeah, the math in nursing school is pretty simplified and nothing too advanced. When you start working, you'll hardly be doing any math calculations unless you work in peds or maybe a facility with equipment/MAR's that don't automatically give you the dosage. Even if you did, a simple calculator will do the trick at work. It's just in school they want you to know the basics and do math without a calculator. Don't stress too much and I'm sure your pharmacology class will teach you again the tricks of the trade and equations.

Lorna234558 · May 28, 2016

Thank you, Ill definitely have to look into them! I can do the basics, but when it comes to algebra or geometry I struggle a lot.

Lorna234558 · May 28, 2016

Thank you barcode120x, you've made me feel much better about this! Do you have any tips for studying for the PAX-RN exam?

Kuriin, BSN, RN · May 28, 2016

OP, most of the math involves only one formula (volume over hr) to get the specified rate. Really the only time you may have other formulas is when you start getting into critical care or pediatrics where dosage is based on weight.

Lorna234558 · May 28, 2016

Thank you Kuriin!

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · May 28, 2016

First, stop the self-talk about being horrible at math! Change that up with "I'm not great at math RIGHT NOW but am going to take steps to get good at it!"

A tutor is probably your best bet- get regular help AND practice every single day.

It really is like riding a bike. If the first time you rode a bike you fell off (like most of us did) - would you spend the rest of your life saying "I'm horrible at bike riding!"? Of course not! You got back on, tried again, practiced and got good at it. Same principle!

Best wishes!

Lorna234558 · May 28, 2016

Thank you meanmaryjean, I really needed to hear that :)

barcode120x, RN, NP · May 28, 2016

Thank you barcode120x, you've made me feel much better about this! Do you have any tips for studying for the PAX-RN exam?

Just did a quick google search on this (didn't know what PAX-RN exam was) but it seems it's just the entry test to get in/apply for any nursing exam. Here in Cali, community colleges have the HESI test (which I believe is the equivalent) while universities have the TEAS test. I actually do not have any tips for the PAX/HESI exam. I actually didn't even study for mine and I think I scored 83% or so. At that time, score didn't matter as long as you got a 70% because our program was a lottery based system (which is why I didn't study for it). Now, it is point/GPA based where HESI scores affect your points significantly. I do remember it had anatomy and physiology questions as well as medical terminology. This could have changed, I took it roughly 4 years ago.

Zyprexa_Ho · May 28, 2016

You really need to take charge of your own education. Use Google, Youtube, etc. for questions you don't know and teach yourself. Unless you are intellectually disabled, you can do math. Just put in the work.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · May 29, 2016

You need to define "bad at math". Do you think you could be a doctor if you are "bad at math"? You aren't just allowed to do a job you are not capable of doing safely. it isn't about you..it is about your patients safety. NO MATTER WHAT THE RN is responsible for what is administered by them. Including the proper dose. You had better know how to calculate your med dosages as I have often found errors on meds sent from the pharmacy. So if "bad at math" means you are not capable of completing the required math and algebra then no. If you can then I would say yes. Only you can define "bad at math".