I'm currently re-taking statistics. It's only 6 weeks and I am not working so that I can focus on it. However, I'm still only getting 68%. I go to tutoring at the school, do all the homework and see my teacher twice a week. I just ... don't get it. And I hate it. And unless I get a B+, I won't be able to get into nursing school.
I almost want to just give up because math isn't for me, although all my other courses are strong, the statistics is really awful. I don't know if I have a math learning disability, but I usually get to the test and panic and can't do anything. I even had a two page cheat sheet for the mid-term and still only got 60%.
I feel depressed because I failed last intake and now I'm thinking I should choose another vocation. Because my school only looks at five courses, I would have to re-take two other courses to raise my gpa enough, and it's embarrassing enough for me that it's taken me three semesters to finish 17 credits!! (Though I have been working as well.)
It is not true that a college statistics course doesn't serve any point in nursing, although it is true that one does not use statistics in calculating dosages, as people have pointed out. A good statistics course, apart from being necessary to evaluate nursing/medical research studies, for graduate school, and, with more advanced statistics knowledge, design of research studies, provides one with more knowledge to evaluate the validity of data in general. For example, your boss tells the staff that they are now going to perform xyz procedure in a specified new way, because of such and such data which shows the new way is better because of such and such reasons. With knowledge of an introductory statistics course, one can systematically review existing studies and critique them for their validity, and can refute false claims. When people try to claim that certain "facts" are true, one can look at and question the methodology used to establish those "facts", following basic statistical procedures. One can investigate information told to one, and presented on the internet/media, in a much more informed way.
Basic knowledge of statistics is very useful in everyday life, not just in nursing. Statistics is much more than just memorizing formulas. I can honestly say that the four unit introductory statistics course I took was the most interesting and useful course that I took in all of my years in college. I find it disappointing that your program watered down the more rigorous statistics course because students were finding it hard to pass the class; I think this does students a great disservice. Statistics is a difficult class for many people, requiring a great deal of application, but it is a very valuable class for nurses and other health care professionals. However, one can practice as a bedside nurse without having taken a statistics course, as statistics is not used in computing drug dosages, and, as other people have mentioned, not all nursing programs require statistics.
My program wasn't nursing. It was a precursor class that was needed for statistics for research class. However, focused more on a business model dealt with statistics in regards to formulating business research. Decided best route was to focus on a broader math that be more practical in day to day skills. For nursing they do use bio statistics, but defiantly say it is different then business statistics. Believe the college did away with algebra for nursing students and replaced it with natural math for nursing students. Think is a lot better introduces them calculating dosages, how to understand metric system, and applying it to different sciences.
I survived Statistics only because I took it online. Our instructor encouraged us to "use technology" to pass the class. I built an Excel program to solve the problems. All I had to do was plug the numbers into the formulas that I wrote and Excel did the work for me. My instructor asked me for a copy of my Excel program and told me it was "brilliant." I lost some points for not showing my work, but I passed overall.
It comes down to this plain and simple, it's required for the program she needs to get into. She doesn't have another choice as her fiancee doesn't want to move. Most ADN programs either require college algebra or stats. And every single BSN program I have looked at requires stats. It's not being realistic to tell the OP to find another program or don't give up. If she had another option, great, look for one that requires college algebra. But the OP has also said she's terrible at math, so is college algebra a realistic option for her either? No, probably not.
It's very easy for other people to sit there and say don't give up, or take it again, or you can do this. And most of the people saying that, didn't read the post. To me, it's a waste of money. Especially since she has already seen a tutor and the instructor and this is her second time taking it.
So, I am going to give you some advice here, that may make some sense to you. Look at a LPN program in your area. Those generally do not require the higher level math. Get your LPN, work as that for a few years. See, when you can take the math class again. Usually, it's a 5 year wait for credits to expire, but check with your school. Then look at doing a LPN-RN transition program. In those 5 years, look at different sites to learn how to do stats. Khan Academy is a great site. Then come back and take it again to get into the program. Windsurfer is right though. Math is a big part of nursing. It is something you need to be proficient at. You need it for dosage calculations, how to look at baseline readings and how do they match up with the vital sign readings for the day. How is this patient trending on their vital signs, things like that. When you are dealing with patient's lives, not knowing this stuff is bad news. That is why these math classes are required.
If this is an obstacle you don't think you can overcome, then look into other careers in the health field. There are many. Take a look at different ones and research them and see what you want to do. Good luck!!
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
It comes down to this plain and simple, it's required for the program she needs to get into. She doesn't have another choice as her fiancee doesn't want to move. Most ADN programs either require college algebra or stats. And every single BSN program I have looked at requires stats. It's not being realistic to tell the OP to find another program or don't give up. If she had another option, great, look for one that requires college algebra. But the OP has also said she's terrible at math, so is college algebra a realistic option for her either? No, probably not.
It's very easy for other people to sit there and say don't give up, or take it again, or you can do this. And most of the people saying that, didn't read the post. To me, it's a waste of money. Especially since she has already seen a tutor and the instructor and this is her second time taking it.
So, I am going to give you some advice here, that may make some sense to you. Look at a LPN program in your area. Those generally do not require the higher level math. Get your LPN, work as that for a few years. See, when you can take the math class again. Usually, it's a 5 year wait for credits to expire, but check with your school. Then look at doing a LPN-RN transition program. In those 5 years, look at different sites to learn how to do stats. Khan Academy is a great site. Then come back and take it again to get into the program. Windsurfer is right though. Math is a big part of nursing. It is something you need to be proficient at. You need it for dosage calculations, how to look at baseline readings and how do they match up with the vital sign readings for the day. How is this patient trending on their vital signs, things like that. When you are dealing with patient's lives, not knowing this stuff is bad news. That is why these math classes are required.
If this is an obstacle you don't think you can overcome, then look into other careers in the health field. There are many. Take a look at different ones and research them and see what you want to do. Good luck!!
Nowhere does it say she is bad at math, or algebra. She just says she is not doing well & can't grasp statistics.
It comes down to this plain and simple, it's required for the program she needs to get into. She doesn't have another choice as her fiancee doesn't want to move. Most ADN programs either require college algebra or stats. And every single BSN program I have looked at requires stats. It's not being realistic to tell the OP to find another program or don't give up. If she had another option, great, look for one that requires college algebra. But the OP has also said she's terrible at math, so is college algebra a realistic option for her either? No, probably not.
It's very easy for other people to sit there and say don't give up, or take it again, or you can do this. And most of the people saying that, didn't read the post. To me, it's a waste of money. Especially since she has already seen a tutor and the instructor and this is her second time taking it.
So, I am going to give you some advice here, that may make some sense to you. Look at a LPN program in your area. Those generally do not require the higher level math. Get your LPN, work as that for a few years. See, when you can take the math class again. Usually, it's a 5 year wait for credits to expire, but check with your school. Then look at doing a LPN-RN transition program. In those 5 years, look at different sites to learn how to do stats. Khan Academy is a great site. Then come back and take it again to get into the program. Windsurfer is right though. Math is a big part of nursing. It is something you need to be proficient at. You need it for dosage calculations, how to look at baseline readings and how do they match up with the vital sign readings for the day. How is this patient trending on their vital signs, things like that. When you are dealing with patient's lives, not knowing this stuff is bad news. That is why these math classes are required.
If this is an obstacle you don't think you can overcome, then look into other careers in the health field. There are many. Take a look at different ones and research them and see what you want to do. Good luck!!
I hate to burst anyone's bubble, but the math one uses as a bedside nurse in calculating drug dosages and IV flow rates is basic algebra, ratio and proportion, and while one does indeed need to be competent at this level, one does not use higher level math (I believe you are referring to a college statistics course) in calculating drug dosages.
The OP did not state that he/she was bad at basic algebra (the level used to compute drug dosages, IV flow rates, etc.), or any other type of math, as the above poster mentioned. He/she said that he/she was having trouble with a statistics course specifically.
The math requirement for my ADN program was elementary algebra, and was more than sufficient for computing drug dosages. The graduates of that program are working in varied positions as nurses. I have run into some of these former students working in acute care settings in the hospital, emergency room, surgery centers and long term care.
If the OP truly wishes to give up on taking statistics, that is up to him/her. People offered suggestions that they considered could help him/her pass the class. People suggested ADN programs that do not require statistics: statistics is not universally required by ADN programs.
I have been an RN for 20 years. I see no reason to discourage the OP from becoming an RN, or to suggest an LPN course instead. One does not need to be proficient in statistics or higher level math to be a very competent bedside RN.
i also have her the advice to try the LPN program. Which is a good alternative.
And I'm also not just talking about calculating dosages in math. There are other math skills required. This is where people don't read posts or think about the stuff they use on a daily basis.
When someone asks for advice on a topic, realistic advice needs to be given and not for people to day don't give up, you got this. The OP laid out her options and I gave her some real choices on what to do next. Most colleges have a limit on how many times to retake a class. I'm not discouraging anyone, I'm trying to actually help her. I had a friend who struggled in math. She had tutors at the school, I helped her, the instructor helped her. She couldn't get into the RN program because of it. Instead, she is doing LON for now and is going to transition to RN after she takes the required math class again. There is nothing wrong with how she is going about it. That is the advice I am giving to the OP.
i also have her the advice to try the LPN program. Which is a good alternative.
And I'm also not just talking about calculating dosages in math. There are other math skills required. This is where people don't read posts or think about the stuff they use on a daily basis.
When someone asks for advice on a topic, realistic advice needs to be given and not for people to day don't give up, you got this. The OP laid out her options and I gave her some real choices on what to do next. Most colleges have a limit on how many times to retake a class. I'm not discouraging anyone, I'm trying to actually help her. I had a friend who struggled in math. She had tutors at the school, I helped her, the instructor helped her. She couldn't get into the RN program because of it. Instead, she is doing LON for now and is going to transition to RN after she takes the required math class again. There is nothing wrong with how she is going about it. That is the advice I am giving to the OP.
True but just because she's bad at stats doesn't mean she's bad all math. Has she looked at other nursing programs in the area? Is she willing to commute if she didn't pass stats this time but can get in elsewhere & they don't require if?
I am not as fond of math as I would like to be either, but that does not mean that nursing is not for you. I disliked my Stats class as well, but if u study and try hard enough you will get it done. I ended up with a B, don't let anything or anyone discourage you from your dream. If nursing is really what you want then fight for it. If you have given your absolute all and it still isn't working then have a plan B for a back up, but try until you succeed. Nursing is a very in demand field and they have a lot of requirements now that they did not have back when some other individuals got nursing degrees so don't beat urself up about it. God will guide you to where you are suited to be. Just have faith
I was having difficulty with statistics too, but I ended up getting a B in the class. I went on dr.math.com
it sounds so stupid I know, but it worked for me. I didnt pay for anything, I found similar questions to mine and studied the break down. They break it down Barney style on the site, which I found to be very helpful. I would also go on Yahoo answers and ask for help there. I would not ask them to do the questions, but explain it to me in the most simple format. Sometimes it is simply stress that does not allow you to see past the current situation. I am bad at math as well.
And I'm also not just talking about calculating dosages in math. There are other math skills required. This is where people don't read posts or think about the stuff they use on a daily basis.
You are a student if I am correct. As a bedside nurse, once again, the math you use is at most basic algebra. You referred to needing math for "trending vital signs" on an earlier post. The vital signs are on a graphic sheet, and you can see the trend. As a nurse you will refer to the patient's H&P and baseline admission vital signs, which will be in the chart. You will not be standing around on the unit as a nurse computing trends in vital signs. Do you do this in your clinicals? Yes, a nurse needs to know the trend of the patient's vital signs; this information is derived from the chart. You also mentioned the pharmacy; what higher math are you thinking a nurse uses in regard to the pharmacy? Please give an example of a situation where a bedside nurse uses higher math in daily practice.
Don't let one class define your future. I failed cal 1. I passed stats with an A. depending on teacher, region, and school, classes can be easy or hard. Don't let this class change your career path so easily.
I've had two statistics classes and I despised each one. I honestly did not think I was going to pass, but I did by a fraction. Some people get it, like my daughter who got a 99%, and others, like myself, that struggled.
You ou will not use statistics in everyday bedside nursing. Basic algebra is the key. But, even if you get hired at a facility as an ADN, many places are starting to require people to go back and get their BSN within 5 years, so you will be back in this boat again.
Go go to the prof and ask if she recommends a certain tutor, if you have not done so. Many times they have grad students who tutor.
WCSU1987
944 Posts
My program wasn't nursing. It was a precursor class that was needed for statistics for research class. However, focused more on a business model dealt with statistics in regards to formulating business research. Decided best route was to focus on a broader math that be more practical in day to day skills. For nursing they do use bio statistics, but defiantly say it is different then business statistics. Believe the college did away with algebra for nursing students and replaced it with natural math for nursing students. Think is a lot better introduces them calculating dosages, how to understand metric system, and applying it to different sciences.