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.)
Wow-it's been almost 40 years since I took Statistics. Apparently it's STILL cutting people off at the knees lol. Truthfully, all statistics did was give me a healthy mistrust of many study results, since data can be manipulated to fit almost any hypothesis.
Oh yes, I'm just a dumb student. You may not realize what you use in everyday practice, but you do use it. Not all stats are put on a long sheet. Some of it is actually calculated in your head!!! Looking at trends and being able to see that graph in your head, that is actually using skills you learn. And I won't get into pharmacy math in this post. I was a pharmacy tech for several years. Whether it's college algebra or stats, these math classes get you to look at things in a different way. It gets you to critically think. Isn't that what nursing is all about?
i honestly don't even know why you are debating this with me. It is required to get into the OP's program. Sitting here and saying, well you never use it at bedside serves no purpose at all because again it is required for her program to get in. I gave the OP realistic advice to look at alternatives to eventually reach her goal. She can still reach it, just maybe take a different route.
Oh yes, I'm just a dumb student. You may not realize what you use in everyday practice, but you do use it. Not all stats are put on a long sheet. Some of it is actually calculated in your head!!! Looking at trends and being able to see that graph in your head, that is actually using skills you learn. And I won't get into pharmacy math in this post. I was a pharmacy tech for several years. Whether it's college algebra or stats, these math classes get you to look at things in a different way. It gets you to critically think. Isn't that what nursing is all about?
i honestly don't even know why you are debating this with me. It is required to get into the OP's program. Sitting here and saying, well you never use it at bedside serves no purpose at all because again it is required for her program to get in. I gave the OP realistic advice to look at alternatives to eventually reach her goal. She can still reach it, just maybe take a different route.
I am still waiting for you to give an example of how a bedside nurse uses statistics in daily practice. I assure you I do not calculate any statistics in my head that require a college statistics course. To visualize a vital signs trend I look at the graphic sheet.
The fact that you have taken pharmacy math (you did not specify what math that involves) is not relevant to nursing students or nurses.
I realized that I can take one more university course to boost my GPA next semester, so I am actually ok. Funny enough, once I relaxed let myself and enjoy the class a bit more, my grade had improved! I'm now getting 78%.Thanks for your advice everyone:yes:
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!!
Heather gives you good advice. Look for an online stat course that is open entry, open exit and that has a one year time limit for course completion, then do the course at your own pace with the help of the best tutor that you can find. Sometimes people who have problems in courses can be successful if they just have more time to complete the requirements. Good luck.
Jensmom7, BSN, RN
1,907 Posts
Wow-it's been almost 40 years since I took Statistics. Apparently it's STILL cutting people off at the knees lol. Truthfully, all statistics did was give me a healthy mistrust of many study results, since data can be manipulated to fit almost any hypothesis.