CNA'S, do you use algebra?

JDZ344 · Mar 6, 2012

The only maths I use as a CNA is basic addition/subtraction

IEDave, ASN, CNA, LVN · Mar 6, 2012

This is my last year of high school, and I am really struggling with algebra. I want to be a CNA, and I am just wondering if CNA's use algebra at all, or even on a day-to-day basis?

Only at a very rudimentary level - solving for a single variable, at most. If you're thinking polynomials & quadratic equations; nope. If you're planning on going into pharmacy or an LPN/RN role, you might run into some; dosage calculations & flow rates use some algebra, although there are techniques to simplify those calculations as well.

----- Dave

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Mar 6, 2012

This is my last year of high school, and I am really struggling with algebra. I want to be a CNA, and I am just wondering if CNA's use algebra at all, or even on a day-to-day basis?

Algebra is challenging and if you stick with it and try your best, your struggles with it will help you later in life no matter what you do.

It's more about learning different ways to address and solve problems than anything to do with math.

karamarie91 · Mar 6, 2012

This is my last year of high school, and I am really struggling with algebra. I want to be a CNA, and I am just wondering if CNA's use algebra at all, or even on a day-to-day basis?

No, there is no algebra. But if you are considering becoming a nurse, you will need some good math skills. I hate math, but I know doasge calculations are important.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 6, 2012

In a nutshell, CNAs do not use algebra in their daily work.

However, algebra is one of those gateway subjects. The gateway to success will be open if you can learn it, but many doors will be shut in your face if you cannot do it. Knowing algebra is less about math and more about the ability to engage in abstract thought.

By the way, I live in a state that requires CNAs to only have a 9th grade education. No high school diploma or GED is necessary to earn a CNA certification in this state. If the student does not know how to read, (s)he can request to take the state certification exam orally.

nguyency77, CNA · Mar 7, 2012

I don't use algebra at all. If you decide to become a nurse, you will. As a CNA, all I do in terms of math is I&O and that's only sometimes, since my facility does not require it unless it's ordered. :)

northernguy · Mar 7, 2012

This is my last year of high school, and I am really struggling with algebra. I want to be a CNA, and I am just wondering if CNA's use algebra at all, or even on a day-to-day basis?

No algebra required, at least for a CNA. To continue on in health care you will probably need it, so I wouldnt give up on it completely.

LaterAlligator · Mar 8, 2012

Not in my work as a CNA, but yes in my prerequisite classes for my school's nursing program.

Go ahead and do your best at it, you never know when or how it will be needed as a gateway to more education in the future.

yousoldtheworld · Mar 9, 2012

For the actual work as a CNA, no. But the principles you learn in algebra do pop up in real life from time to time (believe it or not), not to mention nursing.

Mike R, ADN, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2012

I use algebra all the time:

I can walk on average of 4mph. It takes me about 20 minutes to do a bed bath. Assuming the patient in 2A takes three times as long as the patient in 4B to put on their gown, how much time do I have to do 8 patients before I have to start vital signs all over again?

But seriously, what the others said. All we do is simple addition and subtraction. Again, to reiterate what the others said, Algebra is only necessary if you decide to go further in your career beyond CNA.

lvntrail, LPN · Mar 11, 2012

I just wanted to encourage you- incase you are thinking of going beyond the CNA- I sucked at math in high school..it was so hard I barely got through geometry and algebra but later at the communtiy college I could do it! Sometimes all the stuff thats going on in high school or a not so great teacher or whatever make it not "gel" but a fresh start a couple years later and you are good!