College algebra/math/any math related to nursing

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Hi Everyone,

I am currently a freshman for Nursing degree ( ADN PROGRAM) I just want to ask an honest question here. I am not really a fan of math, but so far I'm passing it with a B GRADE. I am just wondering I know for ADN program, they only want us to take College level math, but just curious, after all our prerequisite has been done, I know that once we are on the actual nursing program; DO WE REALLY USE THE COLLEGE ALGEBRA WE learned during the nursing program?

I've asked a couple of people and says that the prerequisite ( MATH ) before the nursing program, is much harder than the actual math it self. ( AGAIN I'M REFERRING TO THE MATH CLASS ONLY NOT THE ENTIRE NURSING PROGRAM). She said that, the only math she encountered in nursing program was the conversion of the drugs, like mg, m etc. and that is basic math/chem problem.

She said that the actual college algebra isn even used on the program. Once you passes ur math ( WITH FLYING COLORS FOR GPA SCORING SYSTEM) ur good to go on the math section of the nursing..

If so thats true I just want to see other nursing people who were done or almost done with the program, just to listen on your opinion.

Thank you so much...

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Specializes in ER.

I needed my stats class for my BSN for one class. I may need it again for one or two classes. Most research articles you do not need in depth stats knowledge but some helps. My ADN program now requires stats instead of college algebra.

Every day? I use stats for basic drug math. Here the doctor's will do mg/kg instead of calculating the dosage out. So instead of 100 mg of ibuprofen for that kid, it'll be 10mg/kg so I'll have to calculate it out. Then calculate how many mls I'll need. Otherwise? I don't encounter much math on the job.

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I see, so its the same conversion that my friend was talking about. She said that was it, when she got into the program was more of the conversion not like those typical College Algebra.. We don't have stats in ADN here, only college Algebra..

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Specializes in ICU.

You are missing the big picture as to why it's important. I took college algebra. It's all pretty much graphing. No, we don't use anything harder than an intermediate algebra.

Why is it important? It teaches you to think outside the box, to look at the whole picture when solving a problem, to dare I say it, critically think. Which is exactly what you will use every day as a nurse.

It's an important class to take. Just take it. I got a B in it. It was one of my harder classes but it did help me.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
YWhy is it important? It teaches you to think outside the box, to look at the whole picture when solving a problem, to dare I say it, critically think. Which is exactly what you will use every day as a nurse.

I concur...college algebra is not directly used in many nursing programs, nor is it utilized in the real world of nursing. However, college algebra's value lies in its ability to stimulate abstract thinking. It takes people out of that 'concrete thinking' mode and promotes abstract reasoning.

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Specializes in ICU.
I concur...college algebra is not directly used in many nursing programs, nor is it utilized in the real world of nursing. However, college algebra's value lies in its ability to stimulate abstract thinking. It takes people out of that 'concrete thinking' mode and promotes abstract reasoning.

It it was not something I understood until my first semester of the program. I took it over the summer session and started the program that fall. That very first semester, it all kind of clicked for me with the critical thinking.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Yes you need to know how to do math to be an RN. Reason 1. It is REQUIRED to get your degree. That alone means you need to know it. 2. If need to understand what dose of medication you are administering to a patient. Pharmacies often make mistakes and if you administer the medication you are just as at fault as the pharmacy. Yes you need to be smarter than a rock to be a nurse. Stop worrying about "if you will use it" and LEARN it.

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

No you don't use the math you learned from college algebra. It's all dimensional analysis in word problem format. You might need some of it for statistics (you'll probably need a statistics course if you want to pursue BSN or beyond).

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Specializes in Transport Nursing/SCTU(In Progress).

I currently have to retake a math class. I am naturally good at numbers, however the college I attend, our college algebra class for nursing is very advanced than many others. Math is very important in your life as it actually requires you to think. Math is a skill that must be learned and mastered in order to be successful as a nurse and in real life.

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Specializes in Women's Health.

I couldn't agree more. The critical thinking skills gained from mathematics courses, including logical reasoning, are very important.

Personally, I think statistics should be required of every undergraduate program - you do use it in everyday life, in ways people don't even realize, and it also provides invaluable analytical skills.

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