Do you have to be great in math to be become a RN?!?

hodgieRN · Mar 4, 2013

You have to have a good grasp of math. You will use it everyday. Everything will be calculated out on the computer, but you still have to be able to work out basic equations.

Now, you aren't going to be doing calc, geometry, or statistics during work. You will have do be able to find out drip rates and drug calculations in school. There will be times at work when you have to figure out how many milligrams per kilogram to give someone, and then calculate how many milliliters to pull out of a standard bottle. When you give a bolus of medication, you have to know how many mg per kilo to order (pharmacy will do most of it, but you still need to know it). Sometimes, pharmacy will just enter the bottle in the pyxis and you have to mix it (which is why you have to know it).

There are other areas besides meds that you have to use math. You have to be able to calculate blood pressure changes, intracranial ranges, pulse rates, IV fluid rate, etc. If you move on to a BSN, you have to calculate monetary equations, process improvements, and incorporate statistical information for managerial positions.

The good thing is you will learn all of this in school. But, make sure you do what you need to improve your math skills. They won't let you through if you can't pass your drug calculation test.

The requirements for school are mainly pre-regs (which vary). A&P I and/or II, english comp, math, psychology, maybe sociology, maybe micro, an essay, maybe some volunteer work. Check with the school you pick and see what the requirements are.

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · Mar 4, 2013

To answer you question is yes and no. You do need to be able to do mathematical calculations because it will be necessary to do medical calculations The response above is really on the point. You will not be doing geometry or any of the higher maths however you need to know math skills in order to be competent.

I am a graduate from Lehman but I am planning on doing an accelerated BSN program. For the CUNY programs GPA is key and often the only thing admissions looks at. I do not know which school you are attending but use the tutoring services. I am not a strong math student either however doing the homework ( sometimes even extra problems). studying and practicing might not get me an A but I usually have a very strong B+.

Good luck on your journey. I hope you achieve the results you want.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 5, 2013

You'll need to know enough math to do dimensional analysis and conversions for pharmacology. If you're planning on a BSN, many programs also require Statistics. Plus, many pre-reqs (e.g. Chem) require Algebra or Intermediate Algebra as a math pre-req before attempting the course.

So, yeah...you'll need to be decent at math.

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2013

To get into school, you probably needed to be functional with algebra and pass a basic statistics class.

To be a RN on a day-to-day basis, you need to be able to do middle school math.

To do your job well (and excel in school), it is good to have an understanding of statistics to evaluate evidence related to practice and think critically.

irisheyesRsmilin · Mar 6, 2013

I am the WORST at math, makes me cringe thinking of it....yikes!I do not think nursing math in my program is all that bad. I just know I need to make sure I study for it and I am good to go.

Of all the tests I took this semester, I scored the highest, yes, a 96% on one....yes, it was the MATH test....holy crow! ( happy dance here)

You can do it....dont get freaked out over it!

Alisonisayoshi, LVN · Mar 6, 2013

I had to work my butt off in math last semester and study like a mofo in chem this semester. I'm horrid at math but I'm getting there... It just takes study. I am starting to believe nobody is "bad" at math, they just never learned to approach and study it correctly. Math is practice and not giving in to frustration when you aren't "getting" it. You can do it, I can do it, and it should never stand in your way of a goal. It's just numbers after all!

Katieerin · Mar 7, 2013

I am worried about math too. I make all A's except in math. I failed my midterm today because passing is 80%. I have to pass this class. I do well on practice just on tests i do horribly.

Everline · Mar 7, 2013

If you go someplace like Hunter and you need chemistry, then, yeah...you'll need to be decent at math. They have a great math tutoring lab though. Most schools have math resources of some sort or other. Just utilize those resources and you will do fine. :-)

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Mar 21, 2013

I am a graduate from Lehman but I am planning on doing an accelerated BSN program. For the CUNY programs GPA is key and often the only thing admissions looks at. I do not know which school you are attending but use the tutoring services. I am not a strong math student either however doing the homework ( sometimes even extra problems). studying and practicing might not get me an A but I usually have a very strong B+.

Not true of all CUNY schools. Many of them have their own entrance exams, like NLN, HESI or ATI, which all have math sections. It's amazing how someone can get an A in a college math class and do awful on an entrance exam.

Also some are actually requiring math as a pre-requisite now. And there are a lot of changes in the works for CUNY-wide standards for pre-requisites.

No one wants to hear this, but a strong math background is very helpful in nursing. It shows your ability to think analytically and critically. Not to mention, many nursing programs require a med math competency every semester.

Nurse2b7337 · Mar 22, 2013

Lord help me! I don't enjoy Math like that and I am taking Stats this summer!! I going to approach it positively!!

hodgieRN · Mar 22, 2013

I so hated stats...