First and Second Semesters, specifically

Sarah LnDHopes · Oct 23, 2007

No algebra/calculus at all, and minimal chemistry...mostly fluids and electrolytes, basic idea of Partial pressures, osmosis, etc.

It seems to be more grounded in A/P, and I'm only 8 weeks and 2 tests into my first semester, so I can't speak to how 2nd year is yet!

Rage, RN · Oct 23, 2007

I think it depends on the program your enrolled in, my pre-reqs for UT included Bio-chem 1&2, If your done with your pre-reqs and are starting NS then the most math you'll use will be in posology which are basically ratios and gtts (drops).............A&P are over with once you start NS, now its applying the knowledge you gained from that and learning what can go wrong with it such as in pathophysiology. Everything you learned in Microbiology (viruses and bacteria) and biology will be applied. First couple of semesters will be learning what "normal" is suppose to be...........after that it's everything "abnormal".

That is how our ABSN program is organized (senior......next semester is my last)

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 24, 2007

We use a little algebra in calculating med dosages, and maybe knowing the chem abbrev. for electrolyte type stuff, other than that no math really. I am only in first semester so I don't know how second semester will be, but we are learning how to take v.s., head to toe assessment, NG/IV maintenance, how to insert a catheter, handwashing, sterile dressing changes, injections, all the basics. It is fun.

OnTheRoad · Oct 24, 2007

Every program is different, but in mine we didn't use much math. Dosage calculations are the only math I have used and to me at least that wasn't hard. Now that you have all that A&P stored in your brain you will use it to learn how the body is supposed to function and what can go wrong. As for memorization... I have found except for lab values it doesn't help me at all. You will learn how to think your way around problems.Critical thinking is a whole different ballgame than memorization and when I was in my first semester I thought I would never get it. You will learn it though and it will become like second nature. For me personally the difficulty level hasn't changed since I learned critical thinking... some classes have just required more busy work than others.Having to have a billion things done all at once... none of them difficult perse, but so much to get done and less time to do it in.

I have 5 classes left which I will finish in 2 semesters( Dec 08 graduating)

zlatamoya · Oct 24, 2007

This is how my NS experience has been mapped out:

1st sem: Skills Lab

Med-Surg (diabetes, surgery, endocrine disorders, sympathetic vs. parasympathetic n/s responses)

2nd sem: Med- Surg (lung prob, kidney, liver probs, cancers, heart)

There was not a lot of chemistry involved, mostly A&P, study hard and you'll do great! Best wishes!

bousue · Oct 24, 2007

thanks for clarifying. it's nice to have all of these replies!

future L&Dnurse · Oct 25, 2007

It depends a lot on your program. My first semester, we took a class a pathophysiology-type class, a values/ethics course, a nursing skills/fundamentals lab, and had clinicals in a med-surg setting. Second semester involved another pathophysiology class, a research course, a leadership class, and clinicals in a step-down unit. It depends a lot on the program, though.

Good luck with your application!

ETA: I've been able to get by with very simple math for dosage calculations, which is good because I am not a math fan. The chemistry mostly comes up with fluid & electrolytes, but there isn't a ton of it.

beth66335, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2007

If you have Pharmacology your first or second semester, you will have math. It is not calculus, but algebra. They will show you Dimensional Analysis, which I understand is a chemistry math formula, and Ratio and Proportion. If you practice all the home work problems you will probably be fine. I took Algebra when I first started school for prereqs and barely passed, but in NS it is applied math and it makes more sense to me because it has a purpose! We had a math test 2 weeks ago that was pass/fail and if you failed they dropped you from Pharm and I did fine. I am first semester also so I don't know if there is chemistry second semester, but I think it will be fluids and electrolytes if there is any. Our school doesn't require chemistry as a prereq, probably because what little we need is mixed in with A&P and Microbiology.

MB37 · Oct 25, 2007

We actually took pharm in semester I, but we didn't learn calculations. We do have two lectures on dosage calc this semester in Fundamentals. From then on, those type of questions can be incorporated into any exam, but we aren't asked to do it until it's taught. It depends on your school, your teacher, etc., just like everything else. Wherever you are though, you aren't required to know anything beyond algebra.

Ms Kylee · Oct 25, 2007

We just had a bit of math, no chemistry yet.. but I"m in an LPN program. Second level is split between Maternity, MedSurg, and clinicals. Pharmacology wasn't tough as long as you know your meds classifications. Make med cards to help you remember them. And you'll get more new meds as you progress.

Jamie2887 · Oct 25, 2007

1st semester- we had health assessment for the first half, and now pharmacology for the second. and then fundamentals the whole semester...in pharmacology right now, were doing simple dosage calculations, and learning the different forms meds come in, and in fundamentals we've covered, legal ethics of nursing, bed making, culture and spirituality, sleep and rest, providing needs based care, body mechanics, comfort and hygiene, integumentary system, surgical and clean asepsis, vital signs, oxygenation, pain management, the nursing process, the grief process, and the history of nursing. it's all been very intresting so far, and i'm having alot of fun!