fundamentals: should I drop?

lovenotwar14 · Mar 9, 2014

Hello there I see you've made yr decision to drop the class. I was in yr shoes I ha a 72% after two tests. We need a 76% before all other assignments are added. We only had one more exam and then the final. I chose to stick it out due to my faith!! I ended up with a 78 for my exams and with a 84 out if the class. You can do it this journey is a true test of perseverance and faith. As long as you don't give up you're good! You have a leg up for the summer class. I would read ahead and prepare before hand! Good luck to you!! You can do it!!!
Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

Thank you so much for the encouraging words.

lovenotwar14 · Mar 9, 2014

I think that's a bit premature to recommend quitting at this point. Many other people have failed classes and gone on to pass the NCLEX. According to OP they are just having trouble with the math. Some people are only taught one way to do drug calculations. I tutored several classmates on medmath, when they had been bombing the exams. All but one are now graduating, I have faith OP can do it.
OP for resources we used ATI tutorials that covered the three main methods:
Desired Over Have
Ratio and Proportion
and Dimensional Analysis
if you have not tried those I highly recommend them.
Here are some online resources
Dimensional analysis: Calculate dosages the easy way
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/dl/free/0073373966/638300/SampleChapter.pdf
Medication Math for the Nursing Student

I totally agree. I am actually very good at math but I couldn't afford the math book. The theory portion of the test was good but the math is 30% of the test. Also it wasn't that the computations were wrong it was the labeling.. for example I would leave out mg or kg and the whole problem is then marked wrong, the the posts that were correct. I'm staying up on the math and my instructor allows us to continue to come to lecture even after you drop. Summer with be very fast pace so I want to get a running start. Thank you for the encouraging words

jead1 · Mar 10, 2014

I was in your same position and chose to stick it out and failed. Not that you will of course but through it all I learned how to study for nursing school and I learned so much about myself in general. Believe it or not, it made me so much more stronger and now my determination is better than EVER!! You got this! Hey hey! Lol. So do you graduate in 2016 now?

lovenotwar14 · Mar 10, 2014

I was in your same position and chose to stick it out and failed. Not that you will of course but through it all I learned how to study for nursing school and I learned so much about myself in general. Believe it or not it made me so much more stronger and now my determination is better than EVER!! You got this! Hey hey! Lol. So do you graduate in 2016 now?[/quote']
At my school if you fail or drop fundamentals you have to really for the program. Had I failed my gpa would dropped and I probably wouldn't have gotten back in. My graduation date is fall 2015 granted I don't drop anything else

nursingdarton · Mar 18, 2014

I think you made the right decision for you. Only you know what's best for you. Hopefully I will be in the summer class with you. I have my test this Saturday. I admire your attitude about the situation and luckily your graduation date will remain the same. I will be praying for you you'll do great!

lovenotwar14 · Mar 21, 2014

Thank you

Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

Uhm, ouch. You're failing your fundamentals class. I would honestly reevaluate your idea of being in nursing school if this is causing you grief! This is the easiest (and can be tough, because you ARE learning new stuff...) semester you'll have, especially compared to medsurg and peds.

I love the therapeutic communication going on here... :sarcastic:

Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

I love dimensional analysis and highly recommend it! Learn this and you will be able to do ANY math problem your given. Have faith in yourself and keep your determination. Always stay positive! Tell yourself you are going to rock it! Sleep! Determine your learning style(s) and try to find the study strategies that work for you. I found that typing out study sheets to be helpful. I type everything I need to know for an exam and pull it out when ever I have time to review it. For dosage calculations...I practiced over and over again until it became a habit. Always eliminate fluff from the questions. Not all numbers are needed when solving. Good luck!

tashiakaylea · Mar 21, 2014

I agree with this 100%. This is the easiest semester, so if your not understanding the material at all, you should probably drop, but if the problem is only when it comes to the test taking (such as freezing up, anxiety, distractions, or bad study methods) then I would definitely hang in there and step up your game. That also depends on your drop date....

mzrainydayz, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2014

The ball is in your court, I say change your study habits and PRACTICE questions everyday and READ!

lovenotwar14 · Mar 24, 2014

Thank you