Defeated

glow_worm · Jun 25, 2003

The type of math used in nursing is so easy, that I wish that I could show you on a computer. It's difficult to show you how to do things via typing and computer symbols.... but if we could only sit down for a few minutes with paper/pencil!

You should find a math teacher, maybe one at a college, to sit down with you for 2 hours and go over basic stuff. It's really very formulaic, and you will do the same things over and over and over again. I truly believe that no one has spent time with you & really gone over how it's done, which has led to some kind of math block.

Please don't give up. It's really very easy. You just need someone to show you how it's done until you get it. Once you learn, you will never forget how to do fractions, percentages or equivalencies (the only things you really need to understand for dosaging).

KristinWW · Jun 25, 2003

I absolutely suck at math. I made it thru my math classes using excellent tutors (my brother and my husband-then-boyfriend - both are whizzes at math). It can be done! Is tutoring an option?

I think you need to hear from someone in the same boat in regard to the NET, nursing wait, etc. They will be able to encourage you - good luck!!

CseMgr1, ASN, RN · Jun 25, 2003

I sucked too, at math...."passed" High School Algebra with a D. Anyway, many moons ago, when I was in Technical School, taking my training to be an L.P.N., I was absolutely TERRIFIED, when the time came to take Pharmacology. Just when I had convinced myself that I was going to fail it, along came this marvelous instructor, who told us on the first day of class: "I am going to teach you ONE way to calculate drug doseages, and you will do 75 drug problems every night, and you will never forget how". By the end of the quarter I wanted to scream, for I was so SICK of doing drug problems. But, if it hadn't been for her, I would have NEVER made it through R.N. school, for she taught me BASIC math!

Thank you, Mrs. M...wherever you are!:kiss

mattsmom81 · Jun 26, 2003

You did well in algebra and stats so I have a hard time believing math is your problem. Chemistry math is algebra after all.

Sounds to me it's something with Chemistry, not math. Maybe an indepth talk with your instructor can uncover the problem so you can fix it. Good luck!!

Genista, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2003

I took a 5 semester unit Inorganic Chem class and struggled greatly. I earned an honest "D," and had to retake it the next term. I was crushed!

After my first failed attempt, I found out my college offered a 3 unit class called, "Introduction to Chemistry," which was a slow paced intro to Chem and basic unit conversions, balancing equations, no labwork. I signed up before attempting Chem 1A again. There was a text book that went along with it that was so great. It really simplified everything for me. Stuff started to make sense! After that, I re-took Inorganic Chem & passed, and even made it through a semester of Organic chem the following term (also 5 semester units). My chem instructors offered extra help group sessions for problems one day a week (which I always took advantage of), and I got some free group tutoring through the college.

I'm not a Chemistry expert, but I proved I had satisfactory knowledge. Please don't give up! All you need is a little extra help, and things will start to fall in place. Talk to your Chemistry teachers- they are there to help you. My teachers knew I was struggling, too, but they want students to succeed. Good luck! Pat yourself on the back for being so determined.

P.S.- The text book that I used for Intro to Chem:

"Introduction to Chemistry" by E. Russell Hardwick and Joan Bouillon, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publishers, 1993.

kwagner_51 · Jun 27, 2003

Hi!

I also did LOUSY in math. When I took Inorganic Chem, the math was differential analysis. I didn't understand it. Period. I asked for help in the Math Lab but they refused because it was CHEMISTRY!! My Chem instructor knew I was having problems with the math. I took a proficency and failed miserably. The final had 80 questions on general knowledge and 40 questions on the math. My instructor told me that I could miss all the math and still pass the class. I had a high C going into the final.

It bugged me so much much that I couldn't figure out how to do the math. I cried, and tried everything to figure it out, but couldn't. I took Intermediate algrbra and got a D on the final!! However, because I spent sooooo much time in the Math lab, my instructor gave me a C.

Please go to Barnes and Noble and look up this book:

Dosage Calculations by Gloria D. Pickar . From what you say, this book will help you with your Chem and your Nursing. I absolutely LOVE this book!! I will need to buy the latest edition of this book, in the Fall,. So I got the 5th edition . It came with a CD and offers lots of practice. I paid 12.88 + 3.99 S&H. Best money I have spent in a long time. The book is self explainatory. It also has a list of Nursing short hand like: b.i.d. which means twice a day.

Here is the link to B&H books for this book.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/OopBooks/oopResultsTitle.asp?userid=34L7Q50UFO&rpp=5&author=Pickar&rstart=1&WID=2808640&vcqty=6&vcmod=1&vcprodid=2814524964216

If this link doesn't work go to B&R and put in Pickar ans the author. Then search for used books. The 8th edition of this book is about 47.95$ so 16.00$ was a steal and I can practice all Summer. :)

Gook Luck!

In His Grace,

Karen

mario_ragucci · Jun 27, 2003

Math is a sharp spade that can cut deep into understanding and truth. I won't pretend to know lots of math, or be strong in it. Just try to understand the problems at face value first. and YOU are not defeated. Math can not defeat or boost anyone; It simply exists. Math is one of the "Action at a distance" you have to insert into life. Having math is a neat way to measure so many things. Good luck, and you are not defeated!

MelRN13 · Jun 27, 2003

Don't give up! I would suggest contacting Student Services at your college and see if they can set you up with a tutor. I wish you the best of luck!