Somebody HELP ME..Please!!!!!!!!

crissrn27, RN · May 7, 2007

I really really SUCK at math. My aunt tried to tell me that I couldn't make it in the nursing program (she didn't want me to be a nurse, she was a RT and saw how hard the nurses worked, and didn't want it for me). She often told me that just because I did well in this class or that, it wouldn't help, because nursing was too hard for me. I know she just wanted what was best for me but it really hurt my feelings. I proved her wrong and graduated in 2000 with a ADN, I also have completed many other courses with success and high grades. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't succeed. Nursing is hard, but it sounds like you have a passion for it. That will carry you through.

When I entered the nursing program I had a 20 month old and a 4 week old! I survived, so will you. I didn't plan on doing it this way, I had just completed a CNA program and had planned on taking my prereqs for a year before starting the program. They called me about 3 days before the program began, said they had a vacancy and asked did I want it. Of course I said yes, and that was really hard, with 2 kids and having to take nursing classes and prereqs together. I think I was the only one in my program that really had a ADN in just 2 years. But I did it. I would suggest you take all your prereqs first, every class you can, before starting the program. That way, you can concentrate fully on nursing classes, and have more time to spend with your family. But you can do it!

Mommy TeleRN, RN · May 7, 2007

I am 31 and just graduated (YES) and I have two kids. It can be done. You already have some of it out of the way. bear in mind some things have changed since you were last in school...we have a LOT of internet resources now and most schools subscribe to online tutoring services that are available 24/7.. as well as offer onsite tutoring at the school.

Find out exactly what classes you need for your ADN locally..at my school you did NOT have to have a math (only college level placement scores) and for science it was A&P I/II and that was it. Now I also have chem and Micro but those will go towards my BSN. I think if you take A&P by itself or with just one other easier class like say a psych class you'll be fine. Be able to really focus and learn. I took them with a full schedule and while I did fine..I wish I'd have retained more because they are a HUGE foundation for your nursing program.

You can and will succeed with determination and family support (and ALLNURSES!)

Mommy TeleRN, RN · May 7, 2007

Let me add that while I did not have to have a math COURSE you do have the dosage calculations in nursing. If you learn dimensional analysis they are NOT hard. We did not have one single person fail over math. The teachers will help you (or your fellow classmates) if you struggle. But if you can multiply/divide on a calculator then that is all there is to it..you just have to get it set up right. Using a calculator is PREFERRED because there is no room for error. I do not feel you need to know algebra to be a nurse lol

mamason · May 7, 2007

I went back to school at age 33 I think. Had 2 kids. Husband traveled with his job. Thankfully my mom helped with watching the kids. It was tough and time management was a must. But, it can be done.

If I were you, and you are planning to become an RN, I would attend an RN program and get it done and over with. Nothing wrong with becoming an LPN. But, sometimes can be hard to bridge over to Rn after being an Lpn. Just my thoughts. Might as well just go for it.

I also think, that if a person is intrigued by the nursing profession, then, their chances of being successful in school, are much greater than anyone else's. You would be more apt to understanding the processes of nursing care, therefor, being successful in you studies because you have a sincere interest in the field.

Yes, it is tough, but, can be done. School is what you make of it. It takes a lot of effort to succeed. If you really want it bad enough, then you can achieve it. Just my 2 cents. Good luck and go for it! We need good nurses!!!!:welcome:

avery · May 7, 2007

Wow,

First, I think you need to surround yourself with positive people. I have never had anyone who told me I couldn't do something but rather they helped push me on my journey!

When I started nursing school, my boys were 1 and 5. My husband runs a large corporation and my parents lived eight hours away.

I graduated four years later, with my BSN, was president of my school's nursing student association, had four years of diverse experience in er, icu, nicu, and cvicu. I graduated Magna Cum Laude.

So my answer would be yes, if you are determined, you can do anything!

Btw, I am in grad school now to become a NP. I will graduate in 2009.

Avery

General E. Speaking, RN, RN · May 7, 2007

I'm 40, work fulltime, have a teenager, school part time since 2004, HATE Math, 3.8 GPA and accepted into a nursing program that starts in 2 weeks. Not gonna lie- it has been hard but you can definitely do it!

Dolce, RN · May 7, 2007

My nursing class was full of mom's. In fact, I felt like the exception because I had no kids of my own. We had moms with newborns, pregnant moms, moms of teenagers, moms of toddlers, single moms, you name it.

I would suggest that you think positively about your math and science capabilities. Many people assume that they are "not good at" math or science. The fact is these are hard subjects for many people. I think with your motivation and determination you should be able, with study, to pass these classes. It would be a great idea to sign up for a tutor at the very beginning of the year. At many schools you can receive a certain amount of free hours with a tutor. I have seen this help a lot of people. :)

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · May 7, 2007

Hi! I am new here and hopefully can get some answers to my questions! Please be as honest as you can, that is why I am here. I am a 32 year old stay at home mom of 2 kids, ages 3 and 7. My DREAM is to go back to school for nursing, to be a mental health nurse to be exact. The problem is, I don't know if i am smart enough. I don't want any sympathy, that is just how I feel. In high school i was really bad in math and sciences. I graduated in 1993 from High school, then went on for my Associates degree which i got in 1995. After being a stay at home mom for 7 years, I really want to go back to school, for nursing. I have developed quite an interest in the mental health field. i would love to work with adolescents with substance abuse, eating disorders, depression etc. My community college offers the rn program for 2 years and i would recieve my associates in nursing. Since I already have my Associates degree, I would just have to take my CNA class, and some math and sciences. EVERYONE tells me that I am getting in over my head. That with 2 kids it will be so hard to do the nursing program. They say it is really intense and hard and time consuming. Do you think I can do it with 2 kids? Honestly? Also, is the math and science classes really hard? Do you use a lot of math and science once you become a nurse? How hard is it to be a nurse? I have to tell you, this is something I really want to do I just need some encouragement. Please, if there are any nurses out there that can shed some light, i would really appreciate it! I may not be good in math and science, but i could study real hard and learn it, i have to tell you i love people and i am very kind and compassionate and caring. I treat everyone like they are my mom, or dad and that can't be learned.
Do you think it is better to go for 1 year, become an LPN, work as an LPN to get some experinece then go back for RN?
Thanks for your time everyone, and hope to hear some responses!!

When I went to school again at 26 I had a GPA from HS of 0.9 that followed me and no other college classes to back me up. I also had three "babies" in tow (1 1/2 and the twins were 5 months old when I started school) and I made A's in most of my classes. And I by no means thought I was smart when I started. I just got over my nerves and just did it. Alot of people had the nerve to tell me that I couldn't so I loved using that as a motivation to do well, to prove them wrong.

Just make sure everything is taken care of at home. If you need day care then find some even if you have to apply for gov. assistance. Get WIC if you need it (I couldn't have fed the twins if it wasn't for WIC).

LilRedRN1973 · May 8, 2007

When I started nursing school, my stepkids were 3 and 6 (they live with us full time as my husband has full custody). My husband worked 3-4 twelve hour night shifts and was going to school for 12 credits. I was going to nursing school (16 credits) full time and working two 12-hour night shifts at a local hospital. I did the 2 year Associate Degree program and although it was VERY difficult at times, we managed to make it through. Plus, in the 2nd year, we found out my father-in-law had leukemia and was hospitalized for over 2 months, then my husband's ex-wife starting causing major problems (calling the cops for no reason, stalking me, getting false restraining orders and taking us back to court to attempt to get a reversal of custody). It can be done, but admittedly, it's not easy. I started nursing school with a GPA of 3.4 and graduated with a GPA of 3.2. All the hard work, tears, and frustration were well worth it. I've been working as an RN since the summer of 2005 and LOVE what I do. I enjoy going to work every day and will never regret the 2 years of insanity that school provided! I say go for it!

jak61 · May 9, 2007

Yuyu

You can do it!!! It is hard, but you sound as though you want it bad enough, and that is what it takes. I too was HORRIBLE at math, but you know what I did. I went to my local high school and got myself a tutor. One or two days a week she helped me with what we were doing at that time. I always saw her the night before a test, and you know what I got an "A" in college algebra---ME!!! Unreal!! Oh yeah, I'm a 45 y/o with 2 children (one with disabilities) and a wonderful husband who helped me tremdously. And I graduate from a BSN program in 3 days. You too can do it!

star10 · May 10, 2007

I'll be 38 with 5 and 7 year-olds. I am a court reporter now, but decided to get into nursing. I obviously can't go full time into an RN program, so I decided to do the ladder program which is starting off as a CNA for 9 weeks study, then Acute Care Tech for 9 weeks study, then LVN. I've completed the CNA and Acute Care, and my name was literally pulled out of a hat to get into the LVN program. Your age has nothing to do fullfilling a dream. You will know who your closest family and friends are when they will be there to help you babysit during clinicals or anytime you need help and not expecting to get paid, because obviously sometimes, money comes short.

I just saw Oprah show who had a lady on there who wanted to be a doctor since she was in high school, but got pregnant and married. She later had 5 children and worked many jobs while going to nursing school. though she felt guilty, she made sure she was at every school function for her children and she did her homework along with her children. That's dedication and commitment!! Once she became an RN, she still had in her mind she wanted to become a doctor. (by the way, she divorced her husband who was not supportive as she went to nursing school.) Although she dared not to tell anyone she wanted to be a doctor, she applied to Yale med school and got accepted. she will be graduating in a couple of weeks as the first grandmother in yale med school. It was a touching story and inspirational. You can do it!! Stay away from negative people.

JxnMsRn · May 12, 2007

You can do it if you want it. If I can do it, I feel most anyone can. When I started I had no previous college or healthcare experience. Also had 2 young children and no husband. Soooo......it took me 3 years to get a 2-year associates degree......lol. I cleaned houses for cash and with grants and loans put myself through school. I am thinking about a BSN now.....even though I'm old......lol......I'm not dead yet.

Good Luck!

sherri