Help! Im scared I wont be able to be a nurse...

[99degrange]

So I have always wanted to be a pediatric nurse but im awful with math. I can do simple math but I hate algebra, it was harder for me to under stand, finding x and y so on...Is it really that important? If so, what kind of math problems should I be working on? What different steps do I need to take to do this job? Im scared that I won't be able to do the job I want because Im not great at math... Also , I have other questions if anyone would be willing to email me and kinda explain other parts of the job i would truly appreciate it! My email is [email protected]

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Just because you're bad at math NOW doesn't mean you have to stay bad at math forever. Go to your local community college. Take the math placement test. Take what ever class you place into. Work really hard. Take the next class after that. Work really hard. You will eventually get better at math.

Also: You REALLY do not want to post your personal email address on an internet forum with over a million members- some of whom are NOT nurses and are terrible trolls.

[oceanblue52]

Yes, math is essential in all nursing specialties, and even more so in Peds because pretty much all medications are calculated by weight. That being said, most of dosage calc simply requires you to plug information into a few formulas. For most people, it seems the actual algebra is less difficult than reading a clinical scenario and figuring out what information you have and what you need to figure out. You get a TON of practice with this in school, so I would not discount the entire profession because of your fears. Math is a skill that becomes easier the more you practice.

[FashionablyL8, CNA, LPN]

99degrange, I feel your pain. 8th grade education here and trying to learn enough to pass the HiSet, then place well in the TEAS. English was always my best subject and math was my worst. For some odd reason, I'm fairly decent at dosage calculations but I have a looong way to go. It's rough.

However, there are some great websites out there that really explain math! I will watch the videos and just keep stopping and going back, while writing out the problem on paper, until I understand. I'm really getting into it! Of course, I want to be studying for prereq subjects- A&P, biology, etc because that is what fascinates me- but first things first.

Don't let this prevent you from even trying. Keep telling yourself you can do it, be patient with yourself and the whole process, and you will be amazed at how far you can go ☺.

[nanillest, LVN]

Khan Academy for math review. Try it.

[Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN]

Enroll in your local community college math program and take advantage of any additional tutoring they offer. Consider hiring a personal math tutor. Do whatever it takes to improve your skills in your weak areas.

[The_Muffintime]

While math is required for any nursing degree, it is by no means high level mathematics. You will presumably be taking a college algebra type class, but if your school is worth attending you will have access to many helpful resources designed to help you succeed there. Peer mentors and instructor office hours will be your friends. Utilize them BEFORE you take your first exam. So many students ask for help only after they see they're failing a course, and it's often too late at that point. Stay on top of these things from day one and you will be successful!

Next, you will be continually tested on dosage calculations until you graduate. These problems can appear intimidating but there is a pattern to them that once you learn you will be fine no matter what's thrown at you. The same principle applies here. Get help before you're tested on it. My school has an instructor who provides dosage calc workshops weekly. See if anything like that is available. If not, ask any instructor for help and see if a peer tutor is available. You might also want to consider buying a good nursing math workbook if your school doesn't require you to buy one. Overall it's nothing too heavy, and if you remain proactive there is no reason for this to trip you up!

Last, remove your email from your post!! You don't want to publish your email address publicly online like that. You can give it out individually to posters here vis private message.

Best of luck to you! Remember: be proactive! Don't fear math. I majored in economics before nursing school so I already knew the math but I can't tell you how many of my classmates went from being terrified of any and all math topics to finding a new confidence and ability they never knew they had. Work hard and don't be scared. You can do it!