How import is statistics knowledge?

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To being an NP? I am STRUGGLING with this grad level statistics class. :uhoh3: It's never been my bag to deal with so many numbers and calculations, but mainly the class is crammed into six weeks. It's too much info in too little time and I've also had a very busy time latel personally w/ kids graduating, etc. I know if I had more time to digest it, I'd get it, but it's just not working out that way for me right now.

I am hopeful I'll pass, but I'll pass barely. Will it affect me too badly as an NP not to have a firm grasp of all areas of statistics?

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You should have a good enough grasp of statistics to be able to read and critically analyze relevant clinical research pertaining to your specialty. It's a pretty important skill and you should try to learn it as best as you can.

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Well, I completely understand the concept of statistical significance at the various levels. I just sometimes don't understand exactly why a certain test is applied to certain situation, type of data, etc.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Pulmonary, Anesthesia.

It's not. If it was, researchers wouldn't have statisticians. Even you do understand it, stats can be manipulated to say whatever you want. Know what a good confidence level is, numbers to treat, and what a good sample size is, and how to obtain a good sample (ie, not testing on only 5 people who are all of the same age, body type, career, etc). That is as deep as you need to go if you aren't going to do research and get a doctorate.

"There are lies, damn lies, and statistics."

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