I am not good at math but I would love to be a nurse

CanadianRN16 · Oct 9, 2016

Not doing something you're passionate about because you're told you're not 'good' at it is more of an excuse at this point. If you're determined enough, you'll find a way to make it work.

What do you find appealling about a career in nursing?

You won't be utilizing any major hard sciences after you complete chemistry and physics courses, and the rest you'll actively use a nurse and will be less daunting over time.

Beyond the prerequisite math course for your nursing program, you will have access to calculator on the few occasions you'll need it for basic arithmetic as a nurse.

Once you know what type of learner you are, you can find ways to retain the information for tests in your weaker subjects.

Ilargia99, LVN, RN · Oct 10, 2016

Honestly, the math in nursing school is based on very simple formulas and not hard at all. In my program we have to take a dosage calculations test every semester and pass with 100%.

I'm in my first semester so I've only taken the one test but it was SUPER easy.

Go for it! :)

TheSocialMediaCoach · Oct 16, 2016

I am not that great with numbers when under pressure. I personally chose not to be in specialties that would require rapid calculations.

lindseylpn · Oct 16, 2016

I suck at math too but, made it thru my LPN program. Even if I know it, my mind goes blank when I see a question. We had tutoring and could take our math tests twice if we wanted and choose the best grade. They helped a lot. I've been an LPN now for 12 years and really any math I use is just basic easy stuff. My fear of math has been what's holding me back on transitioning to an RN though.

bdw062590 · Oct 20, 2016

I'm not the best math, my brother on the other hand was in college for mathematics. I handed him my dosage calculations worksheet that we received as a preview of the math/dosage calcs we were going to need to know, he answered 25 questions within about 3 minutes. While that amazed me and pissed me off in the same breath, once I watched him figure them out, read the formulas and figured out what the question was asking for it simplified it.

The best way to get better at math is to do practice questions each day, I use Khan Academy. They have everything from learning how to count numbers all the way through vector math.

Sharls237 · Oct 21, 2016

This issue is the same reason I haven't signed up for school.. I'm afraid of failing because of Math

Lovemysugar · Oct 23, 2016

Why not sign up for tutoring? I wouldn't take an actual college course yet due to transcripts but it might give the confidence you need. I can totally relate to the part that holds you back from RN, but don't let fear win.

Cutenurse4 · Apr 9, 2017

Please don't be discouraged! This is the same reason that held me back for the last year.....the infamous Teas lol. I purchased the study book online as well as watching YouTube videos and practicing daily. Now I'm in LPN programí ½í¸Š. As far as dosage calculations the math is easy and you use formulas. You will have to memorize the conversions and formulas. I really hope this helps. I feel if nursing is what you want to do go for it! Nothing should hold you back from your goalsí ½í¸€

MK_Marti · Apr 12, 2017

I am bad with math, or numbers in general but that hasn't stopped me. It means I have to work harder than most other people, but I know the extra work is for my benefit. I took 2 full semesters in remedial math classes before I was able to advance to regular math.

What has helped me are videos on YouTube. The walk throughs and breakdowns help me learn not only the solutions to the problems, but also aids me in figuring out which method is easiest for me to understand and repeat.

You have to have faith in yourself and remember that you won't master it overnight, and that is okay. Just keep at it, give it your best and eventually you'll conquer it.

The math on the TEAS was pretty straight forward. Just memorize the formulas and practice every chance you get. After a while it becomes second nature.

You can do this! :)