I hate anatomy and physiology

lauraline · Mar 19, 2013

In my opinion I think if you have a passion to become a nurse then go for it, even if you dislike those classes. I always wanted to be a nurse, but science is not my strength and I hate science classes, I struggled through everything. So, as a result, I ended up with a bachelor's degree in something I was just good at, because it played into my strengths. I spent years working in Real Estate sales and management, because I was good at it. It wasn't until later that I realized I made a mistake, and should have followed my nursing dream all along. Even though I am terrible in science and I struggle, I keep focused on the final goal. That is the only thing that is keeping me going at this point. So, that is my experience, hope it gives you some insight. Good luck.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Mar 19, 2013

I am a pre-nursing student at a university, and I absolutely hate it. I have never disliked a class so much before, which is worrisome. I am in the Honors Program and have always gotten A's no problem throughout high school and during my time so far in college. Calculus was a breeze for me compared to this. I'm not sure what I hate about it, I'm used to taking classes with lots of memorization, but I think the hands on experience of identifying the parts on models is what I really dislike. I'm starting to think I picked a major that does not play upon my strengths, as I am very good at math and english. However, I am very drawn to the field of nursing because I want to help people and there seem to be endless opportunities. Do you think this is a warning sign that nursing is not for me?

The problem may be that identifying the structures involves spatial orientation, and that's probably something you're not used to using in that particular way. Depending upon how your hands-on stuff is organized, you may be stuck learning the body's bits, pieces, and parts and nothing is exactly the way it looks elsewhere in your reference materials. Try to visualize things and relate them to how they all fit together as a system. That system could be their job as flexors, extensors, stabilizers, tubes to move stuff from one place to another... and so on.

Some parts of Anatomy was hard for me too, while some was really easy. Just do your best and try to engage all the ways that adults learn: visual, audio, and tactile/motor. In other words, look at it, tell yourself about it, and (if possible) touch it or point to it while you do the other two things. Anatomy is important, please don't get me wrong on that point, however, physiology is probably more important of the two part of Anatomy & Physiology.

If you have a passion for nursing/medicine, you'll find a way to get through these courses so that you can really start into the meat of the program. A lot of people have struggled through those courses and are now nurses. Don't do yourself a disservice by giving up now unless you have a really, really strong reason for it, and simple dislike of a course or instructor isn't going to be that reason.

SmYle4PeDs, BSN · Mar 19, 2013

I haven't taken anatomy yet. But I was feeling the same way today in my Chemistry class. I hate chemistry and I started to feel like maybe I chose the wrong major. But, I truly believe that Im supposed to be a nurse and that through Christ who strengthens me, I can do all things. So I'm not giving up and you shouldn't either!

zoe92 · Mar 19, 2013

Yes anatomy and physiology is a pretty weird class especially how lab practicals are. You sound articulate and smart so will probably be a knowledgeable nurse. Don't let one class rethink your goal of being a nurse.

bopeep82 · Mar 19, 2013

I think we begin actions with one particular thing in mind and continue for another. If helping people is your passion, but you aren't good at the A&P, then no fret. There are a bazillion ways you can help people that play on your strengths. You said you are good at math. That's amazing. A lot of people aren't. Have you considered exploring the avenue of teaching? I couldn't think of a better way to help a person than to touch them in their academics and prepare them for their future. I mean, if nursing is what you want then stick with it, but don't narrow yourself so much that you are miserable because you want to help people.

runsalot · Mar 19, 2013

Going to echo PP..ns builds on AP... if you hate AP, you will not like med surg, which is applying AP. I echo by saying lots of way to help people. You dont just have to be a nurse to help people. I would go talk to your school counseling to see what other majors play up to your strengths. I got my first degree in education.. only to get all the way through to realise I hate teaching. Talk about a waste.

ebinbrooklyn · Mar 19, 2013

There's a book of mnemonics out there that helped me with the memorization (and, let's be honest, it's mostly that): Visual Mnemonics for Physiology and Related Anatomy (Visual Mnemonics Series): Laurie Marbas, Erin Case: 9781405103275: Amazon.com: BooksCheck your library and see if they have similar titels.

I had to consult a lot of outside sources to grasp the material - the coloring book and interactive websites helped a lot, I didn't find just reading to be sufficient. And just keep telling yourself that's it's hard but it's not forever: that's how I got thru org chem

nursingstudentjess · Mar 19, 2013

I have to disagree, I do not think A&P is just memorization. You need to be able to understand the concepts and know how to apply them. Just memorizing concepts will not help you answer critical thinking questions, and you wll be lost in the future when A&P material resurfaces. I used flash cards, YouTube videos, and interactive cd's that came with my textbook. Also as silly as it sounds I would go home and repeat material and practice talking out the processes to anyone who would listen, even my dog!!

Stephalump · Mar 19, 2013

I honestly cannot imagine wanting to go to (or subsequently enjoying) nursing school if you hate A&P. Maybe the anatomy aspect of it, MAYBE.

Sometimes I wonder what people think we actually do and learn in nursing school? I think I maybe spend 2 hours a week actually on the "skills" stuff, and even the prep work for it is the science of it. I don't have any lectures on how awesome it is to "help people."

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Mar 19, 2013

Jess is spot on. A&P II is all about understanding the body systems, how they function & interact. Rote memorization will not cut, you need to understand the material. And yeah, it is the foundation fo nursing care.

Good luck.

Medic/RN2B · Mar 21, 2013

I haven't taken anatomy yet. But I was feeling the same way today in my Chemistry class. I hate chemistry and I started to feel like maybe I chose the wrong major. But I truly believe that Im supposed to be a nurse and that through Christ who strengthens me, I can do all things. So I'm not giving up and you shouldn't either![/quote']
I think everyone feels that way about one gen ed course at least. I dont think you are going to like every class but you have to do it....I hate psychology for instance. ....I was never so happy it was over. I think it is boring and doesnt interest me...