I need help guys!!! Nursing math questions :(

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Hi everyone,I think I may be in trouble.I have just been accepted into nursing school and I have major math issues.I was in the slower math classes in school.I've never even taken an algebra class in my life.My question is,exactly what type of math does "nursing math" invole and would somebody like me be able to learn the basics of it before school starts in a few months.Keep in mind I am far behind in math.

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The type of math used most often in nursing ranges between basic math thru very basic algebra. Most often this includes decimals, ratios, proportions, fractions and the very basic division/multiplication/etc. It's nothing to panic over, really. Just review, review, and review and it'll become second nature after awhile. Being that you've never taken an algebra course, you may benefit from buying perhaps a Cliff's note pre-algebra book and taking a look at it. I have to say though that I mostly have used basic math more than pre-algebra.

Don't let the math scare you away from nursing though! I see this a lot. You really do get the hang of it and like I said, it does become second nature VERY quickly :)

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Kristen is correct here is a thread in the student section worth looking at.

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/nursing-math-thread-264395.html

I had never taken algebra either and used these links to brush up on.

Good luck

Mark

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For my school you have to pass elementary statistics. In order to take stats you have to complete intermediate algebra. Maybe your school doesn't have this math requirement? You need to be able to do at least basic math operations like for calculating dosage and taking measurements.

Hi everyone,I think I may be in trouble.I have just been accepted into nursing school and I have major math issues.I was in the slower math classes in school.I've never even taken an algebra class in my life.My question is,exactly what type of math does "nursing math" invole and would somebody like me be able to learn the basics of it before school starts in a few months.Keep in mind I am far behind in math.
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if you can affordit and fit it in before your school year starts.....i would seek out a one semester remidial math course....preferable NOT at your home school on line would be better.....a tutor probably would be the best route...if you can afford or barter with someone who can do this for you

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CONGRATS on getting into Nursing School!! That took work.

Don't be scared by the thought of algebra. Something that helped us is to realize we use it every day. If there is a sale and it says take an additional 40% off and you know what that means--you know alegebra. Or if you know you are not getting paid for 5 more days and you need to stretch the rest of your cash over that time so how much do you spend each day--that is algebra.

If you can understand what the math is trying to accomplish it will help the math problems make sense. It is usually used with medication so it is important to understand and be accurate. But its using some of the same concepts and formulas over and over.

Another tip, get a book that has workbook problems and do all the practice. There's alot of truth to the old saying, "Practice makes perfect." or atleast more accurate.

Lastly, its good if you are cautious and recognize you need help. Its will help you avoid making careless mistakes with your patients. Your hard work will pay off. :typing

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

Weak is by far my weakest subject, despite years of science experience in school. I find applied math makes a lot more sense, and utilizing a few tutoring sessions on fractions and basic algebra lead me to consistent 95-100% on all my math tests in nursing school.

Best of luck!

Tait

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

most dosage calculations are figured out using dimensional analysis, which is a form of algebra (maybe in the realm of pre algebra...) Your school should have some sort of tutoring department or try to find someone private to go over it slowly with you. once you get the hang of doing it, it's not so difficult.

You may need statistics if you are going for a BSN, but may not if going toa diploma school or getting an ADN.

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Shawn7997 I hear you I feel the same way I cant even pass the matn placement exam for my community college. I am doing nmber of things, I buy dvds and tutors to teach me math all the way back from elementry if I need it.

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hey shawn

As you tell it looks like you have even forgot your school math. So I think you should work on your basics first.

you should find some algebra practice problems and practice them every day in some time you will get better at this when you are done with algebra you can ask what to do next

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