Published Sep 5, 2016
WCSU1987
944 Posts
Hi, anyone take Chem? I find it to be like pulling my hair and teeth out. It's structured but not. You have to do everything on your own and follow formats. I am trying to get a head start but not sure if doing the data report sheets write; eagerly waiting class Wednesday to find out if it is the right way. Then the math is challenging. The labs are overwhelming intense. So many different rules Pacific & Atlanta rule. Numbers can't be exact but have to guess rhe right way. Memorizing of the periodic table though is not bad.
ItsThatJenGirl, CNA
1,978 Posts
Is there a question in here?
I did take Chemistry in the Spring. It was challenging, but doable. It was my first B though.
panic36
85 Posts
I found chem to be one of the easiest classes I've taken. Micro and Anatomy was a lot of memorization, Chem I found seemed easier, the math at the start can get a bit annoying but once you get it I feel it becomes second nature. Organic chem I found to be a lot of fun, but wasn't much of a fan of bio chem.
I like memorization better. Chem is very analytical. Once I get use to conversions probably won't be too daunting.
jess.mont, ADN, RN
217 Posts
If you like using the so-called Pacific-Atlantic rule, then go for it, but it might be more helpful to understand the reasoning behind significant figures. I know that when I feel like just guessing, my confidence plummets.
Also, conversions can easily be done by using dimensional analysis, which is exactly what you'll use in medication problems. I dreaded chemistry after not doing well in high school chemistry, but then I took it and loved it. It was my first science course in 20 years and it gave me the confidence to know that I could do this.
Have you already taken A&P and micro?
Appreciate the feedback. After the first quiz everything clicked with conversions. Probably only thing still confused on a bit is suspension. Not sure if it's another name for something else like density.
Suspension has to do with the size of solutes in a heterogeneous solution. Suspended particles can settle out because they are large enough - think about gravel or even sand mixed with water.
It was calculating suspensiona of medications with syringes and calculating dosage to match what was needed based off of the body weight given.
Thankfully hasn't come in. Again it's not in the text or slides so don't think it's something to worry about as of yet.
Labs for chemistry are tougj. Anatomy labs are okay it's like riding a bike haven't doneven a Bio lab in 6 to 8 yrs ha.
We are given the questions on the test prior to the exam. Up to us to find and memorize the answers, which I feel be okay.
cocoa_puff
489 Posts
I love chem, I (barely) tolerate nursing. I should have been a chemist or chemical engineer.
Opposite love bio sciences. Love learning about organisms, cells structures, the make up of different living creatures, and behavior of animals & people (More psych ha).
I think once I can adjust to Chem I'll enjoy it more.
OliveOyl91, BSN, RN
293 Posts
I really enjoyed chemistry, especially the labs. It was just so interesting to do things like take copper, sulfur, add heat and then a chemical reaction happens to create copper sulfide! The conversions were a pain at first but soon enough you have a system of working them out. Stoichiometry was a real nail-biter, though.
I've taken biology and really enjoyed that, but am nervous about A&P 1 and micro this fall. Classes start next week.
Chemistry was my first introduction to using dimensional analysis to solve equations with different units - a key skill for dosage calculations. I took a chemistry for health majors class, so all the conservatives freaky with meds. It's a great skill to master now before nursing school!