I have taken the plunge!

Robin61970 · Mar 24, 2001

I think that the best thing to do is be prepared for the test...I wasn't and am now having to take extra math classes...if you search for algebra and math sites there are lots of free ones to prepare. I am currently studying for the admissions test i have to take to get into the ADN program..fun,lol....email if you have questions or I can help.....

nursejanedough · Mar 24, 2001

Hi, Wyldeflower, I am not sure what FAFSA means, but I think it has something to do with math from the following posts. I am very thankful that I had most of my prerequisites done before nursing school. The nursing school counted my 15 year old college algebra class so I did not have to take it again. At the time, I thought it was just one more class I didn't have to go to. But when my fellow nursing student friends started coming to me for algebra help, I was like, "I don't remember that crap." I do agree that "WE NEED BASIC MATH AND PHARMACOLOGY EQUATIONS.

Some of the best student nurses I know did not graduate because they could not pass college algebra. This sucks. They would have been great nurses. As a nurse for many years I have never used algebra. In fact, I did my own survey about a year ago. No one I knew used algebraic math. NO ONE! From science teachers, lawyers, engineers, draftsmen, construction engineers. If any nurse has used college algebra, I would like to know. (I have a 12th grade English teacher relative that says, "It is good for exercising the brain.") Maybe she is right, but as a nurse I have not had to use any college algebra equations such as xy2 - ab9 = ur?

Wyldeflower · Mar 25, 2001

The FAFSA is an application for federal student aid...Lord knows I'll need it because the college I want to attend is almost 13,000 per year and we have no community colleges in my area! Seriously though, I have been surfing for algebra sites to try to prepare for the math test. I was really good at algebra in high school, but that was 11 years ago, so I still have to take math. I have wanted to be a nurse for as long as I remember, but always thought you had to be an LPN before you could be an RN. I'm so happy that I finally decided to persue this! I don't know why, but I'm dreading having to take English the most!

Born 2 B In OB · Mar 25, 2001

Good luck to you! Are you going for the ADN? I am starting nursing school in the Fall too! Fortunately, I already have a degree and ALL my credits will transfer!!! Yahooooo!!! So, I am looking forward to starting the nursing classes right away - and getting the degree in 3 years. Ugh... too long, but worth it! Anyway, glad to hear that you're taking the plunge too!

Success to you! Michele

grianstad · Mar 25, 2001

Originally posted by Wyldeflower:
Yesterday, I mailed my FAFSA, and have the info package coming from the nursing dept. at the college I want to attend! Soon, I will be making an appointment to take the math placement test. Now, I'm just trying to figure out what classes I'll have to take in addition to the nursing. I plan on starting in the fall, and I'm not sure yet if I will try to do it all in two years or just do it in three. Wish me luck!

I went the ADN route myself many years after graduating high school and it took me 3 years (after transferring in 21 credits of GEs). I was also working full time. The best piece of advice I can give you is to take the prerequisites like chemistry, anatomy & physiology, and microbiology first, along with some easier classes. Then concentrate on the nursing classes by themselves, or with easier classes like general education requirements. I watched many classmates struggle with nursing classes (tough enough on their own!) along with heavy duty sciences. Your brain can only absorb so much, so pairing harder courses with less demanding subjects can really help with the tough road ahead. It's more than worth it though, so don't get too overwhelmed. Stretch it to 4 years if you are able, you'll get there regardless of how long it takes you. Good luck!

[This message has been edited by grianstad (edited March 24, 2001).]