I could use some encouragement

Published

Right now I'm taking a Statistics Minimester during the summer to try and get this pre-req done. The class is every day of the week, for 3 hours per day because the Minimester is only 10 days long overall. The class requires about 9-10 hours per day of homework/studying outside of the class itself. We're on day 5, and I have a low A in the class. My ultimate goal is a B! However, we have 2 tests and a final left that are supposed to be MUCH more difficult than the previous 2 tests. I'm scared that I don't have it in me to finish strong....I have struggled with this class so much and worked so hard. Am I cut out for nursing? I know that nurses must be good at math and science, but I am awful at math....

Sorry I know this was a long rant.... I'm just starting to wonder if I'm cut out for this...

Don't lose your head over a math class. Keep going.

This is ONE class. Don't let it get to you (I know, easier said than done). But in the grand scheme of things, you won't be any less of a health professional if you got a B or a C or even Failed something! It will be okay. You have it in your. Take breaks, reward yourself when you've studied hard. You can do it! :D

Specializes in Acute Rehab, Neuro/Trauma, Dialysis.

You are not alone in the math hating camp! I have never met (not that they don't exist) a person in the nursing program yet that liked stats, or can even say that they really fully understood all of it. It really is a tough course and in the grand scheme of things it is not something that you will use daily as a practicing nurse. So don't beat yourself up and think you can't do nursing over one class, especially stats! You have done well so far, just keep your head up. As a suggestion I would maybe talk to the professor about your concerns. Most of the teachers I have had in the past have been very helpful and receptive to students who genuinely want to learn the material. Good Luck!

First of all, minimester?! You're already way more ambitious than me, learning a subject that quickly in such an intense course would make my brain explode. But that doesn't mean yours will! And a B or less in that class has no measure of how cut out for nursing you are- that is a really, really intense course! If it doesn't work this term, try again in the next one or take a longer course.

Second, you're not awful at math- You either haven't found your particular learning style, which is largely the case, or you're not accessing all of the resources you should have as a college student (and I know a lot of students don't realize they have these kind of things available!). If you need help there should be a tutoring center, or you can talk to your prof (which is preferable) and get him/her to clarify things that confuse you or work with you on what you're struggling with. Everyone wants you to succeed in this course, so don't be afraid to ask for help!

You are not alone in the math hating camp! I have never met (not that they don't exist) a person in the nursing program yet that liked stats, or can even say that they really fully understood all of it. It really is a tough course and in the grand scheme of things it is not something that you will use daily as a practicing nurse. So don't beat yourself up and think you can't do nursing over one class, especially stats! You have done well so far, just keep your head up. As a suggestion I would maybe talk to the professor about your concerns. Most of the teachers I have had in the past have been very helpful and receptive to students who genuinely want to learn the material. Good Luck!

I loved stats. I think the reason why was because I was able to connect what I was learning with what I would be using it for in real life. I took it as a requirement for the HIM program I just graduated from, but my focus was all on patient care and possible uses for quality improvement or patient safety measurements. It just made it seem more important to learn thoroughly instead of just doing the work to get an A in the class. (I also took it during a 6 week summer semester while working full time. That was a stressful summer with no free time... which is why a minimester sounds like it would be horrifying to me.)

Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

It seems like that class is preparing you for the life of being a nursing student...the extra study time outside of class, the hoping you make it out with a B or even passing. Yup, you'll be fine as a nursing student.

Don't forget to breath and do something fun once in a while!

Thank you to everybody for all the support!!! I literally just graduated high school a week ago, so taking a summer class isn't my idea of fun ;) I am now taking advantages of my resources such as tutoring and professor help! It's comforting to know that many people struggle with math/stats, and that I'm not alone. I know I can do this!!! Only a few days left :)

Thank you for all the kind words and reassurance :)

+ Join the Discussion