Hi, everyone! I'm a Sophomore and I decided last year I wanted to become an RN, one thing... I'm horrible at math. Last year, I finished Algebra I with a D and failed my Algebra I state exam which I have to retake to graduate, as of now I currently have a low C in Algebra II. I have a strong work ethic and always ask for help, I just feel lost all the time, I get flustered when someone explains things to me.
I was wondering, what is nursing math like? If I know what it is like I could study it along with my Algebra II and build my skill. Also, I'm taking medical courses at a technical school right now if that helps, I've been in it since August 2014. This course is 2 years of medical, and the last year is a CNA course+certification and after we are certified we spend the rest of the year working in a nursing home. I miss half a day of my regular classes to go to the technical school, I do not have electives and I will only have three years of math and science instead of four.
Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.
I have always been very strong in science and thought I was bad at math...that is...until I went to college! I aced all of my college level math classes with determination, good teachers, and wait for it...wait for it...a calculator!!! So how good are you at math if you have a calculator because you will always have one on the job and most likely another set of eyes/brain. Don't count yourself out just yet...good luck!
Here's a thought--Do you have the choice of "virtual classroom"? If you do, I would go back and take basic algebra on an online forum and see how you do at your own pace.
Also, tutors are a viable option. Also, if your school has an honor society, one of the things that they have to do is community service. And many choose to tutor. Go to your guidance counselor and ask.
I am wicked old, and had to learn algebra from square one, as back in my day we only had to take 2 maths in high school. So the last math class I had taken was general math in 1981!! I found if I took it in small bites, I did better, and once I "got" it, it stuck. One more thought--can you do an online college algebra through your local community college in the summer? (or even go to the class this summer coming up--you may find that it works!!)
Oh, and as a complete aside, if you did not pass the state test, it is the school's obligation to make sure you do. Make an appointment with guidance! Best of luck to you in your future endevours!!
I feel your pain. I failed Intermediate Algebra TWICE and the final attempt I passed with a C. Now I'm really nervous because I start nursing school next month and what class do I have to take? You guessed it COLLEGE algebra. I'm thinking crap if I couldn't get out of Intermediate Algebra how am I going to get through college Algebra with a high grade.
However I did pass the HESI math section with a 86%, I just don't like Algebra. I'm fine with math until you start throwing letters in the equation and have to solve for unknowns and all that craziness. LOL
I believe nursing math is a lot different though. I haven't taken dosage calculation yet but if it mostly consist of conversions and math without letters I think it would be just fine.
I think you will do well also. You just need to get through that pre-req of Algebra and get that over with so you never have to worry about it again.
I'm also bad at math--but only when it's not applied math, i.e. i'm good at psyc stats (B+ grade) but I wasn't good at stats (C-.) When math is applied it tends to make a lot more sense to me as there is an actual reasoning for me to be doing this type of math. You may be the same way, you never know. And as with anything, you only get better with practice. Do the supplemental questions from the textbook even if they're not assigned, go to tutoring, etc. Every little bit helps. Good luck : )
I'm the same way with you in science and math, I finished Biology my Freshman year with 90%+ and still remember most of the class, I also passed the state mandated exams for it. With a calculator I'm usually alright, fractions have a tendency to make my brain go crazy!
Online classroom is not an option, I was hoping it would have been but homeschool is the only option. I definitely don't want to be home schooled. I'm going to see if I can have an after school program, I'll restart from Algebra I when I have the chance. I plan on making this summer of 2015 dedicated to college preparedness, I have pre-SATs next year. Thank you!
Hopefully I can take college Algebra, I really messed myself up in middle school because I took pre-Algebra twice (I was the kid who didn't care back then). For high school, I only have 3 years of math and science because of my dual enrollment. But geometry is a prerequisite for college algebra (I THINK NOT FULLY SURE), so four years of math is needed, I can only take four. I'm looking at online certifications or something close, also hoping I can get Biology 2 certs too because 3 years of science, I have to take Biology 1, Chemistry, Physics (Unless I pass chemistry with an 85%+) and something else before Biology 2. I'm going to schedule an appointment soon. :)
AJJKRN
1,224 Posts
I have always been very strong in science and thought I was bad at math...that is...until I went to college! I aced all of my college level math classes with determination, good teachers, and wait for it...wait for it...a calculator!!! So how good are you at math if you have a calculator because you will always have one on the job and most likely another set of eyes/brain. Don't count yourself out just yet...good luck!