I want to quit nursing school

Davey Do · Mar 21, 2018

Don't worry about chemistry, 11bmancuso. I had a terrible chemistry teacher. At the time, I paraphrased Wood Allen and said, "Those who can't do, teach. And those who can't teach, teach chemistry."

I did well enough to pass the class and went on into the nursing program to be exceptionally mediocre.

Good luck and the the very best to you, 11bmancuso!

Oh- and welcome to AN.com!

sugarmagnolia3 · Mar 21, 2018

I'm so sorry about your boyfriend and commend you for moving on with your life, despite your struggles.

I was lucky enough to have a great chemistry teacher, but know what it's like to have a difficult time with difficult classes and terrible teachers. Sounds like you will likely have to repeat this class, which, in the ultimate scheme of things is not a huge deal. Personally-speaking, I would meet with an academic advisor, and get in with a new teacher next semester. Also, make sure you so a review of the class. You are a paying student, and the teacher owes you a service which does not include making you feel stupid. (check yourself here to make sure the teacher is being demeaning in some way, and that you are not mis-interpreting)

Chemistry is important, but a small portion of your nursing education. Also side note, the other classes will not be "easy."

Best Wishes!

javadown2, BSN · Mar 21, 2018

I had a similar experience (except I didn't feel it would stop me from going to nursing school), when It came to my chemistry class I panicked because I was studying so hard and still couldn't get better then a B or C on the tests. What I did that helped was I hired a chemistry tutor and that got me through the class with a solid B and in the end it was good enough to get into the competitive ADN program I applied for on the first attempt. Your mom has given you good advice, POWER through the pre-req courses, do what you have to do to get good grades...but realize that nursing school is very difficult also, but once your in you tackle that head on like your doing now. Hire a tutor, do what you have to do to get it done...don't let it break your spirits.

Rinda · Mar 22, 2018

You are definitely not alone. At my University (majority students came here because they wanna do pre-med or pre-health), 50% of the first year students give up on their dreams to go to medical schools or nursing school or PA school simply because they felt destroyed by the first year general chemistry and they started questioning their initial motivations and passions toward the healthcare field. It is normal. But think from the other perspectives would probably help you minimize the adverse effect of this event. Chemistry is hard, and not everyone has the brain for it. But one who is exceptionally good at it is not necessary a good nurse candidate. Besides, you are not feeling ok with the fact that your are failing, which means that you have high expectation of yourself and you want yourself to succeed. With this mentality you can surely be successful and do a lot of wonderful things in the future. Do not let this distress affect your conviction and passions. Maybe simply accepting the fact that you are just not good at chemistry but at least you are trying and coping with the negative emotions, rather than giving up on yourself. Sucking up the darkness for now and you will be surprised how much you would have grown as a person and how much more you can accomplish in the future

Oldmahubbard · Mar 22, 2018

You have a bad teacher. And chemistry is inherently dry.

Many of us weren't crazy about chemistry, but we hunkered down and eventually did what it took to pass.

When I applied to a BSN program, the first class I was required to take was a chemistry course. It sounded incredibly hard, plus it was self study. This was just before on-line became the norm.

I set my coffee pot and got up every morning at 4:30 to study for 3 hours before work. It was far from easy.

After 2 weeks of faithful studying, I felt like I wasn't getting anywhere, so I found a tutor. He had a degree, but for whatever reason, he couldn't help me much.

I did not give up. Every morning, 4:30am, good coffee, plus chemistry.

I was absolutely determined. It was a do or die situation.

On the third week, the light dawned. All of a sudden it started making sense.

After that, fairly smooth sailing. I could work at my own pace and I finished the course in 2 months.

The irony is that I rarely, if ever, have used or needed any of that chemistry in my career.

My opinion : The chemistry requirement is just to separate out those who really want it, from those who don't.

You have to be willing to do whatever it takes.

And good luck.

BAY AREA RN, BSN · Mar 22, 2018

don't be discourage by chem. I had a similar experience with my chem teacher. Had to withdraw and take a W. Got a new teacher and passed it with a high B. I am now a semester away from finishing nursing school and you can do it too.

verene, MSN · Mar 22, 2018

Don't let yourself be discouraged by chemistry. I did terribly in high school chemistry. To the point that I thought any kind of science career was no longer an option for me. (Despite having been interested in veterinary medicine and biology/zoology since I was 5!). I was too afraid to even try it in college. It wasn't until I changed careers and decided I wanted to be a nurse that I had to confront my fear of the subject.

Having a good teacher can make a HUGE difference in chemistry, as can finding a tutor who can clearly explain concepts. Finally, recognize that chemistry is just one hurdle to cross. It was my lowest pre-req score, but I made a passing score and made it into nursing school and out the other side. I'm not sure I've actually used anything I learned in that class since I took it.

I don't know how big of university you attend, but it may help to take chemistry at a community college, as these tend to have much smaller classes than big universities and the instructors are there because they want to teach rather than research focused.