If your afraid of killing someone, should you not pursue nursing?

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I want to be a nurse, I have the drive and personality for it. But as of now my math is horrible. I don't even know all of my times tables, and I know your going to say take some math classes and I'll be fine. But I have never been able to understand math. I am scared of getting into nursing and faced with a drug calculation, I'll make a mistake and hurt someone. Sometimes I think I have a handicap as far as math is concerned. Did any of you ever feel this way?

please don't let the math scare you away. i was terrified of not passing a mandatory drug calculations test which was given 3 weeks before graduation from rn school. we had 2 chances to get a 90 or better. i went to an old bookstore, this being before the internet, and found a great drug calculations book and it helped tremendously. with the help of that book and many hours of studying i passed the mandatory test the first time and i hate math.

i was even able to test out of a required math class and was so proud that i could achieve this on my own. just don't let the math get in your way of what you desire. go for it and become a nurse. you will be so glad that you put your fears aside and did what you wanted to do...helping others. best of luck to you. :nuke:

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

you can conquer this fear with practice (and a calculator!)

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Specializes in LPN, Peds, Public Health.

Its more like, if you are NOT afraid of killing someone then you shouldn't be a nurse. That fear is what keeps you going, that fear is what makes you stay on top of your duties and makes you make sure that you are doing things right. When you lose that fear then you need to change careers.

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That's not funny.

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I absolutely agree with all these posters!!

I was NEVER any good with math, but there are formulas you will use over and over. Whenever I do any, i double check with another nurse or with pharmacy. I never have any problems with that. Dont be afraid to ask for help!!!

As far as worrying about killing someone...i think every nurse has that fear. But, the bottom line is this....you go to school for a reason. Nurses are respected for a reason! You will be absoultely amazed by how much you truly know.

During my hiring interview my boss actually asked what my biggest fear was and I responded "killing someone." I havent done it yet. :)

Good luck!!:nuke:

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Specializes in Sub Acute LTC Hospice.

TAKE YOUR TIME, often the same drugs come in different concentrations. NEVER

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