Is algebra used by nurses?

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Except for cancelling out units (dimensional analysis, dosage calculations, etc...) how often do you need algebra in this profession? I've already taken it, and I struggled with it :banghead: so I just wondered. I could never understand how algebra is used in real life applications, but maybe it is used in your field? :bluecry1:

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Specializes in Nothing yet - Interested in the O.R..

Ya know, that is a good question. (I hope not!:banghead:) I am pretty sure you have to do Dosage Calculations which involves math. We might have to do some kind of algebraic expressions (x=? situations). But I am sure once you get the formula down it will be like second nature. :D Plus, I hear that most nurses are allowed to have a calculator on their clipboard. You will definitely need to know algebra for the entrance exam though!

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Specializes in N/A.

Good question..I've heard, maybe someone can correct me, that there is 'some' algebra in nursing. I'm not good at math but sure better than 30 years ago!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Ummmmmmmm.....no, not really.

Dimensional analysis is used for all sorts of dosage and drip rate calculations, but other than that, I've never used algebra in all my years of nursing. I would think that nurses in research and other academic specialities use algebra, and certainly statistics, far more than the rest of us however.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

I use it in Oncology, and research.

It really doesn't matter, you still have to pass it to get through school.

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