Is nursing right for me?

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Specializes in I'm thinking ER or ICU someday.

Hi everyone :)

I'm a senior in high school and I was recently accepted to Nursing at Simmons College in Boston. I've wanted to be in the medical field for as long as I can remember, but that dream was pretty much crushed when I took General Chemistry last year. I got a D- for the year, by far my worst grade on my transcript. My Bio, math, and A&P grades are all in the B range. My friends and even my guidance counselor are all pretty much telling me to stay away from nursing. I feel like I've worked so hard in math to get my freshman year C- up to my current B in Pre-calc. I feel like I'd be a great nurse because I'm a very sensitive person.. people's words get to me easily so, I'm really careful about what I say to others. I am also fascinated with the human body. I really loved my Biology and A&P classes.

My question is, is chemistry really THAT big of a part of nursing. I'm willing to work hard, harder than I've ever worked in my life. I really want to be a nurse. Should I listen to my guidance counselor and friends or should I go for it. Overall I'm just really afraid I'll flunk out. :(

-Erin

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Specializes in Orthopedics.

If this is what you want...GO FOR IT! There are nursing programs out there that DO NOT require Chemistry. The program I am interested in takes Microbiology or Chemistry. Not both. It requires either or. It is an ADN program. Do not let someone else crush your dreams.

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Dear EC18,

When I took Chem in high school years ago, I had a horrible teacher and learned to hate Chemistry. Many years and a Bachelor's degree (in Math) later, I decided to go back to school to get my BSN. My husband encouraged me and said "you are smart, you can do - just try" I tried, and worked hard at the 1st Chem class I took in college, and what do you know "I got an A!" :) From then on, it's like putting one foot in front of the other, slowly I got all my pre-req's done and will be starting a BSN program in April 2009 at National University in San Diego! Need I say more? :) Don't give up, dear! As cheesy as it sounds, "Believe in yourself!" :) Best of luck to you! :)

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Specializes in Orthopedics.

I TOO had a terrible Chemistry teacher in high school. I was an honor roll student until encountering her! I made my first C ever! I was very angry. It was actually a C-. WOW! Talk about a blow to my self esteem. She did not even want to tutor me after school. When my dad inquired, and mind you my high school was private and cost more than my 4 years of COLLEGE did, she refused!!!! Since then I had an awful feeling about Chemistry. In reality, it all depends on who is teaching you.

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Specializes in I'm thinking ER or ICU someday.

Wow that's awesome! My teacher was terrible also.. he was about to retire and everyone could tell he pretty much gave up on teaching. My parents have been the same way telling me that I can do it. When I doubted myself about passing my drivers test they encouraged me and I passed the first time! Thanks for sharing your story. It's really encouraging :) Good Luck with your BSN program! :D

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Specializes in I'm thinking ER or ICU someday.

ktothek, I think you're right. I think my teacher's teaching style was not for me. He made us learn from these notes he typed up and I could never figure out what he was trying to say. When I had a friend of my brother's (who is a chem major) explain things to me I would do very well (one time I got an 85 on a test!) unfortunately she wasn't around that much to tutor me full time. The funny thing is.. as much as it frustrated me.. I actually enjoyed chem when I understood it! Thanks for sharing your story :)

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Specializes in Orthopedics.

I know. I actually like Chemistry!!! I am going to have to take it soon too. I will keep you posted. :) I AM SCARED TO DEATH!!!!

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I was actually told the same thing by my counselor as well. Only difference being it was for math! He basically told me that I should just stay away from nursing because it involves too much math. He also used an example about him not being very good in English and he would have never went on to being an English teacher. I now have been out of school for 13 years and my desire to becoming a nurse is still stronger than ever! The only thing I tell myself is I will never know if I don't try! Good luck and just try your best!

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High school grades are not the end of the world. Good grades were the last thing on my mind...

Knowing what you want is pretty amazing at 18 if you ask me. I dropped out, got a GED, spent 6 years in the army and got married before finally figuring it out...

Now, 10 years passed my failed high school career I am a (nearly) straight A college student. I was terrible in math, and now that i do my homework I'm getting 100%'s while the kids fresh out of high school are failing...

You just have to try. Getting a bad grade in a class does not make you stupid, it doesn't automatically make you "bad at" that subject. If you're worried about the grade, take it again this summer (get a different teacher!!) but whatever you do...

DO NOT GIVE UP!

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Don't let one weakness scare you away from nursing. Just because you're bad at chemistry doesn't mean that you'll be a bad nurse. There are some nurses out there that probably aced all of their pre-requisites with flying colors; however, they have the worst bedside manner ever. It may be more difficult for you, but if you put the work into it and make an extra effort at anything similar to chemistry, you could be okay.

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Specializes in I'm thinking ER or ICU someday.

Thank you all for your posts. You've all been really helpful :)

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Specializes in Alzheimers and geriatric patients.

I bombed high school! I had like a 2.1 GPA when i dropped out. I know it's embarrassing! now i have a 4.0 in college, and i love the classes i did worst in in high school like biology. I know excellent nurses who didn't always get the highest grades in science and math courses.

Good Luck and you should be proud of yourself for your hard work!

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