should i just give up?

Reese17 · Jan 6, 2008

No. If your dream is to become a nurse then find a way to accomplish that. Let me tell you my story, I was 16 when I graduated from high school. I struggled with math and science my entire life (I was in grammar school and my father would lock me in my room for hours forcing me to study math, it didnt help). My chemistry teacher cried when I got a "C" in her class, not from anger but she was so happy that I managed a "C". I struggled my way through that class. When I went on a tour of a nursing school they told us we had to love math and science in order to be a nurse, I walked right out of that place. I thought just like you, that if I didnt have a knack for math and science I couldnt be a nurse. 7 out of 10 nurses will probably tell you that math and science are their weakest subjects. Now here I am 20 YEARS LATER! and I have been accepted into a nursing program! My pre requisites were biology, anatomy and physiology (that was the hardest class I have ever had to take...but I got through it), and 2 algebra classes (because it had been so long since I was in school I had to take these classes over). Maybe you should try a tutor to help you. But please do not give up and end up regretting your decision 20 years later! You can do this!

Nrsstudent09 · Jan 6, 2008

If your heart is truely set on becoming a nurse then do not let anything get in the way of that dream. Work hard for it and it can happen. If you worry about getting into a big college try. The worst that can happen is they say no. You are only a junior so you still have some time to work up for it. You could also go to a community college and get the pre-requisites done. This way you could transfer to a university if you stil wanted to go that route. Good Luck :specs:

love-d-OR · Jan 6, 2008

No, dont give up. You are still in high school and only 17 years old. Its good that you are thinking about your future, but you need to focus on high school. Do your best on bringing up your grades. Talk to your school counselor if you need help in getting into schools.

Remember, the fact that you are doing poorly in high school does not mean you will do poorly in nursing school. You have to adopt better study habits, but you can do it. Dont give up, okay!

Dont be so hard on yourself, take it easy. If you need a tutor seek one.

Simplepleasures · Jan 6, 2008

NO, absolutely not . Get tutoring, keep at it until you get at least a passing grade, you can do it , dont let anyone or anything stop you.My 4 children all graduated from college, two of them sucked at algebra, they got tutored, passed, got the credit. KEEP GOING.:stdy:

registerednut1221 · Jan 6, 2008

i am a 17 year old junior in high school. my dream is to become a nurse, but now i think that will be impossible for me. i do horrible in school. i am failing algebra 2, chemistry, and french. no college will accept me with horrible grades like that. Should i just give up on being a nurse?

Don't give up. I was a horrible student in high school and I didn't even think about going to college until I was 25. I got my ADN through a tech program and am now in the university transfer program for my BSN. Tech schools aren't usually quite as strict on grades as four year universities and college classes (in my opinion) offer an environment that is much more conducive to learning than high school classes. Trust me, I failed BASIC ALGEBRA I in high school so I know first-hand what it feels like to be in your shoes.

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · Jan 6, 2008

Do not be discouraged because you are failing everyone struggles with something. Apply to a local community college which most likely means they have open admission. No one is denied admission. These community colleges help build up your weaknesses by offering remedial classes in math and english. Most also offer a cooperative nursing program. Just because you didnt do good in HS does not mean you cannot be what you aspire to be.

Good Luck!!

Dempather, RN · Jan 6, 2008

Okay, since we're all going down honesty's path.. I got a C+ in college chemistry.. THERE, I said it. And I'm still here... and I still passed the NCLEX the first time. I KNOW I'm smarter than some nurses (hey, not as smart as others). But I love my job and I do it well because of it. It's all about passion (of course, this weans and waxes depending on the day, but still..) :)

Candy303 · Jan 6, 2008

Don't give up. I am like you...I am HORRIBLE at math and science. I've wanted to be a nurse my entire life, but I was scared I would do horrible. I graduated high school 6 years ago but I put off going to school because I didn't think I would be able to pass.

Finally, I enrolled in a technical college, where I revieved SO much help on my weak subjects. I am currently a A student in a wonderful nursing program and will graduate in May!!!

Don't give up on your dream! Work hard and put your mind to it and you can accomplish anything!

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Jan 6, 2008

I think it's too soon to give up. Why are your grades suffering? Do you need extra assistance with the material? Help with time management? What things are under your control to change that would result in better grades?

patwil73 · Jan 6, 2008

Absolutely not! Let me tell you my story. . .

I loved math and science. I was very good in both subjects and got through with no problems. You know what? Didn't make nursing any easier or make me a better nurse. It just meant I was a nurse that was good at math and science.

We spend a lot of time (roughly 13 yrs) telling kids over and over that they must like (or do well) in this subject or that subject in order to succeed. In most cases it is completely false. Nursing is a skill backed by knowledge. That knowledge comes mainly from experience (you could know every symptom of CHF and until you see it for real, you are still only dealing with theory).

Now if the reason you are doing poorly is because you aren't trying or aren't studying then you should decide if you really want to do nursing. If your desire is stronger than your desire to not try and not study you should see improvement in your grades. One of the toughest things to learn as a nurse is time management (your workload is heavy) and that is usually something that correlates well with good grades.

So if nursing really is your dream - decide what you are willing to do for it. Don't give up because you don't like chemistry or algebra, trust me you will be in the majority.

Hope this helps,

Pat

Katie82, RN · Jan 6, 2008

First of all, don't let your high school grades set the pace of your life. Many who do poorly in high school excel in college - two of my children did. I would advise community college - they have to take you. After a couple of years there, you may be more prepared for a 4 yr school if that's what you want. Many CCs offer special programs to prepare kids who did poorly in hs for nursing programs. Too many distractions in high school, don't sell yourself short. But stay away from a 4 yr school until you're ready to resist those distractions. Go for it.....