just starting toward nursing a few desperate questions.

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Hi all. I am offically starting working toward my pre reqs summer 2010. I am starting summer because i really hope to knock some out sooner than i planned, especially since i found out that they are offering the ones i wanted to take in the fall; internet wise, in the summer. I am working toward the 2 year associates in nursing and i really hope to get there in the 2 years.

Here is where i have desperate questions.

I suffer from dysgraphia and dyslexia. It makes learning really difficult for me. My whole life i have been told how much of a failure i would be at things that were "beyond me". And even know my own family is trying to talk me out of it. My husband has been so supportive but even he is like what if you fail? We will have to pay all this back. :crying2: It really hurts because this has been my dream forever, i just thought i was too stupid to do it until recently when i started thinking and realizing it never hurts to go after your dreams.

I plan on pushing myself hard to get the best grades possible. I am not sure where i placed compass wise and i was told that i have to have decent scores to be accepted into nursing because of how competetive it is. I will find out on the 5th when i can schedule classes for summer and fall. Luckily they let you take it 2 times a semsester. I am pretty sure i didn't place in the right english or the right math but i can build up to it and hopefully learn enough to get in.

But i am self doubting myself again. Do they accept students who struggle with learning disabilities? Do you think i stand a chance at getting in eventually if i push and push myself? My daughter has the same things i do and i am making sure she is getting the right amount of help and knowing that she can do whatever her little heart wants. I don't want her doubting and hating herself for what she has. My parents really didn't give me the best help and i wasn't even diagnosed until i was in the 8th grade. My parents really made it hard for me while i love them and respect them i just dont' think they helped me at all and they are part of the reason why i feel i can never make it. Like i sit here and i see algebra on the list of classes having to have and i have not had a algebra class a day in my life and it scares me. I really want this and i don't know why i struggle with doubting myself and hoping i can measure up. I know i'll make a wonderful nurse and i know how proud i will be when i get in and graduate. I want to prove to my daughter that it can be done.

thanks for listening.

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Contact the school and ask them who you need to see there to qualify for accommodations for your learning disabilities. There should be a way you can either test with the university or bring in documentation of the testing you've had done in the past that documents your issues; once proven, the school should make accommodations for you, when possible.

Also, check into the nursing program requirements to make sure you meet them. Although I cannot imagine they can disclude those with documented learning disabilities, you want to make sure you meet all the requirements and have all your documentation in place prior to getting started.

Best of luck!

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If you're not sure where you stand, start small. One thing that's great about nursing is you can build toward the career you ultimately want. For example, you could become a CNA, then an LVN, then bridge to the RN. You won't be wasting time and you'll build your confidence along the way.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I just wanted to tell you that I go to school with a young woman who is severely dyslexic. Her accommodations include extra time on tests and she also has a "peer note taker"; a person she can go to in each course who gives her notes to help with studying. She has done fine in the program, and we are approaching our senior year now of the BSN program. I wish you the best of luck. Don't let a disability stand in your way.

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I just want you to know that I understand how you feel!! All my life I was told I couldn't do it... I have ADD pretty bad. It's made school very tough for me. I gave up on my dreams when I was younger but I decided to follow my dream after many doctors and nurses I was working with encouraged me to do so. I am doing great, getting better grades than I EVER HAVE!

You CAN do it, you WILL do it!!! Find out what you need to do. If you need help with your schoolwork, seek it out! I think it's great that you are going for it and I think it's wonderful what you're doing for your daughter!!!!!!

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

airforcewife,

Please don't set yourself up for failure. Nursing school is just the 'entry point' in a career where you will be expected to successfully master new learning challenges on a continuous basis. Healthcare knowledge & technology 'turns over' about every 18 months or so, and practicing nurses must keep up with mandatory training as well as continuing education. If your dyslexia affects your reading comprehension - you are going to have a very rough time.

One of my daughters has a learning disability - finally managed to make it through college algebra on her 4th try because it was a degree requirement. But I certainly would never have encouraged her to embark on a career path that was contrary to her own capabilities. She breezed through graduate school for her MFA and is very successful in a 'creative' career.

Make sure you have a 'plan b' to achieve your goals if the requirements of nursing education don't work for you. Nursing is not the only helping career. There are many other types of work that might also fulfill your dreams.

I wish you the very best of luck -

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I have multiple learning disabilities. I do receive testing accommodations through my university. Each school should have a student disabilities office.....contact yours. They'll be able to help you sort out what you need.

As far as whether you can do it....everyone's different, that's a decision you need to make for yourself. I just about flunked out of high school and left my first round of college with below a 1.5 GPA.....20 years later, after finally figuring out how my head works (they've learned a lot about learning disabilities in the past 20 years).....I completed my pre-reqs with a 4.0, and have a 4.0 after 5 terms of nursing school. Don't let others define what you can and can't do.

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Specializes in Neuro, Neuro ICU.

I'm not quite sure how your school runs, so i'd definitely get in and talk to a counselor and let them know what your concerns are, and also find out about any help they offer to people with disabilities. I'm almost positive there is something in place that could help you. My school offers longer test times, they can also get someone to read the test for you, or take notes for you, etc..

You mentioned that you'd like to finish in 2 years, but i'd like to advise it may be better to take a little more time to finish. Between MicroBiology, Anatomy 1 & 2, English1 & 2, etc.. Its alot to take in especially if you are doing all of this WHILE you are in the nursing program. I'm going to a 2 year school, but by the time people finish with pre-reqs (1.5 - 2yrs) and then 2 years nursing classes, it takes most people atleast 3.5- 4 years to finish. I'm just mentioning this, so that way you dont have the false idea that you'll start this summer, and 2 years from then you'll be taking your NCLEX. Ideally that would be the case, but it may not happen as quickly

With that being said, i dont think you should let your fear of failing ruin your dreams. I dont remember who said it above me, but there are many different ways to becoming an RN. You could become a CNA or LPN first and then transition, or just do a CNA class and work part time in a hospital while giong to school for your RN, which i think would help build confidence and get you used to patient care, plus then you'd have a head start on all those people who dont have CNA knowledge.

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Specializes in maternal child, public/community health.

Go for it! You will always wonder if you don't try. Can you do it? I don't know and neither does anyone else until you try. You are older and understand more about your learning challenges. That is definitely to your advantage. Getting your CNA first might help build your confidence. Perhaps after that you could start at a community college taking some of the pre-reqs. Take one or two classes in the subjects you are most confident in to start with. Most schools have a tutoring center - it is the only way I did well in my stats class. Find a tutor you click with and go to the center during the times he/she is there. Find out what other help the school offers and take advantage of it. Since you have problems with written materials, it may help you to record classes to listen to later. The college may have people to help you find other methods that work for you. Take advantage of ALL the resources available to you.

Few people regret pursuing their dreams. people often regret that they allowed their fears to hold them back. Pursue your dream and come here for support!

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