lost, please help...

[janthi]

im only 19 and i recently changed my major to nursing, still taking my core classes in college. i don't have the worse or the BEST grades, im just average. i hear that to become a nurse is so competitive now it scares me that since i do not have the best grades, i wont get accepted into the program. im not the best at math either, do i have to be great a math to become a successful nurse? can anyone tell me what classes i need to take to get 4 year degree? i did a lot of research but its all so overwhelming to me......

[azemmerRN]

You don't have to be great at math, but you will need to be proficient. Most nursing programs require you to carry a C+ or B- average to continue on in the program. You will have to study hard and learn how to take tests well, but that will come from practice. Most 4 yr schools require a basic math course and statistics in their nursing prerequisites. Besides math and stats, you will need to take psychology classes, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmocology etc. Hope this helps.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Why not go talk to the education dept at your local University or community college? They can help you with a career plan.

I know it can be overwhelming to look at all the classes and doing the math. BTDT, lol. Just take baby steps toward your dream. If you want it bad enough, you can do it. Good luck!

[mermcm83]

It may seem a bit overwhelming, but I agree, take baby steps and be persistant...Don't take NO for an answer, there is always something that someone can do for you. I am currently in a LPN program, graduating in April 2012, and I plan to continue my education through a LPN to RN transition program...I never had the best grades and I was always terrible at math, partially because it scared me. But now I find that nursing math which is primarily dosage and calculations, is my best subject. I love what we are learning so that makes it easier....If this is something you really want to do, you will do well, it's not easy, but nothing worth having is....Good Luck!

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

You need to check the requirements at your college, as they are all different. My college would not accept anything below an 83 average, meaning any class you made an 82 in was automatic failure. A 94 was an A, 93 to 90 was a B, and 89 to 83 counted as a C. Also, we took a math test prior to each semester, and you could only miss one question, or you got an F and dropped from the program. I realize not all nursing programs are this tough, so check with your particular college for their requirements. This was an ADN program. When I went to a different college for the BSN, a 70 was passing! It was like grade-school compared to my ADN program. But I can tell you that nursing school is not frivolous, and you will need to study a lot more than other fields. The math is not hard at all.