Math Help Please.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Jan 10, 2015

You had to have passed basic algebra to be accepted into nursing school. Now you know why. Go back and review word problems until you remember how to do them.

I never took algebra in HS (I'm old enough that it was not a requirement "back then")

zzbxdo · Jan 10, 2015

Actually a math class isn't required for acceptance into nursing school.
That being said I know a lot of people in my program hate that they have to teach themselves the math. I really like clinical calculations by Joyce Kee. Is there anything in particular that you are having problems with that maybe we could help?
It always seems harder when you first look at it. Once you think it through it will seem so much easier!

Alot of the time statistics is required... And basic algebra and stuff is required for statistics. It's pretty much the same as molar equations from chemistry from... Iono 10th grade for me. Maybe it's the difference in education state to state/school.

Anyways op, maybe time to pick up a class or buy a book and just do questions til you get the hang of it. Sometimes it helps to write it all out if you're a visual learner. It's pretty high school stuff applied to the real world once you grasp what the question is asking.

CNAScott · Jan 10, 2015

In two days I start Introductory Algebra at my local College in Southern Illinois. It is required before I am allowed enroll in the Allied Nursing program. I had to do some Trigonometry in an old job. I used a book to walk me through the problems and wrote it all down with a sample problem that I solved so I could see just how it is done. Saved the problem solution in my own words as a study refresher guide.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2015

Great resource....DosageHelp.com - Helping Nursing Students Learn Dosage Calculations

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2015

Sorry, med math is not statistics. However, statistics is a very good thing to know so you can discern good research from bad, good statistical "support" from bad. Knowing that p<.05 isn as strong a result p and is even stronger critical for that.>

The med math problems like the ones we see here are nothing more than basic algebra, solve-for-x sorts of problems. They only confuse you if you can't see how to break down a word problem, if you have learned your conversions (or have a table on your desk)-- L = ?ml, Kg = ? mg = ? mcg, 1 hour = 60 minutes, and the like.

It doesn't matter how your brain works or what your genetics are. Medications and fluids don't care about that. You have to be able to solve these problems, whatever god gave you between your ears.

If you can't figure these out from your text book, you can show us what you did and we can help you get straightened out. But sooner or later you're going to have to be able to figure out how to do a word problem and evaluate what components of it matter and what are distractors put in there to confuse you, because you will be giving meds for real soon enough. Consider taking a basic algebra course in summer school to get your feet underneath you.

lovinglife2015 · Jan 18, 2015

It doesn't matter how your brain works or what your genetics are. Medications and fluids don't care about that. You have to be able to solve these problems, whatever god gave you between your ears.

If you don't have the IQ to understand how to break down the problems, then yes it does matter how your brain works. Are you really a nurse and don't understand that? Sadly, some people lack the intelligence to grasp certain mathematical concepts, no matter how many classes they take.

Livelaughlove1 · Jan 18, 2015

If you don't have the IQ to understand how to break down the problems, then yes it does matter how your brain works. Are you really a nurse and don't understand that? Sadly, some people lack the intelligence to grasp certain mathematical concepts, no matter how many classes they take.

People come here for support and questions. Not to be talked down to and told their IQ isn't high enough.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 19, 2015

The resource that Esme provided should help.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 19, 2015

:: tapping toes patiently ::

I think it unlikely that someone whose IQ or cognitive ability precludes doing basic algebra like med calculations is unlikely to have been admitted to nursing school. In any case, that person would not be able to succeed at it without gaining that ability.

I agree that my friend Esme has given some good resources, and that we can help people better if they show us where their confusion occurred, rather than just asking us to do their problem sets.

klone, MSN, RN · Jan 19, 2015

People come here for support and questions. Not to be talked down to and told their IQ isn't high enough.

However, a certain minimum IQ is required to be able to get through a nursing program. Not everyone is smart enough. That's just a fact. Seems silly to not acknowledge that.

Livelaughlove1 · Jan 19, 2015

However, a certain minimum IQ is required to be able to get through a nursing program. Not everyone is smart enough. That's just a fact. Seems silly to not acknowledge that.

Understandable. But that is not for us to judge. OP came here for help. And yes, some people need tutoring to get through nursing school.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2015

I think we need to try to be helpful when students come here to help. However, we require ALL students to show us their work first.

I think many nursing programs require some higher level math to get into the program or at least to pass the TEAS. I think that some programs are missing key elements in the education of nurses and that dosages should not be a learn it on your own time.