math phobia

[wengreen]

Does anyone out there have any suggestions on how to pass or get pass precalc prereqs for starting a MSN program. I haven't taken a math course in over seventeen years. I attempted to take a the course last year and my professor along with the tutor suggested I go back to the basics so to speak. This one class is the difference between me obtaining my dream. What can I do? Much help is needed.

[caliotter3]

If you need to go back to the basics, then do so. Suggest you get with a good tutor. Approach a math instructor at a college or the counseling department for help in finding just the right person to work with you. Don't be discouraged. I once met a man who said he had to take college algebra either three or five times before he could pass it in order to graduate. He just kept at it.

[itsmejuli]

I used math workbooks to get myself up to speed prior to my statistics class. There are workbooks from basics to complex math, take a look on Amazon.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Go back to basics.

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

Go back to basics, you will understand everything so much better. Before I started the core of my nursing pre-reqs I did 2 years of just math classes, 4 hours every Saturday morning, started at the very basics of fractions worked my way up to Statistics. It was a pain, but I am glad that I did, now in nursing school I have never had a problem with the calculations because I have a strong understanding of the basics.

[StudentGrace]

Right now Borders stores has workbooks that are used for kids over the summer to help them with the transition from one grade to another. Seems remedial I know, but it really helps with some of the basics. Also, check with your local school districts for summer and adult enrichment classes. Some local communities offer adult continuing education classes to help those obtaining GEDs and offer math/algebra classes that will help with refreshment. Ask your local highschool or college for a list of math tutors. Libraries have all types of books that will help with math refresher and preparation tests (GED, SAT, etc).

I, too, had math phobia when starting nursing school simply because I have not had math since freshman year of high school and I graduated in 1986! I got lucky because my nursing school algebra teacher was AMAZING at teaching adults who have not had math for a while and breaking it down so that we could understand it. That is why I am suggesting going for some sort of adult enrichment/GED type math class - they are used to folks who are scared of math and haven't had it for years.

[Mukfay]

I would try the Schaum's Outline to support whatever you decide to do. They make them for every subject, and they have fully worked-out problems with examples.

Regards,

Mukfay

[Sunnysidegirl]

I was terrible at math and thought I'd never get into nursing school because of it.My entrance score was so low I had to start at the lowest rung.In other words I went back to learn the basics. Much later(4 classes later) I finally took stats and passed.I also hired a tutor to help me with stats.Phew! I was determined because I wanted to be a nures so bad.Now I am working as an RN and so happy I muddled threw all that math!!!:> If it means that much to you you'll just do it and succeed!

[rayne215]

Speaking of.... Working as a nurse, is it ALOT of math you have to know??? im fumbling through algrbra now, and am not looking forward to Stats and chem, and am scared to death. but if i know that once school is over ill only need the basics of course that would be a great!

how much math does a nurse deal with on any given day? (hard math)

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

For school we have needed to know fractions, cross multiplications and you need to know how to convert grams to micro grams, millilter, liters........

[gtoko]

Start with math basics and progress from there. There are alot of nsg calculation review books ,and online. I like Math for Meds.

Good Luck.