Math rage

TexRN, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2013

Yup, and I had to start at elementary algebra too just to get College level! Blah.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2013

I disagree....you use algebraic equations ALL the time when figuring drugs and dosages for you are always trying to find X. While the "actual" algebra isn't used the understanding of the concept is.

You will be doing drug calculations everyday in your daily working career.

tayloramaRN2be · Jul 30, 2013

Esme, I understand trying to solve for X. I do that in my everyday life, for instance when I'm at the store. But learning to multiply square roots, graphing, factoring huge terms, and other "advanced" types of algebraic equations doesn't make any sense to me for nursing. Maybe that view point will change when I get into nursing school. I don't know that yet.

The most terrible thing, in my opinion, is that you have to be at a college level math before you can take science. Which puts myself at a great disadvantage because I had not been in school for about 5 years when I went back. So I had to pretty much start over math wise. So I have been having to take math at an alarming pace to get it done quickly so I can take my 4 science classes that I need to apply for nursing school(ASN).

Boxer Mama · Jul 30, 2013

I felt that way at times this past spring semester while taking college algebra. I was frustrated and could not see the point. Now that I am done with the class, I can see the value in taking it. College algebra helped me start thinking about math and equations in a way that I have not in a long time (we will not even discuss how long it has been since taking an algebra course). It helped me prioritize and problem solve to come up with the answer. While I may not be dealing with those exact equations in nursing, I feel comfortable solving problems, and I am sure that I will apply this way of thinking in my clinical calculations course. Just take it one problem at a time, and you will be done soon and maybe in a few months find the value in this course (hopefully)!

tayloramaRN2be · Jul 30, 2013

I felt that way at times this past spring semester while taking college algebra. I was frustrated and could not see the point. Now that I am done with the class, I can see the value in taking it. College algebra helped me start thinking about math and equations in a way that I have not in a long time (we will not even discuss how long it has been since taking an algebra course). It helped me prioritize and problem solve to come up with the answer. While I may not be dealing with those exact equations in nursing, I feel comfortable solving problems, and I am sure that I will apply this way of thinking in my clinical calculations course. Just take it one problem at a time, and you will be done soon and maybe in a few months find the value in this course (hopefully)!

My gosh, I hope so. :yes: I'd hate to think that I was wasting all this money for one 5 week class.

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 30, 2013

I agree! I hate math with a passion and I totally suck at it, in most cases. When it comes to dosage calculations, I get it, and I got an A in my Math for Allied Health class. So, hang in there. I probably got that A because of all the preparatory college algebra I had to do! (And hated every minute of it.) :dead:

TexRN, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2013

I'm sure the math part is good for all of the entrance exams and such. :)

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 30, 2013

I'm sure the math part is good for all of the entrance exams and such. :)

Good point!!!! If you have to take the TEAS exam to get in nursing school like I did, you will be glad for that yukky algebra you took, because you will see it there!!!!

BigRed86 · Jul 30, 2013

Doing those complicated algebra problems over and over is tedious and can be frustrating. But at the same time it teaches you to analyze a somewhat complicated problem, break it down, and figure out the answer. Usually somewhere in that process you'll be using more simple calculations such as solving for x. All those seemingly pointless problems are training you to think analytically, which is definitely part of nursing. All that practice will also help with dosage calcs and help you realize when you calculate an unreasonable answer. I know how you feel though, I took an accelerated statistics course online this summer. Talk about time consuming and a lot of complicated formulas!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2013

Doing those complicated algebra problems over and over is tedious and can be frustrating. But at the same time it teaches you to analyze a somewhat complicated problem, break it down, and figure out the answer. Usually somewhere in that process you'll be using more simple calculations such as solving for x. All those seemingly pointless problems are training you to think analytically, which is definitely part of nursing. All that practice will also help with dosage calcs and help you realize when you calculate an unreasonable answer. I know how you feel though, I took an accelerated statistics course online this summer. Talk about time consuming and a lot of complicated formulas!

This!......

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 30, 2013

Doing those complicated algebra problems over and over is tedious and can be frustrating. But at the same time it teaches you to analyze a somewhat complicated problem break it down, and figure out the answer. Usually somewhere in that process you'll be using more simple calculations such as solving for x. All those seemingly pointless problems are training you to think analytically, which is definitely part of nursing. All that practice will also help with dosage calcs and help you realize when you calculate an unreasonable answer. I know how you feel though, I took an accelerated statistics course online this summer. Talk about time consuming and a lot of complicated formulas![/quote']
^A THOUSAND TIMES...a resounding
From a self professed "I HATE math"-er