Pre-nursing reqs

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So I'm 28, and completely new at this whole "college thing" I have a 9 year old, and a single mom to boot, so when he was younger I went to school for medical assisting, and I've been doing this for 7 years, always wanted to be a nurse. I started my basics spring 2015, and only took beginning algebra online, and attempted comp 1 online, but didn't realize it was an 8 week course (I am horrible at writing papers!!) so withdrew from that course. I passed my beginning algebra with an A though! This semester I took intro to psych and intermediate algebra (which I failed..������) I am so discouraged about the algebra, but I realize that it's not required for my ADN at either of the colleges I'm looking to go to! I'm currently enrolled for developmental psych and American federal govt next semester, and hopefully I'll do well in those! I'm at a community college right now, but will hopefully get into the university I'm wanting to go to! I'm just worried about juggling classes and working full time..It may be possible to eventually not work full time when in the nursing program, but if I continue at the rate I'm going now, 6 hours a semester, it's going to take me until 2017 to finish my basics! I want all of my basics done before going into the nursing program that way I can focus solely on those classes and nothing else..any suggestions?

Summer classes to catch up, that is what I do. I work 60+ hrs a week, have a family so I can only take 2-3 classes a semester, but take 2-3 during the summer to keep up. For now I do not have to take a math course, which is a relief since I am horrible at it.

Jealous math isn't required! We have to take statistics. I just recommend being prepared to retake the class you failed so it won't destroy your GPA

The class I failed is a "remedial course" so it doesn't affect my GPA, luckily. I wasn't aware that algebra wasn't required at either of the colleges I'm looking at for my ADN. Of course, if I want to go on and get my BSN, it is required. I know I want to eventually get my BSN, but my main focus right now is to just get my ADN, and go from there.

Summer classes to catch up, that is what I do. I work 60+ hrs a week, have a family so I can only take 2-3 classes a semester, but take 2-3 during the summer to keep up. For now I do not have to take a math course, which is a relief since I am horrible at it.

i will definitely try to take some summer courses. After thinking about it, when I mapped out all my courses with the advisor at the community college I'm at right now, the whole 2017 thing included all the gen Ed requirements for BSN, and a lot of them aren't required for ADN. I'm going to get as many of them done at the community college before applying at the university I *really* want to go to!

Specializes in Critical Care Transport, Cardiac ICU, Rapid.

OP you have to remember, not to put you down, that many people deal with many do in fact have families, work full time, and etc while taking these pre-reqs. In fact at the community college level I think it's more of a rarity to find hopeful nursing students that don't work crazy hours while holding a family as most are non-traditional students. Yes it can be tough but in nursing admissions it is highly unlikely you will be thrown a bone. With that being said get the best grades that you possibly can, sure you may suffer for a little bit but in the end that admission into your program of choice will just be that much sweeter

I just finished College Algebra with a B after 20 years. I took Intermediate as a refresher the first 8-weeks, and College algebra the second, both online. It was a class that seriously kept me from finishing any college degree. It is not required for the ADN program locally but I'd like to continue my education afterwards.

My advice from a mom of three active homeschooled boys, working full time plus owning and running a side business. Spend at least an hour on algebra every single day. Use your resources in MML, also Khan and Mathway have excellent explanations. Believe in yourself and keep your eyes on your goal.

Believe you will succeed and you will. Just stay positive, ask a lot of questions, and make sure you understand each concept. Do the homework and every opportunity for extra credit, just in case you need it. Get rid of your self-doubt it will help you succeed in not only algebra, but nursing school as well.

Specializes in STNA.

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Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

I am AWFUL at algebra, always have been. Thankfully, I was able to test straight into stats and I got the highest grade in the class. It's SO different than algebra, it has a real world application. So if you have to take that, do not fear.

I am 28 with three kids finishing up my pre-reqs, I worked full time until last May. BUT I am married and have a very big supportive helping hand in my husband, my advice would be to set up a network of support/people you can trust to help you with your son so you can study. Take one class at a time for science/math. Take as many online. The failed math classes, while it may not be required for your associates at other schools, may very well affect your GPA. I would re-take this for that reason. Most places your going to need a 3.5 and above. Start making a plan now for how to your going to support yourself when you are in clinicals and can no longer work during the day.

Everything is doable. Doing all of your classes before you do clinical is a good idea and what I have done. It took me an extra year but I will only have nursing class and clinical when I enter my program, everything else is done. I feel confident this will be very helpful during clinical. Just have a well though out plan for everything, back ups for your back ups, that sort of thing. Good luck to u!

Algebra doesn't have real world applications?

:laugh:

Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.
Algebra doesn't have real world applications?

:laugh:

Oh please, step off your high horse madam. Besides dosage calculations and drip rates, I have always struggled with algebra because it's hard to see where it fits into the everyday work force. Statistics involves complicated formulas but its in terms of medication trials, patient health outcomes, it was a game changer for me math wise because it made algebra finally click for me after years of frustration. Not sure how attempting to help someone else make the same connection is laughable.

Since the math class was a remedial course, it won't count towards my GPA, luckily. I do intend on taking it again though, just to make sure I understand it and continue to go forward with the math until I'm finished with them all so when I'm ready and able, I can go for my BSN. Thanks for the good luck!

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