I don't know what to do!

Exhaustipated, ADN, BSN · May 1, 2012

Don't go with what other people say you should do; do what is best for you. Go with your gut. Yes, you'll hear a lot of people talking about how they wish they had started on their education long ago, but the truth is in order to follow the path to nursing (or any path, truthfully), you need dedication. If you're going to do something, do it well. Work hard. If you want to lay out a while and maybe pursue nursing later, then that's what you should do. Don't go to school because you THINK that's what you should do, or because your coworkers say it's best, or because it's what your friends are doing. When you do it for those reasons, you're in danger of not really giving it your all. That's something you would regret later.

You're young. You have plenty of time to make your decisions. Do what's best for you. And do it well.

LemonAide · May 1, 2012

Just my opinion..and don't get offended. To get through life you should learn to multiply and divide competently. Even if you decide nursing isn't for you it's a needed skill.

With that said...life is life ....relax and breathe You are young and it will all work itself out just the way it should.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · May 1, 2012

How the heck do you graduate HS without being able to do basic math? And still take (and presumable pass) Algebra? This may be why our local school districts have decided to remove calculators from all math classes in elementary school - LOL. If I was the OP, I'd sue the school district.

Health Care is a science-based industry - practitioners (no matter what the license) must be literate and numerate. If public schools are failing to even meet minimal expectations, it pushes the starting line even farther back and makes the educational journey more difficult and lengthy.

Kudos to the OP for pursuing a challenging goal -

IdianaCNA1993 · May 1, 2012

Just my opinion..and don't get offended. To get through life you should learn to multiply and divide competently.

Im not offended 'cause I know its true :)

IdianaCNA1993 · May 1, 2012

How the heck do you graduate HS without being able to do basic math? And still take (and presumable pass) Algebra? This may be why our local school districts have decided to remove calculators from all math classes in elementary school - LOL. If I was the OP, I'd sue the school district.
Health Care is a science-based industry - practitioners (no matter what the license) must be literate and numerate. If public schools are failing to even meet minimal expectations, it pushes the starting line even farther back and makes the educational journey more difficult and lengthy.
Kudos to the OP for pursuing a challenging goal -

I think it has alot to do with that no child left behind act and the fact that my mom decided along with the teachers that I would just "catch on" in the next grade and I got kicked out my sophmore year and eagerly wanted to be done with high school so they just let me slip on by and now I am kicking myself for at least not getting through geometry and atleast setting through an algebra two class even if I did fail it the first time around. and I am really kicking myself for not taking a chemistry class in high school.

CDEWannaBe · May 1, 2012

You can gain these skills. Get the "Basic Math & Pre-Algebra for Dummies" book and do the problems.

In Chemistry you use a calculator to do the equations. My chemistry textbook acutally came with a booklet called "Math for Chemistry" that gave all sort of invaluable tips.

Look up your math and chemistry professors at RateMyProfessor.com and only take those who have great reviews.

I flunked high school chemistry and didn't get it at all. Got an A in my college chemistry class a few years ago because the teacher was great.

willowita, ADN, RN · May 1, 2012

In all honesty, I think it's important to start at the bottom, master it, and move up in order to succeed. If you need to take remedial courses, then take them and really learn the material. Go to the next class and master that.

Look, I totally understand you. I was a product of a broken home and a failed public school system. You graduate not knowing the basics. Then you have to start all over later in life. It happens. Don't dwell, don't pity, just accept it and take control of your education today, right now.

When I went back to school, I was 25. I started in basic algebra and an intro chem class. That's what I had to do because I would have failed miserably trying to tackle material that I was not ready for. You just have to take your time with it and go one thing at a time. Eventually, you will gain confidence and understand the harder material because you built a foundation for it.

I'm starting a nursing program in the fall and I scored in the 99th percentile on the TEAS. I couldn't imagine doing that when I had a hard time with absolute values and didn't know DNA from my left foot, 5 years ago. It's only because I started from the bottom that I have a fundamental understanding of math and science today. So don't be scared that it's going to take long or that you're behind. You can turn it around.

Healing Soul · Sep 16, 2012

I was a terrible high school student too!

IdianaCNA1993 · Sep 16, 2012

I have come to relize after looking at the courses for ivy tech that Im better off with these remedial courses and what not of course I will be in school for a year longer but it is also great review and learning for the TEAS it is a blessing. Of course I will have to still brush up on some of the basic things like basic math and conversions and science but I have books to help me study they may not be TEAS books but I think they will work just the same to help me study. I have an SAT, ACT, kaplans nursing entrance exam book, HESI edition3 and the mcgraw TEAS practice tests. plus I have the exciting world of youtube and the internet to look up things and videos.