Want to be a nurse but I am really bad academically

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I want to get into nursing because I want to help people and earn an average wage, since I'm struggling financially, but I have a major problem, I am bad academically. I dropped out of high school after 10th grade and got my G.E.D. I have taken no science classes ever and I don't even know basic high school algebra. I was looking into an LPN program where I live and to even qualify for it I need to pass a test called a TEAS exam. It's broken down into four sections.

I tried to do the practice math section and I bombed it. I saw math I never saw before and felt lost, and this is simply the eligibility test to see if I could get into the LPN program. Is Nursing simply an unrealistic goal for someone in my situation? I have no idea where I go or who I talk to, to try to get educated enough to pass this LPN eligibility test. I really want to be a nurse, but have no idea what to do in my situation. Am I simply dreaming too big, or can someone in my academic situation realistically become a nurse?

I can tell by reading your posts that you are a thoughtful, intelligent person. Don't be so hard on yourself. The advice given to you here has been really good so far, and I just echo the suggestion to go to a good local community college and get a math tutor. Pursue CNA training as well - that will be a good start if you want to be a nurse.

You can do this. Just because you've not been successful with math before doesn't mean you can't NOW. Go for it.

Community colleges in my area have remedial math all the way back to arithmetic for those who need to start from scratch. As already said, if you want this badly enough, you will be willing to put in the work and take the time to achieve your goal. Time passes anyway, whether you work to improve yourself or if you stagnate in your present job situation. A friend took college algebra five times before he passed and went on to get his degree. He did not give up. You have the time in the evening and on weekends to spend on yourself. So go ahead. One step at a time. And pursuing a CNA certificate and employment at the same time as you start your college career is an excellent way to jump start your new self. Best wishes.

I don't know what your present job pays, or what your chances for advancement are, but a CNA I met about 15 years ago was earning $14 an hour back then, nothing to sneeze at. There are hospital systems where nursing assistants, or patient techs, can earn even more, with good benefits. You may find that you have made great strides simply by obtaining your CNA certificate. Nobody says you have to progress all the way to nurse practitioner! Go as far as you wish to gain a comfortable lifestyle.

I left school in 8th grade. I then did online homeschooling but I'll be honest; I was a kid still and did NOT take it seriously. I ended up getting my GED. Since then I obtained a degree in Networking Technology. Then went back and took prereq's for Nursing school, received all A's (chem, AnP, Med term, ethics). I just applied with a 91 on my TEAS and every other elective and non-NUR core class completed with an A! I just applied March 1st to start this Fall. I'm a strong canidate but still will be anxiously awaiting my acceptance letter (bc hey, ya just never know for sure). My point is, if I can do it then YOU can do it! I never took a single remedial class. I self taught myself everything to place directly into college level or to totally test out (algebra was the only test out class and I received a 84 on the elementary algebra accuplacer. The math looked like another language to me. WAY harder than the TEAS but I set out to teach myself the material and I suceeded!) Please, do not give up! If this is your goal then you will never be truly happy until you prove to yourself you can complete it. Never let insecurities call the shots in your life. They are NOT qualified to do so!

YOU CAN DO THIS!

Specializes in Neuro.

Going to your local community college is a good start. During the enrollment process, they will usually have you sit for an assessment test of sorts. They tested me way back when on basic math, science and English/Lit. Based off this examination and my scores they started me off at the level I needed to and from there I climbed the ladder of courses until I got where I needed to be to earn my degree. If you have to take a few extra math & science classes, it is better to do that than not do anything. I think you are not confident in your abilities when in reality I don't think you've given yourself a chance to see what you are capable of doing. Take that small step, get tested at your community college, they'll place you were you need to start and where you go from there is entirely up to you. Nursing school is not easy, but you have a road to work getting there that'll let you know if you are able to do it. Right now, you haven't set foot on that road yet. Good luck.

Specializes in Adult Primary Care.

You have received great advice here. I don't have anything new to offer, but I do want to wish you well. Trust in yourself, if you are willing to do the work you will succeed. I look forward to following your journey here!

I spent a lot of time thinking I wasn't smart enough for the things I wanted to do. It turns out that I just didn't believe in myself enough.

Once I worked up the courage, I went back to community college, and had to take two remedial math classes. I graduated this past May with a degree in biology with a 3.8 GPA and got into my first choice nursing school on my first try (out of over 900 applicants).

You can do it. You're probably smarter than you think and all you need is people to believe in you. I believe in you.

Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.
My home life was pretty bad. I was taken off my mom when I was 15 and placed into CYS custody and sent to a rather bad juvenile facility for 1 1/2 years then put into an Independent living home in the ghetto. My dad died when I was 12. So You're right my home life wasn't ideal, I'm not complaining since life isn't ideal it is what it is, I'm just worried that I'm too dumb to pass nursing school.

Some states give extra help to people who aged out of foster care. This can include obtaining school supplies all the way to helping to pay for college. Tell the academic advisor at the community college about your background. There may be some extra help out there for you.

I think things can change for you I would suggest buying books that teach high school math, like another poster said, just because you aren't good at it now doesn't mean you won't be good at it later . I myself am a terrible writer my grammar is atrocious, but I brought some books that teaches grammar; So I will be able to get good grades on my placement test, I might be terrible now but I'm pretty sure if I keep practicing, it will pay off and I will be better in the future . Almost everyday I dedicate an hour to practicing grammar, with some hard work you can get better too you should give up when you have not even started the race ; There are many nurses out there who weren't good academically, but with some hard work and determination they turned that around .

The hardest part is believing in yourself. Once you believe, anything is possible. One step at a time, don't overwhelm yourself. I had many doubts when I started my nursing journey and I have a bachelors. Nursing is tough for most, even if they have a great foundation. Build your foundation and you will be find. Math is nothing but practice and understanding, there are many websites online that can teach you from the ground up. Good luck to you!

Community College could be wonderful for you. I too did not take high school seriously, grew up thinking I was dumb, and honestly just not caring about academics. Once I realized I wanted to do something more with my life, I went back and took the entrance exam at the local CC. I had to take remedial math, but ended up doing very well and even enjoying math. I now have a 3.8 GPA, received a 4.0 in all my nursing prereqs, and (after taking a break for a few years due to kids) am starting nursing school in May. Your mindset, I believe, can make or break how you do. I suggest going and talking to an academic advisor and let them help you start the path to what you want to accomplish. Once you start and see how well you can do, your confidence will get a boost, and you will do great.

this sounds more like a self confidence issue. I left my house in 9th grade and didn't get my GED until I was 24. Didn't start prereqs until I was 26. Then took a year and a half off.

I too had a crippling fear of never believing I was smart enough. I let my fears get in the way of learning material.

When I started college, I had to take remedial math. Passed that, and went onto pass statistics. Hadn't taken a science course since I was in grade school; passed all of my major science courses with A's. Even tutored other classmates.

was accepted into 4 out of the 7 schools I applied to for nursing. And the TEAS isn't that tough.

Focus mainly on your weaknesses, and brush up on your strong topics.

kahn academy is a non profit that has a overwhelming amount of videos for math (from 2nd grade all the way up to college maths) and science topics, along with tests. libraries let you use their books for free. Barnes and Noble doesn't mind you staying and using their study prep books (just dont write in them, bring a notebook!)

set a study schedule, stick to it, and do a few practice exams that mimic the test environment (set a timer, do as many questions as you'd see on the exam, use a quiet room free from distractions.)

you can do this.

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