S. Braden

HELP! I am 43 and have decided to go back to school to be an RN. I am enrolled at the local community college. To my horror, they want me to take the COMPASS math placement test. I have all my english/writing courses out of the way from 20+ years ago but before I can take the pre-req. Math 109 and my bioscience courses, I have to take this test. I am absolutely terrified. I graduated high school without passing Algebra 1...I do not know the first thing about Algebra, geometry, etc. I have been a medical transcriptionst for 12 years plus had hands-on experience (unfortunately) caring for my first child who was terminally ill so I have placed feeding tubes, given injections, taken care of a central line, you name it so the fact that this math thing could keep me from becoming an RN is giving me an ulcer. Can someone please give me some advice on what I can do to learn this math (while working full-time) so I can pass the COMPASS test and eventually, math 109!!!! Thank you in adavance!

HELP! I am 43 and have decided to go back to school to be an RN. I am enrolled at the local community college. To my horror, they want me to take the COMPASS math placement test. I have all my english/writing courses out of the way from 20+ years ago but before I can take the pre-req. Math 109 and my bioscience courses, I have to take this test. I am absolutely terrified. I graduated high school without passing Algebra 1...I do not know the first thing about Algebra, geometry, etc. I have been a medical transcriptionst for 12 years plus had hands-on experience (unfortunately) caring for my first child who was terminally ill so I have placed feeding tubes, given injections, taken care of a central line, you name it so the fact that this math thing could keep me from becoming an RN is giving me an ulcer. Can someone please give me some advice on what I can do to learn this math (while working full-time) so I can pass the COMPASS test and eventually, math 109!!!! Thank you in adavance!

Nursedora: Thanks for all the great advice! I had to laugh out loud on the clean house and pressed jeans -- I can't do any of that now so I might be on the next episode of "Hoarders" on TLC if I go back to school!! I am used to juggling a hectic lifestyle with two kids and being full-time self-employed so it will be interesting to say the least but medicine is my calling and I just regret that it took me so long to realize it!! I will probably be asking a lot of questions from time to time. I see you have been an LPN for awhile. After getting my CNA, I hope to work part-time doing that as well as still continuing to do some medical transcription on the side to supplement my income while going to school part-time. I am considering becoming an LPN first and then working towards my RN degree. Would you recommend that route and if so, why?

I am so encouraged by your post. I am soon to be 43 and a full-time self-employed medical transcriptionist and mother of two children, ages 6 and 11. I am planning on getting my CNA this summer and will also take a 50% pay cut to do this. I am hoping to get a job in a hospital that will provide some tuition reimbursement as I complete school for my RN degree. I am really excited but scared about the pay cut as well as having the energy to work and attend school. Any info or advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!