Questions about being a nurse.

[catrinacomeau]

I ' m thinking of switching to nursing, but have a few questions before I do. I have had a job before in a assisted living place before . I enjoyed it. I know being a nurse is different. I have no doubt that I can handle the blood and stuff. I have been treating my husbands construction injuries for years . I do like the idea of helping people but it's not my main reason for wanting to be a nurse. I know patients won't be kind and calm most of the time,but I worked with ungrateful co-workers and bosses When I was at the assisted living job . Bad experience ?

Is algebra really used? I'm sorry if seems like a silly qeastion.

I understand and that I ll be taking care of people , but are you expected to be all knowing right after graduating ?

Lastly. Any nurses with asthma ? I have it controlled but 2 things can sometimes set it off one being perfume. It's not a full on attack either really just a giant coughing episode.

[PapaBearRN, BSN]

Basic algebra is used for med calculations.

You aren't expected to be all knowing, but you should be able to utilize the critical thinking and clinical skills you obtained in nursing school. The blood and all that stuff are nothing, you won't have time to worry about how gross someone's necrotic toes are.

As far as your asthma goes you should be ok as long as u keep ur inhaler with you at all times. I don't wear cologne to the hospital because I know patients and/or nurses can be quite sensitive to fragrances.

[JoseQuinones]

Not just algebra, but also some chemistry, physics, and biochem will be required in a good nursing program. I survived those classes and I am math-phobic.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I'm ashmatic (adult onset). I eventually had to give up direct patient care because I was unable to use masks/respirator due to my pulmonary issues. Hopefully this won't be an issue for you if your asthma is well controlled.

PPs are correct about algebra requirements for nursing education. You will also need an understanding of fairly complex physics (math) principles to effectively manage the care of highly dependent/unstable patients in critical care areas.... we don't have to actually pull out the calculator very often, but we have to know how everything works in order to titrate pressors, adjust mechanical ventilation settings, manage hydration, etc. However, there are many other areas of nursing in which higher level math skills probably aren't used very much.