So I recently have decided to go on an become an RN, I will be going for my associates degree. Now I read online that math competency is a requirement, I will be enrolling in Tarrant County Community College in Fort Worth. Well anyways it states on the website that I have to take a test to determine if I am TSI ready for anything, now I have taken an accuplacer before in my hometown and was not TSI met for the math portion, I know for a pure simple fact that I will not pass the math portion, and I am worried that I will be in school for like 4 years if I have to do remedial math, just to get myself caught up to get college ready, and this is supposed to be a 2 year program If I have to take remedial math, would that prolong my 3 years I had planned to be in school. I was thinking that maybe I could get my pre reqs done in a year, but with this math blunder, now I am scared that it will take me that much longer to complete my basics and actually reach my goal. I am only 20 years old, about to be 21 and have been working as an aide since I was 16, I am ready to go to school to be a nurse but again, this remedial math thing is what has me worried that it will prolong me reaching my goal. :'(
Delaying your math this long may have set you back. People gave you advice for fast cramming, and you brushed it off. I'm not sure what more you expect. But you need to be reasonably good at math to calculate dosages, and if you're going for your BSN, you'll need statistics. I put off math as well, and I had to buckle down and just DO it in order to be eligible to graduate and to get into my program. That's just reality. You need to accept where you are and recognize that you may have set yourself back. Your path may take longer than you'd planned. If you can take time to study before you take this test, you may be able to save yourself a semester or two. Hopefully you'll do better than expected, and all of this worry will be for nothing, but if you tell yourself you're going to do poorly, you're going to do poorly. Prep as best you can. Good luck!
First off, you are 20 years old. Don't be in such a hurry. I am 38 and have been doing some remedial algebra the last two semesters. I had to take the accuplacer also and didn't do well on the math. So I had about a year of prereqs to do. The program is 2 years once you get into it. The whole thing is not 2 years. You will spend a year doing prereqs. So here is what I did. I took math 023 which is algebra I with 4 other classes last semester. I took math 035 which is intermediate algebra this semester with 3 other classes. I was not able to apply to the program until this spring for fall admission regardless of my math requirements. I just have to have college algebra done before the program in August. So I am taking it this summer and it is my only class. I am able to concentrate just on that. I now have all prereqs and coreqs done which is a huge advantage in the nursing program. The only difference in going this route to get into the program is I would have taken college algebra this past semester instead of over the summer. There ended up being no difference in the time spent in school. I just would have had this summer off before the program. No biggie.
First off, you are 20 years old. Don't be in such a hurry. I am 38 and have been doing some remedial algebra the last two semesters. I had to take the accuplacer also and didn't do well on the math. So I had about a year of prereqs to do. The program is 2 years once you get into it. The whole thing is not 2 years. You will spend a year doing prereqs. So here is what I did. I took math 023 which is algebra I with 4 other classes last semester. I took math 035 which is intermediate algebra this semester with 3 other classes. I was not able to apply to the program until this spring for fall admission regardless of my math requirements. I just have to have college algebra done before the program in August. So I am taking it this summer and it is my only class. I am able to concentrate just on that. I now have all prereqs and coreqs done which is a huge advantage in the nursing program. The only difference in going this route to get into the program is I would have taken college algebra this past semester instead of over the summer. There ended up being no difference in the time spent in school. I just would have had this summer off before the program. No biggie.
This is a lot like what I done to get here. I just finished college algebra so I'm free for the summer but I still had plenty of other classes to take which gave me the time for remedial classes (or should I say "transitional" which is what they are termed now. Lol!). I managed to get everything done so I would be free to focus on the core nursing classes. This is the way I prefer it because I work and have a family. It takes time and I'm impatient but it feels great when you get to start the program, I can only imagine how great it's gonna feel to finish! ?
Sent from my iPhone using allnurses. Angi/LPN (?RN)
You don't want to "cram," you want to "learn" it. I know I went to nursing school back in the 80's, and each school is different, but we had to take a math test the first day of each semester. We could only miss ONE question; each test had 10 questions. If you missed more than one question, you were out of the program. I had to take algebra and statistics. Today most nursing schools have a "statistics for nursing majors," but back when I went, we had to take the same stats as the math majors did, because that was all the school offered. If I had not taken time and actually learned math, I would have failed. Today we have IV pumps that will figure a drip rate for you, such as mcg/kg/min type drips. When I went to school, we did not have that luxury, and I didn't have pumps that did math for you until the last 10 years or so. The way healthcare is going, and a lot of hospitals are broke, you might not have that luxury, either. Better to just learn math; it will make you entire life easier. Good luck.
Yes, this is all so true! I was just talking with my S.O. yesterday about how difficult math was for me until my first year of college, when I finally realized that it was my whole mindset toward math that was holding me back. I didn't think I could get it... so I didn't. When I changed that and started actually applying myself and working toward proficiency on a daily basis it was like a total 180. I was able to connect the dots between these problems and real life situations and it made it even easier. Plus I've found that college math courses are even easier to get help in than in high school. I dunno about you, but I know my high school math teachers were largely unable (in some cases even entirely unwilling...) to help struggling students. Not so in college. Plus I think you're even able to connect with your peers even more, and they're an invaluable resource as well.
Devin, I hope you don't give up. I definitely understand and know well the panic you're feeling over possibly not being able to fit with the course plan you have set. I went through that twice already in a different associate's program. But trust me... if you rush trying to understand the math and end up with little firm knowledge of it you're going to have a hard time with your pre-reqs like chemistry and especially in your core courses. Make sure you have a good basis so you can do your very best! If the RN program is what you really want to do, you'll do what you need to to make it happen. :)
Not trying to sound mean, but I mean I don't have time to cram anything when I will be taking my test soon. I just need the answer to my question I posted please.
Ok....but WHAT is the question?? There are many statements, but not one question. Here's your post:
So I recently have decided to go on an become an RN, I will be going for my associates degree. Now I read online that math competency is a requirement, I will be enrolling in Tarrant County Community College in Fort Worth. Well anyways it states on the website that I have to take a test to determine if I am TSI ready for anything, now I have taken an accuplacer before in my hometown and was not TSI met for the math portion, I know for a pure simple fact that I will not pass the math portion, and I am worried that I will be in school for like 4 years if I have to do remedial math, just to get myself caught up to get college ready, and this is supposed to be a 2 year program If I have to take remedial math, would that prolong my 3 years I had planned to be in school. I was thinking that maybe I could get my pre reqs done in a year, but with this math blunder, now I am scared that it will take me that much longer to complete my basics and actually reach my goal. I am only 20 years old, about to be 21 and have been working as an aide since I was 16, I am ready to go to school to be a nurse but again, this remedial math thing is what has me worried that it will prolong me reaching my goal. :'(
What IS your question?
You don't want to cram, I totally understand. You want to make sure you learn the material. But that might just take you time; no one can magically make you learn faster. It WILL take time. You sound panicked in your post, you seem like if you don't do this in 2 years, that's some kind of automatic dead-end. It isn't. Most people take longer than 2 years to complete an ADN for a variety of reasons. Frankly, it might not just be math that keeps you going to school longer; you might find that you need more English coursework, or other sciences. Depends on the program, but the BEST advice I can give you is to RELAX!
Take the time that you need to learn the material. Take the time that is needed to not just pass the pre-reqs, but pass WELL: competition into nursing programs is high, and the better your grades, the better your chances of success overall. Don't rush it. There's enough stress in nursing programs all on their own without you killing yourself further, don't make it tougher on yourself than it has to be.
Ok....but WHAT is the question?? There are many statements, but not one question. Here's your post:
What IS your question?
You don't want to cram, I totally understand. You want to make sure you learn the material. But that might just take you time; no one can magically make you learn faster. It WILL take time. You sound panicked in your post, you seem like if you don't do this in 2 years, that's some kind of automatic dead-end. It isn't. Most people take longer than 2 years to complete an ADN for a variety of reasons. Frankly, it might not just be math that keeps you going to school longer; you might find that you need more English coursework, or other sciences. Depends on the program, but the BEST advice I can give you is to RELAX!
Take the time that you need to learn the material. Take the time that is needed to not just pass the pre-reqs, but pass WELL: competition into nursing programs is high, and the better your grades, the better your chances of success overall. Don't rush it. There's enough stress in nursing programs all on their own without you killing yourself further, don't make it tougher on yourself than it has to be.
Well, his question was:
If I have to take remedial math, would that prolong my 3 years I had planned to be in school.
And the answer is a resounding "maybe" but that it shouldn't matter if being a nurse is your dream. If you are passionate about something you will do everything you can to get there and succeed, even if it means that you have to take a remedial math course or two. But there are always resources that are out there, online and in person, that can help tremendously with these kinds of things. Your teachers want you to succeed, so don't ignore them as a potential resource! Use their knowledge, ask questions, and make sure you can understand the concepts because they WILL be used in your future career in some way.
I get the panic. As someone who has experienced that kind of dread that is associated with not adhering to the "life plan" you've set for yourself, it's hard to imagine any setbacks not resulting in some kind of crisis, even though it isn't as bad as it may seem at the start. But that alone is enough to make someone depressed and it can be very hard to get out of that rut. My advice for people who are suffering from anxiety about their "life plan" is to practice some form of meditation, maybe clear your mind when you feel like the negative thoughts are piling up. It helps to keep things in perspective. Leave long term goals at an open-ended date and yes... relax.
Yes, this is all so true! I was just talking with my S.O. yesterday about how difficult math was for me until my first year of college, when I finally realized that it was my whole mindset toward math that was holding me back. I didn't think I could get it... so I didn't. When I changed that and started actually applying myself and working toward proficiency on a daily basis it was like a total 180. I was able to connect the dots between these problems and real life situations and it made it even easier. Plus I've found that college math courses are even easier to get help in than in high school. I dunno about you, but I know my high school math teachers were largely unable (in some cases even entirely unwilling...) to help struggling students. Not so in college. Plus I think you're even able to connect with your peers even more, and they're an invaluable resource as well.
Devin, I hope you don't give up. I definitely understand and know well the panic you're feeling over possibly not being able to fit with the course plan you have set. I went through that twice already in a different associate's program. But trust me... if you rush trying to understand the math and end up with little firm knowledge of it you're going to have a hard time with your pre-reqs like chemistry and especially in your core courses. Make sure you have a good basis so you can do your very best! If the RN program is what you really want to do, you'll do what you need to to make it happen. :)
I found the part about teachers especially true. I struggled with math. All of my math teachers in elementary, middle, and high school (with the exception of one) told me I was terrible at math and made me feel like an idiot. Needless to say, I don't miss high school at all. My pre-cal teacher during my senior year of high school was also the football and wrestling coach. He'd frequently tell me and other students that he "couldn't help after school" because he had football or wrestling practice.
Then I got to college and took Introduction to Math Modeling (which is basically algebra) and got an A. Not only are college professors FAR better teachers (my opinion, sorry if I'm stepping on any toes), but they are much more willing and able to help students.
The trick to math is practice, practice, and more practice. You'll get it.
Yes, it may throw a wrench in your plan, BUT that is okay. Many of us had to claw our way through remedial math. I did! Started at pre-algebra and worked my way through to statistics and received all A's with a ton of dedication. At first the mountain appeared SO tall, and I doubted if I could even do it, but I knew there was no easy way around it and just went for it. It all went by so fast, and believe me, I am a lot older than you are. I am now finishing up my last couple science(s) and extremely grateful that I stuck with the math portion of my journey and so happy I really felt it was important enough to learn as much as I could.
And the answer is a resounding "maybe" but that it shouldn't matter if being a nurse is your dream. If you are passionate about something you will do everything you can to get there and succeed, even if it means that you have to take a remedial math course or two. But there are always resources that are out there, online and in person, that can help tremendously with these kinds of things. Your teachers want you to succeed, so don't ignore them as a potential resource! Use their knowledge, ask questions, and make sure you can understand the concepts because they WILL be used in your future career in some way.
I get the panic. As someone who has experienced that kind of dread that is associated with not adhering to the "life plan" you've set for yourself, it's hard to imagine any setbacks not resulting in some kind of crisis, even though it isn't as bad as it may seem at the start. But that alone is enough to make someone depressed and it can be very hard to get out of that rut. My advice for people who are suffering from anxiety about their "life plan" is to practice some form of meditation, maybe clear your mind when you feel like the negative thoughts are piling up. It helps to keep things in perspective. Leave long term goals at an open-ended date and yes... relax.
Wow, thanks for FINDING the question! :) I swear, I read through it twice, and that phrase looked more like "out loud thinking" than an actual question. But I'm sure you're right.
I'm also sure that the OP needs to just DO what needs to be done, regardless of whether it adds time to the overall period of time it will ultimately take to achieve the degree (as you and others have said).
What was it Nemo's friend said in the movie....Keep on Swimmin'...? :)
If I have to take remedial math, would that prolong my 3 years I had planned to be in school. I was thinking that maybe I could get my pre reqs done in a year, but with this math blunder, now I am scared that it will take me that much longer to complete my basics and actually reach my goal. I am only 20 years old, about to be 21 and have been working as an aide since I was 16, I am ready to go to school to be a nurse but again, this remedial math thing is what has me worried that it will prolong me reaching my goal. :'(
RunBabyRN
3,677 Posts
Delaying your math this long may have set you back. People gave you advice for fast cramming, and you brushed it off. I'm not sure what more you expect. But you need to be reasonably good at math to calculate dosages, and if you're going for your BSN, you'll need statistics. I put off math as well, and I had to buckle down and just DO it in order to be eligible to graduate and to get into my program. That's just reality. You need to accept where you are and recognize that you may have set yourself back. Your path may take longer than you'd planned. If you can take time to study before you take this test, you may be able to save yourself a semester or two. Hopefully you'll do better than expected, and all of this worry will be for nothing, but if you tell yourself you're going to do poorly, you're going to do poorly. Prep as best you can. Good luck!