Scared to death of failing school for LPN!!!

philosophical · Nov 13, 2007

Hi,
I am 45 yrs. old and have never "gotten" math. I am planning on going back to school for the LPN first, then the RN. I am really terrified of the math part of it. I am really not good at math, but really want to be a nurse. Is this possible???? I haven't been in school for atleast 18yrs. I know basic math. Algebra is hard for me, but I think I can get it with some help. Do you think this is possible for me???
I appreciate your advise.:uhoh21:

Hi, I'm the same way- terrifed of algebra. My brain just seems to freeze up when I see a math problem. I just don't know where to begin most of the time. I asked a similar question on the board yesterday, and many of the nurses assured me the math is not very difficult. I recommend taking a developmental algebra course before starting your program so that you have the confidence to do it. Get as much help and tutoring as you need. It will get easier with repetition (so I've heard!) :) Good luck!

Rhonda

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2007

Of course. First you have to get over your math anxiety and your self-myth that you're no good in math. Math anxiety trips people up more than the actual math itself.

Good luck.

Glina · Nov 13, 2007

Please don't be afraid. I was in similar situation. Never liked the math in high school and I was barely passing then. I have been out of school for 13 years and I went back this summer. I took pre-algebra class during short summer session, and I am taking now algebra. I thought I would never say this, but, I like math now. I found it quit interesting, it's like solving a puzzle. Back in high school, I thought math was so boring. I guess my brain is working differently now )) I got an A in my pre-algebra class, and I will get an A in algebra as my tests are above 90%. Be confident, do your homework and ask for tutoring if there is a need.

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 13, 2007

You will do fine. If this is really what you want to do, do not I repeat do not let math phobia stand in your way.

You can do this!!!

NaomieRN · Nov 13, 2007

The math is not as bad as you think it is. I never got a math question wrong in any exam so far, I just follow a simple formula D/H.Q=amnt to give. All you have to do is plug in the numbers to the formula. I was never good in math either. In my opinion, the math in nursing is a lot easier than algebra. It is basic calculation of division, substraction, addition and multiplication. When you take the test, you have to read the questions carefully. Dont be afraid about the math, it is like 8th grade math. You will be fine. If you need help, go to tutoring at the school or go to class early and ask the instructor. Good luck to you!!!!

rdy2go · Nov 13, 2007

From rdy2go,

Thanks everyone for your support. I guess I'm just afraid of failing, and need to realize that I'm in a different place now in life, and that maybe if I just take it one day at a time and follow your advise I will do just fine.

I also want to know if anyone can tell me, do LPN's travel too like the RN's do??

Thank you!!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Nov 14, 2007

I am horrible in math, yet, I got an A in medical dosage math. They have several formulas, the deal is to pick the one you like and STICK with it.

luv4nursing · Nov 17, 2007

I was in the same boat a few years ago before I went to LPN school...scared I couldnt make the cut because I hated and was bad at math. Let me tell you, it wasnt bad at all. The class I feared most (pharmacology) was actually one of my highest grades and I graduated top of my class. It is super easy to catch on because there are a couple of formulas that will teach you how to work any problem you come across. If you ever have problems with it, please send me a message and Ill help you :) There is a triangle method we learned to use that I still use to this day, but I would have to draw it and scan it because I dont have a picture of it handy. But Im sure u will do fine!

Now Im getting ready to graduate the LPN to RN program in a few weeks and boy am I glad I didnt let my fear of math get in my way back then! :) Good luck!

ari3sdog · Nov 21, 2007

The only math formula I used in nursing is

Drug Order/Drug on hand x volume = how much to give.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Nov 22, 2007

I got an A- in pharmacology and because I had a bad instructor, I didn't learn a thing. She saw how the class was going and either gave group exams or an open book test. I didn't get a decent understanding of the drugs until I took an NCLEX pharmacology review test and had their materials to study from. (Graduated from a horrible program).

I would start by getting a medical dosage book from like a Barnes and Noble and begin practicing. It really isn't that bad!

suextwo · Nov 23, 2007

I got an A- in pharmacology and because I had a bad instructor, I didn't learn a thing. She saw how the class was going and either gave group exams or an open book test. I didn't get a decent understanding of the drugs until I took an NCLEX pharmacology review test and had their materials to study from. (Graduated from a horrible program).
I would start by getting a medical dosage book from like a Barnes and Noble and begin practicing. It really isn't that bad!

well sort of along the same lines - speaking of teachers - what is the hardest class out there? i'm really hoping someone says it's A&P! Basically we have to memorize the 1100 page book and the tests are incredibly difficult - first semester was fine - clear expectations - outlines... this semester = BRUTAL teacher. is this is the way it will be from on out (just accepted in LPN program starting in Jan.) i'm mean in terms of difficulty of material?? thanks