Scared to death of failing school for LPN!!!

[rdy2go]

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:

[ari3sdog]

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

The best technique is...not to memorize..but to understand the concept of nursing.

[caliotter3]

I've seen several community college math offerings that start with developmental courses where you can basically start at the beginning and work your way forward. Some will even start with a class called arithmetic. They go back to the high school level and even junior high. Some of them also break down elementary and intermediate algebra into two (and even three) different classes, going at a slower rate. Look around for one of these schools and take the advice offered by others to get some books on basic math and nursing drug calculation books and start to practice on your own. Nursing really has very few formulas that are used. Once you learn those, you are good to go in nursing. It is getting through the algebra class that is prerequisite to nursing school that is the tough part. But if you look around for these developmental courses, you can do it. Also, you can always hire a tutor. You can probably find a math tutor for a reasonable fee at any college. Good luck. Don't stop from trying. You can do it.

[AZO49008]

A lot of community colleges, especially ones offering programs in allied health, offer specific classes in health careers math. The class may or may not be a requirement for certain programs. For instance, for the surg tech program at my local community college, health careers math is required, but for nursing it's not (can't figure that one out), although it's "strongly encouraged".

I would suggest enrolling in such a class if you can find a place that offers it. And DON'T let your "math phobia" stop you from pursuingyour goal. If you know it's a weak spot, just make sure to get extra help. I took finite math and probability & statistics while several years ago, but still took the health careers math and I'm glad I did. The math was essentially easy, but the problems are approached a different way.

Relax....you'll do fine.