Science Courses

Mami.RN, MSN, RN · May 6, 2015

Study, definitely watch Kahn Academy videos, make flash cards, and dont underestimate how much you need to dedicate time to study. Also got to school library and see if they have the anatomy models and name the parts. Good luck, you can do it.

studentih · May 6, 2015

Use notecards, those really helped me with studying for my science classes. I also found it helpful to read the chapter before the lecture to get a better idea of what I am learning and also to be able to ask any questions about the chapter that I didn't understand. One really helpful practice that I adopted this semester during my microbiology course, was voice recording the lecture. I just play the lecture back as I go through my notes and while I make note cards to study from, it helped me get information that I may have missed the first time. Definitely helped me do really well, also came in handy on those class nights where I am just to tired to concentrate lol

Good luck!

IH

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · May 6, 2015

If you're not keen on science, have you considered whether nursing is the right path for you? If nothing else, it may be a good idea to have a fallback plan just in case it doesn't work out. What is it about nursing that appeals to you? Chances are, there are other careers that would be just as fulfilling. For instance, if you like the idea of a 'helping' profession, the social sciences (Social Work, Counseling, etc) would also work.

Just a thought.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · May 6, 2015

You do need to become proficient in science. Nursing is a science. How cells work and stuff like osmolarity are important especially when giving fluids. Anatomy and Physiology is obviously very important also. There are different reasons why people were "bad" at science in high school. For me, I just didn't pay attention and wasn't into academics so my grades were not stellar. In college, I have been great at the sciences because it interests me and I pay attention.

Evaluate why you weren't good before. If you hate science, nursing may not be the career path for you. But if it is, find your study style and study, study, study. When applying to a program they are going to look at your science grades and in most schools you will need As because it is so competitive.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 6, 2015

If you have been out of school awhile, you might find that a different mindset and determination level approaching nursing school may give you a different result now than you had then.

In high school, algebra befuddled me. I tried, but it just didn't make sense (no matter how logical it was, it was NOT logical to me!). I barely got through it; Regents state-wide testing was a requirement and I needed to get through it. Killed myself, but I did :). Math in general was not a good subject for me, but...I got by.

My first college degree didn't require me to take higher-level math, so I was fine.

Fast-forward to the next time I was approaching college courses, more years than I'd care to remember later, LOL.....and there it was. I could take this math class or that one, but in the end: yessir, algebra was on the ticket. I sucked it up, figured I could get a tutor, do whatever was necessary. My dh is awesome in math, so....I knew I could manage.

Know what? I aced it. What had been confusing in the past suddenly became clear; what caused me hours of practice questions and still having wrong answers became a "no big deal". I actually ENJOYED the class I had hated!! And, yes indeed, *I* became a tutor :) As I moved on to what they called 'healthcare math' (dimensional analysis, etc etc) I not only did well...I LIKED it. Go figure.

So....if your story is similiar.....hang in there! If it's recent history for you, then yes evaluate what went wrong, and see if you might benefit from a little tutoring once things get going and you see if/where you have issues.

Good luck!

Jsjrin, ADN · May 9, 2015

Study! Study! Study! They use A&P to weed people out of the program. It weighs heavily in the decision making process. Find out what your learning style is. Me personally, note cards for A&P was too much! My book had online learning resources that were very helpful! I printed out tutorials, practice quizes and test, and also labeling sheets for lab. If nursing is what you really want to do, then do not be afraid! Do your best and you'll probably be surprised! It is very true that if you dont do well in the required sciences, the chances of getting in are none, you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. Good luck!

JessicaTarves, ADN, BSN · May 9, 2015

I wasn't great at science in highschool either. You can definitely do it. I took A&P 1 and 2 with out taking the "prerequisite" bio and Chen classes and did well. I just takes a lot of dedication, time, and hard work. But it can definitely be done! Good luck!

Kaytayxx · May 9, 2015

It depends on your learning style. I am a kinesthetic learner so I absorb material better when I get hands on with my education. I always drew pictures and created notes on important details that the professor really emphasized on and I would dig into my books and add more details to my notes. In summary my notes and pictures became my core study guide and by rewriting and drawing out everything I was able to retain the information better.

lovesbunnies · May 9, 2015

I didn't do well in my high school science classes, but that was because I was lazy and didn't pay attention. My attitude has changed a lot since then.

Don't miss class. Pay attention, take notes, and ask questions if you don't understand something. Befriend other dedicated classmates and study with them--this helped me a ton in A&P I. The khan academy videos are very helpful, and there is a YouTube channel called "interactive biology" that has good videos too.

LittleMeDreamsBig · May 9, 2015

Lots of people have given wonderful advice. My number one thing I tell the students I help with A&P is to set up your schedule with built in study times. That hour or so between classes? Spend it in the support centers on your campus. Support centers and free tutoring (whether it be tutoring or supplementary instruction) is so underused!! I tell everybody in all my classes, we pay tuition, we pay for these services- use them! So definitely ask the first day, what tools does my college provide for me to be successful in this course? Then use them! Good luck!