Seriousely,do you even use algebraic equations ?

Nurses General Nursing

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UK2USA

146 Posts

Specializes in Paed Ortho, PICU, CTICU, Paeds Retrieval.

Nurse JaneDough says:

I thought, why do they enforce this crap?

Well, if you are doing any work within the paediatric population (sorry, English spelling) you soon learn that basic algebra is a part of every single drug that you prepare and administer. If this is your weak subject then get some help, it will become easier - and it is essential.

Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

Oh yes, you will need it for drips and esp. in peds!

mitchsmom

1,907 Posts

Specializes in OB, lactation.

(I'm still a nursing student)... my husband is a medevac pilot and we have discussed what jobs actually use math and he says the crew uses it all the time (they carry nurses and paramedics), and he also uses it as a pilot (not graphing parabolas and whatnot but all kinds of time/distance/fuel, etc. equations). In my first career as a teacher I can honestly say I never used math except in figuring grades, which was pretty simple unless you made up some complicated grading system which I would never do. :)

PS- liltrina0707, I think a lot of pilots use slope!! For figuring what angle they need to descend at to land, etc. Although a lot of it may be done by instruments these days. I'm not sure if my dh uses that in particular or not... he doesn't really have to since he can hover ;) But I'm sure he has used it in fixed wing flying in the past.

suzanne4, RN

26,410 Posts

You use math on a daily basis when working critical care areas. No way around it.....................

Trauma Columnist

traumaRUs, MSN, APRN

88 Articles; 21,249 Posts

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I just had to add my $0.02 worth here, though my palms are sweaty as I write this. For my BSN-completion, I had to take two math classes - elementary algebra (which was really, really hard) and intermediate algebra (almost impossible). I've been a nurse for 12 years and no, no, no I don't use algebraic equations (can hardly spell it). However, I do use ratio/per cent daily. THe important thing is knowing how to calculate drug doses and where to go for expert help. GOod luck - you can do it.

smk1, LPN

2,195 Posts

just wondering if anyone would care to put out an equation or problem that they have recently used or a common one? I know i am not the only student out there who is concerned about what everybody's opinion of "basic" algebra is! (if i have to factor polynomials and complete the square and other crap everyday I will go nuts!) So if anyone can think of a common type of equation and example to set our student minds at ease a bit that would be great!

jayna, RN

269 Posts

HATe math but When i did the claculations am not that bad :uhoh21: :uhoh21:

Used algebra often its part of me in everyday life.

LydiaNN

2,756 Posts

Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

I would say that I have used high school level algebra from time to time in previous nursing jobs, but I wasn't required to take college algebra to get my degree and I don't think not taking it has hurt my career in any way. I fulfilled my Math requirement by taking Logic, which at many colleges is a philosophy course, but at my school counted as a Math course (thank God!)

mattsmom81

4,516 Posts

Other than setting up some basic ratios to calculate dosages, etc, no.

mattsmom81

4,516 Posts

:uhoh21: posted twice for some unknown reason

pnurseuwm

161 Posts

I'm not a nurse yet (I'll be entering nursing school this fall), but I've looked through some of those calculation books and it seems that basic math and conversion factors are the nuts and bolts of general nursing. I'd rather use algebra than calculus any day. I think the pre-meds have it worse. ALL of the doctors I've talked with say that they do NOT use calculus in their practices. Most pre-med advisors and med. school admissions boards say that "Calculus teaches you to THINK. You'll need these strong thought processes to succeed as a doctor." What a crock! Calc is usually just a weed-out class.... give me algebra ANY day! :rotfl:

Mimi2RN, ASN, RN

1,142 Posts

Specializes in NICU.

We use algebra for med doses, and I & O's and calorie counts. We do daily calorie counts, and with a baby on TPN, lipids, and just starting feedings, it's

quite complex. I do much better with a calculator!

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