Should I still pursue Nursing as a career even if I'm not excellent in math?

nursingstudentCSU · Mar 15, 2012

If you really want to do nursing, go for it! Don't let anything or anyone put your dreams down! I'm not superb at math either. However, my college only requires one prerequisite math and I'm sure your professors will help you once it gets time to calculate dosages and such. Never give up on your dreams, just keep pushing yourself forward! Good luck :)

CDEWannaBe · Mar 15, 2012

Find different ways to learn the material, maybe work with a tutor or get "Algebra for Dummies" and the workbook. I got a D in college algebra many years ago, but learned the material well when studying on my own to CLEP out of the class. Figure out what works for you. Since you only have a C in Intermediate algebra, it's best to put some time into really mastering the material before the fall.

almarn · Mar 16, 2012

If you really want to be a nurse, then go for it. The most difficult math you'll encounter in nursing is while you are a student. Once you become a nurse, you'll find that you won't need those very complicated calculations.As a nurse, you need math to calculate your IV fluids but hospitals now use IV pumps . Just enter the given numbers and you will have the answer. Of course it's still very important that you know how to calculate them yourself. For the meantime,try to stop thinking that math is hard. I used to think that way but somebody told me to look at math problems with an open mind.From that time on, math has become very interesting to me. Know that the solution to any math problem is in the question itself. You can d it.

Sarah812 · Mar 16, 2012

Yes, because I am in the same situation. My school only requires basic math. I tested out of algebra for some reason but not the basic. You can get through it as everyone else that is bad at math can!

Tricia76 · Mar 16, 2012

I am in college algebra now and it is hard so I know how you feel. I am not good in math at all. But I don't want it to stop me from becoming a nurse.

Wyrm74 · Mar 20, 2012

The key to advanced math courses is to practice! I failed college algebra the first time through school. When I went back to school in 2010, I tested into beginning algebra. I didn't want to do it, but I had to. I buckled down and LIVED algebra for that 5 weeks of Summer I! I got a B, although the grade is irrelevant because I only had to pass to move on to intermediate algebra. I also got a B in intermediate algebra the following summer semester, and that set me up for college algebra. I thought "Oh boy, here is where my dreams of nursing school all go to hell. I'll never pass college algebra!" Well, I practiced. After that, I practiced. When I was finished with that, I practiced. Following that, I practiced even more. Guess what? I got an A in college algebra! I always thought I was poor at math. As it turns out, I wasn't at all. I would just not get something at first glance, become frustrated, and give up. Well, when I stopped doing that and gave it everything I had I could do it...and do it well! You too can do it, but you must commit yourself fully to the class, NO excuses. If you can do that, you will conquer! By the way, I start nursing school this fall...good luck!

Hoosier69 · Apr 1, 2012

I'm not a math whiz but am pursuing nursing. It's difficult having confidence in oneself, but confidence is one of the most important factors in doing anything in life. I find khanacademy.org to be helpful. There is no such thing as 'too much math practice.' LOL I can't get it in one try, either. Good luck w/your schooling!

ginna121 · Apr 1, 2012

I always had a hard time in math in high school and now years later Im going to college and am taking beginning Algebra and have an A. It is possible to do well in a subject you struggle with. Just stay relaxed. Go to tutoring and ask the teacher for help after class if needed. These are the things that worked for me. But don't let ANY class stand between you and your dream:) Goodluck!!

brenay · May 4, 2012

Sorry I am so late replying! School has worn me out! YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION!!! You have no idea how much your post has inspired me! I too started out in Beginning Alegbra and received a B. I just completed Intermediate Algebra and got an C. I start College Algebra in the fall. I know I can do it! And knowing that you got into nursing school and your situation is just like mine, lets me know I can do it. I always knew that in order for me to understand math, I had to go over problems over and over and over and over again! I WILL get an A out of College Algebra in the fall! Thank you so much Wyrm74!!!

brenay · May 4, 2012

Thank you all for your advice!!!! All of you have motivated me tremendously!!!

shay&lynn, ASN, RN · May 10, 2012

Should I still pursue Nursing as a career even if I'm not excellent in math? YES!! math must not be anyone's friend! i just responded to another post made by someone who also struggles with math.

just a little bit about my 'past math experiences'...i started having issues with math in the fifth grade all the way thru my senior year. i was the student that came in early, stayed after late and had a tutor...

fast foward to college - i have taken 3 math classes thus far and have gotten a B in one and an A in the other two. i am signed up for the fall semester to take yet another math class as well. i just finished out this semester taking an elective called 'drug calculation' which as all math. i finished that class with a B. this semester and every semester, in the nursing program, we have to take math exams, should we not pass, we are not able to go to clinicals for that week. we have two attempts to pass or we are dropped from the class - YIKES! our first math exam for first semester was at the end of the semester [4 weeks before the end] because we had to take an entrance exam which included math. i worked very hard on this math exam that we took and scored a 100% ... i continuously went over problems again and again. math was my best friend for 2 weeks!

at my college, we have an awesome lab staff in the RN lab that will assist you in anything from nursing skills to math...we also have a math lab on college that is walk in...they are always willing to assist as well.

best of luck! we got this math!