Chemistry is not required for the ASN program I am applying for, however if I (and I plan to) go further and get my BSN I will need to take Chemistry or a Biology series.
My question: would it be beneficial to take chemistry? Helpful for my upcoming A&P classes, my micorbiolgy classes? Helpful for my TEAS exam? Helpful for nursing in general?
I didn't take Chemistry in highschool, and I'm not excited about taking it. I do want to do what is best, and if it would be beneficial for my future coursework, testing, and nursing school then I'll take it.
Take chemistry, if only so that you learn how to do dimensional analysis, the only sane way to do med calculations.
You know, I took 2 semesters of Chem and never learned dimensional analysis. I saw other people using it in nursing school, but I was always pretty good in algebra so I never bothered to learn (and it was complete gibberish to me).
Then when I started tutoring, I made my husband (a computer engineer) teach me how to do it, and was amazed at how easy it was once I understood it. So even if your chem class doesn't teach it (or if you decide not to take it), make sure you do learn dimensional analysis!! :)
OK these are the other chemistry courses, but it looks like it would be best to take the survey ones first. There are other courses as well, but they all have higher chem pre-req's.
I also looked into the college I hope to get into and the survey chem courses from this college do transfer for the BSN. So I'm hoping they will be adequate.
CHEM 1211 - Principles of Chemistry I
The first course in a two-semester sequence covering the fundamental principles and applications of modern chemistry for science majors. Topics to be covered include the composition of matter, stoichoimetry, periodic relations, nomemclature, states of matter, acid-base concepts, kinetics, thermochemistry, electrochemistry, and equilibrium.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: READ 0099 and MATH 1111 or equivalent. Corequisite: CHEM 1211L. Students who have not had high school chemistry are encouraged to take CHEM 1151 before CHEM 1211.
The second course of a two-semester sequence covering the fundamental principles and applications of modern chemistry for science majors.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in CHEM 1211 and MATH 1111 or equivalent. Corequisite: CHEM 1212L.
Dimensional Analysis (DA) is just a fancy name for unit conversion....but yes do make sure to learn it (although I can't imagine a chem class that doesn't cover it). I completely agree....it is the easiest way by far to do drug calculations. No formulas to memorize, just use DA.
As far as which classes to take...the first two (the 100 levels) should meet your need for what you'll need in nursing school. The second ones (the 200 level ones) look like a year of general chemistry. This would be the chemistry that science majors would take before taking a year of organic chemistry. Some very good information which would certainly be helpful (and will absolutely cement your DA skills.....but likely more than you would need for nursing school.
Don't be freaked about chemistry (especially if you do the first set of classes). It definitely takes some work, but if you put the time in, it's very learn-able. As with many sciences....if you get stuck on a concept at the beginning...get help fast! Everything builds on each other, if you miss a basic concept in the beginning you'll struggle the rest of the year. Check out if your CC has a science resource/tutoring center to help you out. If so, spend a lot of time there!
Thanks for the encouragement. I'm a 35 yr old mother of 5 who did awful in math and science in highschool. I'm a first time college student and started out very nervous. I made 100's on almost every Algebra test, so I'm feeling a bit better...at least with math. Haven't done any sciences yet, but I SOOOO desire to be a nurse and will do whatever it takes to study hard and make good grades!
Had to visit a specialist for my husband's eyes today, as I sat there I found myself dreaming about the day I can wear scrubs to work. LOL!
I do want to do what is best, and if it would be beneficial for my future coursework, testing, and nursing school then I'll take it.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Taking chemistry, (and doing well in it) is essential for your future coursework, testing, and nursing school.
I remember sitting next to a young student in chemistry class who exclaimed, "Oh, this is all BS. I don't need to know any of this - I'm going to be a nurse!"
A friend leaned over to me and said, "I hope she isn't MY nurse!"
I highly doubt anyone will ever have to worry about that.
Taking chemistry, (and doing well in it) is essential for your future coursework, testing, and nursing school.
I remember sitting next to a young student in chemistry class who exclaimed, "Oh, this is all BS. I don't need to know any of this - I'm going to be a nurse!"
A friend leaned over to me and said, "I hope she isn't MY nurse!"
I highly doubt anyone will ever have to worry about that.
Agreed! Unfortunately I have also heard students say similar things about A&P...like they need to do just enough to pass, then can 'data dump' the info out of their brain...hmmm...
Thanks for the encouragement. I'm a 35 yr old mother of 5 who did awful in math and science in highschool. I'm a first time college student and started out very nervous. I made 100's on almost every Algebra test, so I'm feeling a bit better...at least with math. Haven't done any sciences yet, but I SOOOO desire to be a nurse and will do whatever it takes to study hard and make good grades!
Good for you! And with an attitude like that, I know you'll make it.
Be careful labeling yourself as 'bad at math/science.' I have yet to hear an MD or NP deliver a baby and say "wow, he's good at math!!" I think a lot of nursing students are guilty of labeling themselves as bad at math, instead of try to improve. It is a skill that can be learned (or relearned) as you've already discovered. Stay positive!
You are right...I don't want to label myself bad at math/science I really don't think I'm bad at math...just a little insecure because its been so long! I'll feel much better about science once I actually get in there and start taking the classes. I'm kind of scared of the unknown...but looking forward to the challenge!
I SOOOO want to be a nurse, and will study my butt off!!!
I think a lot of nursing students are guilty of labeling themselves as bad at math, instead of try to improve. It is a skill that can be learned (or relearned) as you've already discovered. Stay positive!
DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN
1,565 Posts
I was very glad I had taken chemistry before nursing school.
The chemistry required for TEAS is extremely low level chemistry