I have wanted to be a nurse ever since I can remember. I am now 27yrs old with no college at all. I have 2 kids and have decided to make my dream come true. Well I went to the community college today just expecting to sign up for classes. Well let me first say I had to take a placement test which I need 3 math and 2 english classes to get to college level. I also cannot get into the LPN program till Fall of 2007. The community college also doesnt offer Student Loans. So now I am stuck wondering how on earth to pay for all of this. I dont qualify for any financial aid. The school also doesnt except Federal Student Loans. I just dont know what to do.. I am in Bloomington Illinois and dont know of any other school that I can do this at. I guess my dreams are being crushed and I dont know where to go from here.
Sorry for the depressing post I just needed to get it off my shoulder.
Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.
it would be one thing if schools had a math class specificly for health professionals that replaced the college algebra requirment. there is no way you will use all this knowledge of rational or piecewise functions or quadratics to help your patients (unless it's with their homework). when was the last time you took at temp and the patient said "well whats my temp" and you said "well hold on a min i've got to apply it to the quadratic formula then solve solve for x." the chances of me using the stuff i learned in college algebra is slim. however, the information i learned in intermediate algebra is very useful, linear equations ,two variable equations things like that.... a lot of great potential nurses are held back by things like this.
posted by 1tulip "and maybe i'm just a cranky old nurse... but i think it's important to be competent with algebra if you're going to be responsible for medicating patients and running iv's. so take the math classes to improve your comfort zone in the future. i have taught in nursing schools and have noticed that students sweat anything remotely mathmatical. ("this won't be on the exam will it???") if you take these courses now, you won't have to deal with this sort of anxiety and can focus on learning how to care for patients.
Specializes in jack of all trades, master of none.
Congrats on obtaining the loan. Now buckle down, study hard, & get those pre-reqs out of the way...
I HIGHLY recommend trying to get into a CNA program. It really is helpful to be a CNA first, before nursing school. That way, you are not completely freaked out for that first day of clinicals & have some of the bare bones basics out of the way, bathing, vitals, etc. You will feel much more confident when it is time to enter your nursing program.
I was in the same boat as far as co and pre-requisites. I thought that I could just sign up for nursing classes. Boy, was I discouraged. I waited a while and got over the disappointment. A few years later, I started from the bottom. I had been out of high school for 20 years and didn't remember a lot of the math. I started out in a basic math class and worked my way up to college algebra. I got all "A's". There's something to be said for the seasoned student! Anyway, I took care of all the prerequisites. I got accepted in the nursing programs at the local community college and the local university. After speaking with many friends that are nurses (both AA and BSN), they all strongly suggested that I go to the university. I followed their advise. I ended up graduating magna cum laude. By the way, at the time, I had 5 children at home. If I can do it, you can too! Please don't be discouraged. It can be done, and you can do it!
make sure you check your local hospitals to see if you can work there part time while attending school. They may have a tuition reimbursement program you can get into.
This is what is going to make my BSN easier on the budget.
Ok, now listen to me . 12 years ago I started college and tried then to get into the nursing program (RN). I was told the same thing I needed to take deveopmental classes. I want you to know I just finished thoses classes yesterday. In Texas college students have to take the once TASP now THEA which contains math, reading and writting sections. All must be passed before graduating or in some places being accepted into programs. I have to hold the record for taking this test at least 15 times at 29 dollars a pop. UGGGGGG I hated this. I had to buckle down and set my mind toward getting past this. I would drop out because it was stupid and I just wanted to be a nurse. I am about to go into college algebra and cant wait to get it over. It is a major accomplishment for me... 12 years of waiting and crying. While everyone else was getting in nursing school I was wiping tears and filling out my next THEA registration form. I applied to nursing school and got in on the condition I would pass these classes and be exempt from this test ,and I did. My point here is you may be required to take these classes But dont look at it as a step backward . Embrace the experience of learning something new and consider it a open door to your future. Dont be like me drop it, take it, drop it ,take it.... You will be a nurse and you may have to take the long road but it will pay off. Be focused and determined . Good luck to you
txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN
4,373 Posts
it would be one thing if schools had a math class specificly for health professionals that replaced the college algebra requirment. there is no way you will use all this knowledge of rational or piecewise functions or quadratics to help your patients (unless it's with their homework). when was the last time you took at temp and the patient said "well whats my temp" and you said "well hold on a min i've got to apply it to the quadratic formula then solve solve for x." the chances of me using the stuff i learned in college algebra is slim. however, the information i learned in intermediate algebra is very useful, linear equations ,two variable equations things like that.... a lot of great potential nurses are held back by things like this.
posted by 1tulip "and maybe i'm just a cranky old nurse... but i think it's important to be competent with algebra if you're going to be responsible for medicating patients and running iv's. so take the math classes to improve your comfort zone in the future. i have taught in nursing schools and have noticed that students sweat anything remotely mathmatical. ("this won't be on the exam will it???") if you take these courses now, you won't have to deal with this sort of anxiety and can focus on learning how to care for patients.