Starting school in Fall-Scared of Chem/Math!

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello Everyone,

I'm a 35 y/o Artist and I'm going to be going back to school in the fall to start the prerequisites and work my way towards entering a Nursing Program.

I'm very nervous though about my ability (or lack thereof) when it comes to Math and Chemistry. Both are my biggest weak area's. I did take Chem 100 about 10 years ago in college and failed :crying2: It was SO hard! I had my tape recorder and took tons of notes. But almost all of us in the class were so lost it was just pathetic. I, along with most of my classmates just never caught on to most things the instructor was trying to teach us. Not to mention he went lightning fast so it was very hard to keep up (thus, the need for the tape recorder).

Then there's math. Algerbra is like a foriegn language to me. Give me something past division and percents and I'm pretty much in uncharted territory. (Someone's probably out there thinking oh man, she's in real trouble LOL!)

Can anyone offer advice that may help me in these area's? Has anyone got help through a tutor while taking these classes? Any study tips that have helped you catch on? I know I'm going to need all the help I can get in these two subjects. English Comp, Creative Writing, Social Studies, Psychology, etc...all those I'm pretty good at and have a lot of confidence that I can get through those and get at least a passing grade. But not sure at all about Chem and Math.

Thank you,

K

Specializes in NICU.

I feel so much for you - mostly because I know just what you are feeling! I actually am switching majors (going from a Bachelor's of Science in Human Services to a pre-nursing student) and had just finished up my first yr. of core classes before I decided to make this change (which is too bad because I took a lot of classes I didn't need and now need classes I didn't take - go figure).

Anyway, part of my core class requirements were Algebra I & II which I was deathly afraid of (have struggled with math all of my life). However, I have found that as I have aged (I am a 26 yr. old working mother of two and wife, so have been out of the learning environment a while myself), apparently my brain has too. :) I was so afraid that I wouldn't be able to even pass those classes, let alone worry about GPA. Once I got started, I found out that it wasn't nearly as bad as I had led myself to believe and something amazing happened - not only did I care about passing, but I also started caring about the grade because I found out (much to my utter surprise) that I actually COULD do it! Anyway, I ended up getting an A- in both classes and was overcome with joy. My point - just because you have struggled with math (or chemistry for that matter) doesn't mean that you can't do it. Don't get me wrong, I had to spend a lot of extra time and hard work on these classes to pull of that grade, but the important part is that it IS possible, even when you fear from the depths of your soul that you won't be able to do it.

My best advice - don't panic & take it slow. If you don't understand one step, spend more time on it until you figure it out. These type of classes are building blocks and if you miss one step, that is where you will get into trouble, so make sure you understand things and if you don't - ask, ask, ask. And when they say there is no such thing as a stupid question, take it to heart - a teacher would rather you ask millions of questions that you seem are silly than they would flunk you because you didn't ask (trust me, I am the daughter of a teacher).

You will do just fine.

I will be starting A&P I and Human Growth & Development this fall - so I look forward on leaning on all of you for support & frustration as well. :) I am scared about these classes myself, but I think that as long as we all stick together, we will make it! Good luck & enjoy the summer!

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Good luck w/ your classes.

I spent my entire first degree avoiding chem/bio/math - rec'd a BA.

When I started pre-req's, I was determined to do it right. Read ahead, sat up front, kept up w/ studies...dialog w/ professor. Surprise... A+. Since then I have had an additional 14 hours of straight chem, all A's. Bio is the same.

I think there is an advantage to being an "older" student - just keep up w/ assignments, and if something is not clear, ask the prof right away... don't let yourself get behind.

You can do it!

SJ

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

I agree with trying to take the math first and then the Chemistry. I took them both together and now realized I could have done alot better in Chemistry if I knew the math before jumping in to Chemisty. Still managed to pull a very decent grade but I know I should have taken math first even if it meant delaying a semester.

Good Luck,

Jessica

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I'm in a very similar boat as many of you. I just started Chemistry yesterday, and I'm feeling a little nervous about it. When I first went to class yesterday though, I was sick to my stomach I was so nervous! My instructor turned out to be really nice (and cute too!), and the class is packed full of women wanting to go into nursing. It's kinda tough sitting in a room with all of my competition, but I'm glad that it's mainly women. The last time I took science classes was in high school and I remember hating it so much because the guys in the class were always so aggressive and intimidating that I found it hard to learn. My lab partner is also going for nursing, but she's more lost and confused than I am! I was frustrated at first, but now I'm glad because it's going to force me to learn everything and I won't be able to lean on my lab partner to guide me through the course. I've decided I'm just going to jump in with both feet, and not even give myself the option to fail or even recieve a grade below a B. Keep telling yourself you can do it, and once you actually get there you will see that you can do it! Good luck to everyone!!!

Aubrey

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Specializes in Med/Surg, School and Correctional.

The Nursing School director at my college suggested taking Physical Science/Chemistry, which is offered here. She said this is the least of the 2 evils when taking Chemistry, since it can be very difficult.

I am thrilled the Nursing School does not require Micro, whcih I have been told can be quite intimidating.

I took intermediate algebra last semester-in a class of 70- and had a wonderful teacher. I was petrified I would not pass the class and our homework was all web-based so when we were finished we just cliked to submit it. I ended up getting a C in the class and was thrilled, so many people failed it, some for the sencond time :uhoh3:

The key to my success was to not fall behind and study, study, study. If you do not understand something ask and use a math lab or tutor if either is available.

Good luck...

Amy

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Ask other students who are taking these classes what they think about their professors. We have all had teachers in high school and college that we loved. Its usually because they have a true passion for the subject and make an extra effort to share the info with their students. See who has lots of office hours and take advantage of it. I am 29 now and boy, do I wish I asked around to see what some of my professors were like before I signed up for their classes! (I got my degree in Environmental Science so it was loaded with upper level chem, bio, math, and engineering clases)

If the teacher was poor, the class will be a real chore. We had a physics TA from Asia who's english was not very good at all. Every day was a struggle, not only for the students but also for the TA. You could tell he really knew the information and really wanted to help students out but was not able to effectively communicate and teach the info. What a disaster!

Also, dont forget the "Idiots guides" books that you can find everywhere (You know, the ones with the bright school bus yellow covers). Go to a bookstore (B+N, Borders, etc.) and peruse the science aisles. There are lots of books out there that have different approaches and simplify concepts you need to know. My husband recently bought and mailed his Aunt (49, going back to get her BSN) a cartoon guide to statistics. I looked through the thing before he mailed it and it was great!

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I, too, am going back to college in pursuit of a BSN this fall (former teaching student). I have always been a better student of the arts and humanities...but found the "Math Smart" guides to be extremely helpful. I studied the first "Math Smart" book last summer before taking a Pre-Algebra class and I did really well. The are very helpful because they explained things in a way that I could understand them. For the first time ever; I actually "got" math and it became more like a game or a puzzle for me. (Helps that I had an outstanding professor!)

Good luck!

(...Now if I can just find a way to tackle my fear of Statistics. :uhoh21: )

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