At precisely this time last year, after expressing my boredom with teaching, someone suggested I study nursing. I started out with one semester of requirements, loved it, and continued on to be accepted in the LPN program at our local Jr. College. I'm 52, and an Art/ESL teacher at the elementary level, but that was beside the point. Anyway yesterday morning, in Fundamentals class our teacher started a unit about anal tubes, catheters, and fecal impaction, oozing and other pretty stuff. Last week in clinicals I have to admit I was put off by my patient who didn't want to bathe. Hmm, then yesterday afternoon I miserably failed a practical, procedural test for changing a wet to dry wound. I REALLY messed up on that one. Then today I severely messed up on an exam in my Math for Meds class. I have made practically all A's, and high ones at that, up till now. Something about all those d*** GRAIN conversions, like 8 of those, if that wasn't enough, etc. etc. etc., then figuring them in to a ratio to find out how many milligrams to dose, well it was too much, so I just started guessing. Ok. I am beginning to feel like I won't be able to take care of people the way a nurse should, with the orgainzation, concentration & motivation to be THE BEST. But it has been fun, and I have learned so much. I think I feel called back to what I did so naturally, teaching, but at least I have tried to do something different, and it was enjoyable to meet all those new people and bond with the others in lab class. However bonding with fellow students, A's on written exams, do not a good nurse make.
I just feel embarassed in front of all my family and friends to have blabbed so much about nursing!!!!! :imbar And then no one likes to be called a quitter. Still I don't really want to spend any more time doing something which is not to my ability or inclination.
Any ideas for med math books I could order online? And thanks, Tommycher. Yes, I will view some of those videos too.
In nursing, as in all else we do, you will find areas of strength and weakness. Practice and study is always the key. The school library should have videos and extra information for you, good luck, and congratulations on trying something new!
Any ideas for med math books I could order online? And thanks, Tommycher. Yes, I will view some of those videos too.
In nursing, as in all else we do, you will find areas of strength and weakness. Practice and study is always the key. The school library should have videos and extra information for you, good luck, and congratulations on trying something new!
If it makes you feel any better, grains aren't normally used for conversions in the nursing field (when you are working). And it isn't often that you have to calculate dosaged, unless its an IV drip..and even then for the most part it's already on the MAR. I am terrible in math and i thought i was going to flunk Pharm. as soon as I walked in the door, but just concentrate on getting through this part..take it day by day..don't give up. School is hard..you'll do fine if you give it your best try!! This isn't to say that you should skim your way through the class..and barely pass, try getting a tutor and maybe your instructor can help you in spare time with the things that you don't understand..i'm sure you'll do just fine!! Hang in there!!
For dosages-Have you thought about a pharmacy tech book? I bought one off the net that's pretty good-"certification review for pharmacy technicians". It's detailed but the formulas are good and it discusses relevant information.
I also found the following internet sites that might help with dosage calculation:
I know just what you mean. I think a big part of the problem for us second career folks is that we were so well established and proficient in our first career that we expected to start off with the same level of proficiency in nursing school. It is discouraging when we can't meet our own high expectations! I was glad to see your post because I have been thinking the same thing. There are days (especially clinical days) when I question why I'm doing this, but at the same time, like you, I don't want to be a quitter. Let's just try to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel and try to hang in there. I don't know about you, but some of my days are terrific and others are the pits. (I guess that's normal in nursing school). Let's not let those bad days scare us away. Wow, I think I just motivated myself........ Thanks, Blondii!
Specializes in HH,private duty, ortho, hospice, ent,.
You know this is one of the hardest program out there. You really have to want this to get through it. You probably won't be doing very many anal tubes and enemas in the real world. If you are in this for the money, that is the wrong reason. The way I made it through was when the going got tough, I dug in even harder and vowed it would not get the best of me!I had two small children and was single and knew I had to do this for them. This will all seem very unorganized and will not make sense until your last semester, and then it will all start falling into place and start making sense. You won't be using grains a whole lot either.
Thanks for the link, Maggie. When I get through with this spate of tests I'll start on the sites.
And I am glad we could identify with each other on this subject, Diane. Sometimes it all seems like I'm in a foreign country and can't speak the language or assume their body talk either..."fish outa water," then other times, I am so flippin comfortable with a particular patient or situation that they're like family. Like that woman I wanted to do the pulse oxometer on...I asked her if I could please have her finger, and she shot me the bird, lol. I am very comfortable with nursing diagnoses and care plans, education of patients, especially with stop smoking education, since I have quit since July 4. (I have been shocked at how many people have health problems as a result of smoking)
And Ivn, I have done the same thing this week....dug in harder, with math. I still am uncertain about what to do with the sterile field/wound washing motor skills....just practice it. I forget which steps to take and which order for which type of wound.... bought some little supplies, gloves, a turkey baster, hehe some bandages, for here at home & made a fake patient from a shirt of mine. Also this afternoon attended a study group. We have really bonded in the lab class, except for one I don't like much...pretty good odds for out of 10.
I'll quit only if I have to (from flunking math or the second time on a procedure), and will also stop being so meticulous with some of the other easier subjects...you know, like let them slip a little so I can spend more time with the really difficult ones. :balloons:
As a two time nusring student -have found success the second time around-I am also in a LPN program and have found it very intensive. There are several book resources that I suggest you can take a look at
The incredibly Easy book series: Very resourceful, funny and it also helps from wound care, math, as well as for the boards (I hope you still continue!)
How to survive and even love Nursing School and How to survive and even love Nursing!-great choice for anyone who needs some insight.
I am sure one thing: Nursing and nursing school will make you cry (that's #1 on the list) angry stressed, doubtful,and .....confident!
and full of friends who care about you and are willing to help you.
I am at my last block (we do currculum in four blocks)...and I needed help on my math as well. I was terrfied that I was going to leave the program-and I gotten so far sucessfully!! but my classmates (who I should say friends and nursing colleagues) had more confidence than I did! I passed, and with this final block, I know that I am more confident in being sucessful and being a all aroung spatacular nurse...land I am confident in you!:)
Had a look in the magazine try LWW.com/nursing or nursingcenter.com
I haven't tried them. Its bimonthly. You can get subscriptions in the US but in Canada you find it in places like Chapters. Usually hidden in the Health magazines section.
My oldest enjoys it. He's thinking about a career in Palliative Nursing.
Thanks Lady, Fiona & Maggie, again. I will order that book. Hey, today we practiced putting catheters in on the dummies....not bad at all. Actually I found it easier than the sterile field/wound washing procedure. I hope I get checked off on those, but feel more confident than last week. Hope to finish in August.
blondiii
59 Posts
Any ideas for med math books I could order online? And thanks, Tommycher. Yes, I will view some of those videos too.