Want to be a Nurse..need advice

[erikg]

Greetings to all!

I am new here and just find this site on the web. I have been seriously considering a career in the nursing field and would like to get some practical advice from others who are working in this field.

To give you a little background on myself, I have been working in construction but wish to change careers and do something different. I have been checking on several different schools and noticed that they are requiring "Algebra I and II". Would this be something that might hinder me? as I have not had this in highschool...other than that I made straight A's back then but, my it's been a long time since I did any class work

I know that some colleges ask for a "Compass" test. I took this when applying for a recent tech school and scored high but, then again there was no Algrebra..on it :imbar Just need some tips from people more experienced in this than I.

Thanks for any replys/help in this matter.

Erik

[lilypad2424]

When I went back to school, I made the mistake of taking Algebra 1 and Anatomy in summer school. I can tell you that after not having any math for 10 years, it was really hard. If you aren't naturally good at math, I would reccomend that you either take a pre-algebra class or get a really good tutor. I had to get a tutor (25 and hour) and she was awesome. Because of her I was able to pass with a C.

Also, i've never heard of a program that makes you take Algebra 1 & 2.

Good luck!

[bchboy]

Hey Erik,

Lilypad gave you some good advice on the Algebra thing, my school just required Math Modeling for the ASN program.

On the Nursing side of it (which I think you also inquired about) the nursing experience is based on the individual themselves. I know nurses who hate it for one reason or another but they are the type that really shouldn't have become nurses in the first place.

I worked quality control/engineering in a factory that produced jet engine parts, decent money but I hated it, went home, stayed with my family, then to school for three years and now I am an RN and I love it. The pay is a better and I work less hours.

Honestly you need to evaluate yourself as what could you do for others and what do you really want to do for others, to me thats what it is all about. Can you clean an incontinent patient and not bat an eye, can you feel comfortable holding a crying man who just lost his wife? Going thru school putting up with the blood and guts is the easy part, the hard part is treating "just any" total stranger as if that person was your closest loved one. Not everyone can do that and they are the ones who seem to be unhappy. I get the greatest "high" from this job, it is awesome and all I can say is since I found nursing I feel blessed.

Hope this helps

Jim

[jb2u, ASN, RN]

ericg,

i waited 12 years after high school to go to college, so i know how you feel. i had to take the compass test also to enter my college, but my test did have algebra. now, the good thing is, the compass test allows them to "place" you. if you don't do that well, they just put you in remedial math. this is not so great if your in high school, BUT this is college, so just look at it as another class that will prepare you for your LONG career as a nurse (if you need it at all)!

now, my suggestion to you is....get a book like...algebra for dummies or algebra for complete idiots. that's what i did, BEFORE i took the compass. i picked up algebra for complete idiots and a grammar book. the result...i passed the compass with a high score and did not need to remediate. i have NO DOUBT that without these books, i know i would have had to remediate. so they are helpful as long as you study them. good luck and keep your eyes set on the goal and not the obstacles. you CAN get by the obstacles, but you have to know where your going in order to get there!

sincerely,

jay

AND welcome to allnurses.com!!!!!!!!