What is so bad about STATS?

Nursing Students General Students

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The question pretty much says it all... :rolleyes:

I'm taking statistics this fall along with my first semester nursing classes and everyone I tell this to says, "REALLY? You're taking stats too?!?!?! Good luck with that!!!!" :eek:

Can anyone give me a heads up? Math isn't really my favorite subject but I don't exactly struggle with it either. I know the teacher and he comes highly recommended! I have to take the class at some point (for my bachelors) but it's not required for my associates degree.

Thanks so much for any advice! You guys are the best! :D

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Specializes in LDRP.

I am not sure.. I am taking it this fall too, and I have heard bad things about the class as well.. I've never really had any problems with math classes, so I am not worried, but I was wondering why everyone thinks it is so bad too!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

I have NO idea what the problem with stats is and I'm not a math personal AT ALL. I took it last semester along with 5 other classes and aced it. It was actually relevant math (unlike algebra!); you have to understand what they are asking for and then just plug the numbers into the right formula. For a math class, it wasn't too bad at all.

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Specializes in Electrophysiology, Medical-Surgical ICU.

I took stats last semester and got a b in it....i know a lot of people that say its hard but i didn't think so the only reason i got a B is because i missed an participation activity and i miss a test or i would had an A. DOnt listen to the hype it is a well do able subject just pay attention and if you need extra help don't until the end of the semester to seek it....but you'll do fine....of you can into a nursing program then you can get through stats....just be encouraged!!! :_)

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

Stats isn't really anything past basic math. However, the concepts are much more abstract. My difficulty came with the concept of probability. My instructor laid out the rules of calculating probability fairly well, but it's applying those rules that I had issues with. Probability will likely be covered early in your course, and then other concepts were much easier. The concepts don't necessarily build on each other.

Everyone I've talked to also had issues with probability more than any other concept.

I found it very tough, and I had to study my butt off for the test covering that content. I would put the difficulty level (for me) at about the same level as patho and pharm.

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Thanks all!

I was kinda wondering if it was a lot of hype... I had a lot of people freak me out about chemistry and ended up loving the class and getting an A+!

So now I'm wondering this: for those of you who have taken it and nursing classes, do you think taking stats with first semester nursing classes is a bad idea? Is it too much? I don't want my grades to take a hit... :uhoh3:

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I had to take Stats for my BA. I'm not a "math person," but I got an A and actually kind of liked it. I don't think it's an especially difficult class (I found my nursing pre-reqs to be more difficult - patho, pharm), but it did require completing almost daily homework. As long as you keep up with the homework/assignments and clarify any questions you have right away (do not get behind), you'll be fine!

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Well my teacher was pretty terrible so when we asked questions or asked for explanation on a topic, he did a horrific job so learning anything was difficult. Luckily for the homework my buddy has just written a statistical and analytical program that was very beneficial

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Specializes in ER/ICU.

I'm not a math person at all..But I took statistics last semester and end up getting A! Even though I didn't like my professor and his teaching style, I just did what I had to do get a decent grade.

I think it is all about understanding the concepts and just practicing a lot!!

You will be fine, don't worry too much!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I too am not a math person and I did well in Stats. It is NOT hard....but it IS cumulative. Concepts build on other concepts. Do NOT miss class for any reason. You will do fine.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

Depends on the teacher. Mine sucked raw eggs! I took stats last year and our teacher missed approx. 1/3 of the lectures and of course, we were required to know the material. It was frustrating because many of us were leaving work early to attend this class. I pulled a "C" by the grace of God and ran with it. I'm glad you got a good teacher.

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Stats isn't hard. Though I could never figure out why my school put statistics as a higher level math class then calculus. Weird. I was pleasantly suprised that calculus was not as hard as I thought it would be. Now if you want a real challenge, take organic chemistry or physics. Those ones were my undoing ): Soooooo hard):

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