I am planning to go back to school for nursing. I am a 32 year old stay at home mom. The community college offers the 2 year nursing program. I already have my Associates degree, but I will need to repeat my maths and sciences. Heres the problem: I am really bad at Math and at science. I actually had to go to summer school for math back in high school and i took an alternative science class called chemistry in the community in high school.
I am not sure i can do nursing because of this. I don't have the time or money to waste. In other words, I don't want to start taking the pre-reqs and then find out it is just too hard. What are your opinions? Do you think I will be able to do it? I love the idea of nursing, and caring for people and watching them get better, but the school part is very much a turn off for me. (just the maths and sciences.) I am extremely interested in the mental health field (working with addictions, depression,eating disorders ) among adolescents. It i don't do nursing I would probably get into some kind of counseling/social work field.
I definelty want to go back to school but i am not sure if i should do nursing or if i am just better off doing the counseliing/social work.
All your opinions would help! And please, don't soften the blow!! Tell me how hard it is. Let me know if you think I am better off doing something else because of the math/sciences. No hard feelings...I promise!!!!
I did lousy in high school in both math and the one or two science courses I took. When I decided to pursue nursing, I was petrified to start taking science courses as I took the bare minimum to get my bachelor's several years back.
I was in my late 40's when I started taking prereqs and was amazed at how well I did with my science courses. There are some topics I still struggle with, but having just completed my second semester of an ADN program, and always scoring over the class average on every test, I'd say I'm more than holding my own.
Maturity and the desire to succeed have a great deal to do with how well you'll do in ANY endeavors in life!!
I would say go for it. My grades in high school were not near as good as my grades now. I'm not sure why...I don't think it is necessarily intellegence. Its just once you have had a chance to grow up the importance of good grades becomes much more clear. In fact from what I have heard students in their 30-40s do better than students right out of high school...they are more focused I think. Just start out slow and work your butt off. You'll be fine.
My college's nursing program doesn't even require any math courses for the degree. You do need to learn dosing calculations and metric conversions, but that is all. I would never have bothered to apply if I had had to worry about college math and chemistry. You would need to do well in some science courses, though. Why not find out what the prereqs are for your college and start with the most basic science course and see how you do? I had to take anatomy & physiology, nutrition, and microbiology.
When I finally went to college, I had been out of HS for 18 years. In HS, I did not do well, and dropped out in 11th grade and got my GED. I worked in Veterinary Medicine for 16 years (ending up managing an animal hospital) before deciding to go back to school and become a nurse. I was REALLY worried about the math and chem requirements needed, but when I attended the classes, I actually enjoyed them (my teachers were great). I wanted this so badly, and although I was a terrible student in HS, I graduated with honors in my nursing class. I think it had alot to do with my maturity and commitment to my chosen path. Nursing school is HARD, STRESSFUL, and TIME CONSUMING no matter what school you attend. There is no "easy street". If you really want to be a nurse, you will do all that is required of you and make sacrifices to get to your goal. If you are on the fence about your career, I suggest volunteering in a nursing home or hospital to understand what you will be doing as a nurse and see if it is right for you.
I had been out of H.S. for about 7 years. I hate math then and still do. When I enter cc I didn't pass the college entrance test on the math to take college algebra. I did take the remedial course for math. It was the last one before you take college algebra. I took this course 3 times before I pass with an 86 avg. The first time the instructor teaching was horrible. The second time I would have pass with a C but I refuse to have a C on my transcript, so I drop getting a W. The third time I was referr to a instructor by some students on rate my professor.com. The website can give some insight on what teacher best sues your needs. The best thing I ever did. Found an instructor that even happen to a tutor on campus and she was awesome. She was so patient and did everything possible to help you pass. I just wish she taught college algebra. Try the website, it helps with any school in the country.:wink2: :wink2: :wink2: :wink2:
I agree with all that has been said! High school was a long time ago. Take it all a day at a time, a class at a time, a concept at a time!
I am 45 years old and will start my third semester of a four semester ADN program. I quit high school in 10th grade and got a GED. And worked for years in medical billing and secretarial jobs. I've always wanted to be a nurse. So, when my youngest started kindergarden I started taking classes...one at a time...I had to start with basic math, but semester by semester worked myself up to college algebra!(It's required for the BSN I want to get). I took chemistry one semester, A&PI another, then A&PII. What do they always say..."Slow & steady wins the race"...I did great and maintained a 3.8 GPA in pre-reqs. You can do this if you truly want it. At times it will be hard...don't be afraid to turn to study groups,tutors, prof's, learning labs etc. whatever your community college has to help you succeed! You will get there!
You should do what you really want to. My whole life I was the artsy one (still am) so naturally I went to school for Interior Design and Art. I secretly wanted to go into the health feild but was scared of science as well. I ended up wasting 4 years of full time school and full time work doing something I knew I wouldn't be happy with. Finally I decided to go for nursing. I've only finished my first year so I haven't had clinicals yet but the science wasn't horrible, I actually figured out I like chemistry. Anyways It was a lot of work and I'm sure it will continue to be but I think it will be so worth it. I have no children so I don't know what the experience would be but I do know people who are doing it. Believe in yourself.
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
You should do what you really want to. My whole life I was the artsy one (still am) so naturally I went to school for Interior Design and Art. I secretly wanted to go into the health feild but was scared of science as well. I ended up wasting 4 years of full time school and full time work doing something I knew I wouldn't be happy with. Finally I decided to go for nursing. I've only finished my first year so I haven't had clinicals yet but the science wasn't horrible, I actually figured out I like chemistry. Anyways It was a lot of work and I'm sure it will continue to be but I think it will be so worth it. I have no children so I don't know what the experience would be but I do know people who are doing it. Believe in yourself.
"Those who say they can't, won't"
You are going to find that nursing is a very creative profession! You can also put your art into use as well. While I'm not really that talented of an artist, I often drew stick pictures when I charted the positions of patients when words just weren't coming from my brain through my pen. You know what they say. . .a picture is worth a thousand words. I've seen doctors do this in their progress notes and I started doing it, particularly whenever I had a patient fall or a odd shaped wound to describe. What better way to show how you found a patient than to draw a simple picture showing exactly how their limbs were all askew? Or, to describe the shape of a wound than to draw it and mark the measurements? I've never had anyone ever chastise me for this either. And, if they did, I'd probably just stare at them like they came from another planet.
You are going to find that nursing is a very creative profession! You can also put your art into use as well. While I'm not really that talented of an artist, I often drew stick pictures when I charted the positions of patients when words just weren't coming from my brain through my pen. You know what they say. . .a picture is worth a thousand words. I've seen doctors do this in their progress notes and I started doing it, particularly whenever I had a patient fall or a odd shaped wound to describe. What better way to show how you found a patient than to draw a simple picture showing exactly how their limbs were all askew? Or, to describe the shape of a wound than to draw it and mark the measurements? I've never had anyone ever chastise me for this either. And, if they did, I'd probably just stare at them like they came from another planet.
I was a horrible student in high school (especially math) and ended up getting a 4.0 in my college pre-req's...including math and the sciences. So, yes I think if I can do it, anyone can. I'm no brainiac. Ha ha! In high school things were different. Now that you're older and have kids, such as I do, you know where your priorities lie. You'll work harder for the grade because there is more at stake and because you're working towards a goal. Never doubt yourself based on the past, focus on your future tomorrow.
:trout: They're all right! Go for it, dont listen to your fears. It's different now coz you're much better this time.I, myself had a hard time deciding on how to go back to school and take-up Nursing.I've never been this so excited in my life before, I'm so focused now to become a nurse despite of the hindrances. Goodluck and God bless you.
Hello, I agree with GottaGetIn you really approach school differently with maturity. I went back when my son was 10 (He is 14 now). I would say Math was my most feared subject, but I started with Algebra I, then Algebra II and then tackled Statistics. You know that approaching it methodically I learned some study habits that I have carried with me through all the prereqs and I somehow managed to get all A's. This is how I approached it. 1. Never miss a class 2. Keep up on the reading and homework. 3. Don't just take notes to take notes. If the teacher is lecturing it is important and most likely will show up on a test. Really try to focus and soak in all they are saying during their lectures. 4. If the school offers tutoring labs- use them. 5. Don't study and watch tv or listen to the radio. 6. Don't study in bed (9 times out of 10 I woke up hours later with no clue what I just read.)
WDWpixieRN, RN
2,237 Posts
I did lousy in high school in both math and the one or two science courses I took. When I decided to pursue nursing, I was petrified to start taking science courses as I took the bare minimum to get my bachelor's several years back.
I was in my late 40's when I started taking prereqs and was amazed at how well I did with my science courses. There are some topics I still struggle with, but having just completed my second semester of an ADN program, and always scoring over the class average on every test, I'd say I'm more than holding my own.
Maturity and the desire to succeed have a great deal to do with how well you'll do in ANY endeavors in life!!
Best wishes!!