© 2007 Kathy Quan RN BSN
All Rights Reserved
Many students considering a career in nursing are frightened away because they are not good at math or science and think they cannot succeed at becoming a nurse. This is not always true. Give yourself a chance.
It's true, to become an RN you will have to be able to pass:
algebra basic chemistry biology anatomy and physiology microbiology
The LPN route is not quite as intense, but the major principals of all of these subjects will definitely be incorporated into the curriculum.
In order to understand basic body function as well as dysfunction, you will have to have an understanding of all of these subjects. To administer some medications safely, you will have to understand algebra.
You will also have to have good communication skills, both written and oral in the primary language of the country you will be working in. In the U.S. for example, that would be English. So if English is not your primary language, you'll have to spend some time learning how to speak and write English.
If you really want to be a nurse, start by becoming a
Then tackle these math and science courses one at a time. Hire a tutor if you still have difficulties. Focus on your goal to become a nurse and you'll find that when the subjects have a purpose, you'll be more interested in them and be better able to make them work for you.
In the past, you've had to take them lumped together with other courses and may not have given them any sense of meaning. Now they have a purpose, and you can take them slowly and give them the extra effort you may need. This will take you a little longer to achieve your goal, but you won't be frightened away without even trying.
Surprise yourself...you might just become the best nurse you know!
©2007 by Kathy Quan RN BSN PHN, all rights reserved. No portion of this document may be used in any format without written permission. Email me. Reprints may be purchased in single or bulk quantities.