Is Nursing Hard If You Are Bad At Math?
You can become a nurse even if you struggle at math. Nursing does require some math skills, so commit to practicing and using resources that will help you.
Mathematics can be a real struggle for many students. If you're thinking about becoming a nurse, you may wonder if your challenges in math class will hold you back. Can you become a nurse even if you're not good at math?
While nursing does require some math skills, it is possible to become a nurse even if math isn't your strong suit. The key is to study hard and practice often until you perfect the specific kinds of math you'll use daily as a nurse.
Keep reading to learn more.
Is Nursing School Difficult if You Don't Excel in Math?
Nursing students commonly have to take some basic math courses as prerequisites, and these can be challenging for those with learning disabilities such as dyscalculia as well as those who struggle with math. Additionally, nursing school often requires science courses such as:
- biology
- microbiology
- chemistry
These courses may require an understanding of various math principles. You may find these classes difficult if you struggle with math and science. That said, just because you encounter some challenging courses doesn't mean you can't become a nurse. You'll have to work harder to pass the classes and learn the information.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
What Are the Math Requirements for a Nursing Degree?
Exact math requirements for a nursing education can vary depending on where you study, as each program may have slightly different requirements. In many cases, students must take at least one college-level statistics or college algebra class. These classes are typically taken as prerequisites before you enter a nursing program. To be accepted into nursing school, you'll need to take and pass a math test: either the HESI or TEAS test.
These tests will examine your knowledge of a variety of basic math skills, including:
- addition and subtraction
- multiplication and division
- fractions and conversions
- ratios and proportions
- percentages
While this may sound overwhelming, these skills can be improved through practice and repetition.
Do Nurses Use Math in Their Daily Duties?
The reason nursing students must master basic math skills is that they use them daily throughout their nursing career. Nurses must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide to make proper dosage calculations for specific patients.
Registered nurses must also be able to convert figures from the metric system to English equivalents. They need to:
- understand and interpret the numbers on medical equipment
- calculate correct pediatric doses
- recognize patterns and trends
- calculate the amount of medication to add to IV drips
Nurses in specific specializations might have to know how to create and maintain a budget, collect and analyze data, or titrate medication doses, which involves performing ever-changing drug calculations based on various factors.
Tips for Nursing Students Who Struggle with Math
Even if you struggle with math, don't let that discourage you from your dream of becoming a nurse. By following the tips below, you can master the skills you need and pursue a successful career in nursing. If nursing's math load feels like too much, it's worth comparing it to other clinical roles like ultrasound technician programs, which use math differently day to day.
Seek Tutoring
A tutor can provide one-on-one support as you progress through your nursing math courses. Seeking tutoring can help you get better at math and may help you raise your overall GPA as you learn to succeed on math tests.
Speak To Your Professor
If you need additional support as you complete your ADN or BSN program, speak with a math professor. Explain the struggles you are having and ask for advice on how you can improve your math skills. Most professors will be happy to explain complex topics or provide additional resources that may be helpful to you.
Join a Study Group
Chances are, you'll find you're not the only aspiring healthcare professional who struggles with math. Check with peers or professors to find out if a study group on campus is dedicated to helping students get better at math. A study group will provide additional support by showing that you're not alone and encouraging you to overcome challenges.
Watch Videos Explaining Math Concepts
Online resources such as YouTube can prove invaluable when learning about complex or difficult topics. Looking up videos explaining the topic in detail can help if you're struggling to overcome specific math-related problems you find challenging. Different videos may approach the issue from varying perspectives, allowing you to explore the topic from an angle you can understand.
Create a Disciplined Study Routine
Finally, when perfecting your math skills, there's no substitute for consistent study and hard work. Create a study routine in which you dedicate a certain amount of time to practicing math problems each day. The repetition and consistency will help you develop good study habits that, with time, will begin to pay off.
