6 answers
Ivy
Student
Towson, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
811 views
How can I overcome my fear of math and build the necessary skills for nursing Are there resources or support systems available for students like me who struggle with math?
I've been contemplating a major in nursing, but I'm grappling with the fact that math has always been a struggle for me. Throughout school, I've often felt embarrassed about my difficulties with math, to the point where seeking help became daunting. Despite my best efforts, I haven't grasped math concepts since elementary school.
Considering the math requirements for nursing, I can't shake the feeling that my weakness in math might hinder my ability to become a nurse. It's disheartening when others seem to understand what's going on in the classroom, and I feel left behind.
I want to address this challenge head-on and not let it define my future. How can I overcome my fear of math and build the necessary skills for nursing? Are there resources or support systems available for students like me who struggle with math? Sharing my story feels vulnerable, but I want to ensure that I can pursue my passion for nursing despite this obstacle.
6 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Ivy,
Tackling Math Anxiety and Developing Essential Skills for Nursing
Battling math difficulties can be a daunting task, particularly when you're eyeing a profession like nursing that demands solid math skills. Nevertheless, it's crucial to remember that you're not alone in this journey, and there are abundant resources and support networks that can aid you in surmounting this hurdle.
Deciphering Math Anxiety
Math anxiety, or the fear of math, is a prevalent issue among students. It can originate from a variety of sources, such as previous unfavorable experiences, a lack of comprehension, or exam stress. Identifying the root of your fear is the initial step towards effectively tackling it.
Approaches to Conquer Math Anxiety
Optimistic Attitude: Keep a positive outlook towards learning math. Have faith in your capacity to learn and evolve. Understand that making errors is a normal part of the learning journey.
Regular Practice: Consistent practice is vital for grasping math concepts. Allocate a specific time each day to work on problems and revisit topics you find difficult.
Ask for Assistance: Don't be shy to ask for help when required. Connect with teachers, tutors, or peers for support. It's okay to admit you need help—everyone does at some point.
Utilize Resources: Make use of the diverse resources available, such as textbooks, online tutorials, and educational apps designed to simplify complex concepts.
Step-by-step Learning: Break down intricate problems into smaller, manageable tasks. Grasp each step before progressing to the next. This structured method can make learning less daunting.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Practices: Cope with exam stress by practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation, before tests or high-pressure situations.
Support and Resources for Students Battling Math Anxiety
Tutoring Centers: Numerous colleges and universities provide free tutoring services for students needing extra assistance in subjects like math. These services are often manned by seasoned tutors who can offer personalized guidance and support.
Online Tutoring Platforms: Websites like Khan Academy, Wyzant, and Chegg Tutors provide online math tutoring services tailored to various learning styles and comprehension levels. Some platforms even offer video lessons and practice problems for self-paced learning.
Study Groups: Participating in or forming a study group with peers facing similar struggles can be beneficial in overcoming math anxiety. Study groups offer a platform for peer learning, collaboration, and support.
Math Learning Apps: Apps like Photomath, Mathway, and Socratic can assist you in understanding complex math problems by providing step-by-step explanations and visual solutions. These tools can be particularly useful for visual learners or those who find traditional textbook learning challenging.
Teacher Office Hours: Maximize your teacher's office hours to ask questions and seek further guidance on difficult topics or concepts discussed in class. Building a good relationship with your teacher can lead to more personalized support tailored to your specific needs and concerns.
Supplemental Instruction Programs: Some schools offer supplemental instruction programs led by proficient peers who have previously excelled in the subject (in this case, math). These sessions often include group activities, discussions, and problem-solving exercises designed to reinforce classroom learning and enhance understanding of challenging topics.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine.
Tackling Math Anxiety and Developing Essential Skills for Nursing
Battling math difficulties can be a daunting task, particularly when you're eyeing a profession like nursing that demands solid math skills. Nevertheless, it's crucial to remember that you're not alone in this journey, and there are abundant resources and support networks that can aid you in surmounting this hurdle.
Deciphering Math Anxiety
Math anxiety, or the fear of math, is a prevalent issue among students. It can originate from a variety of sources, such as previous unfavorable experiences, a lack of comprehension, or exam stress. Identifying the root of your fear is the initial step towards effectively tackling it.
Approaches to Conquer Math Anxiety
Optimistic Attitude: Keep a positive outlook towards learning math. Have faith in your capacity to learn and evolve. Understand that making errors is a normal part of the learning journey.
Regular Practice: Consistent practice is vital for grasping math concepts. Allocate a specific time each day to work on problems and revisit topics you find difficult.
Ask for Assistance: Don't be shy to ask for help when required. Connect with teachers, tutors, or peers for support. It's okay to admit you need help—everyone does at some point.
Utilize Resources: Make use of the diverse resources available, such as textbooks, online tutorials, and educational apps designed to simplify complex concepts.
Step-by-step Learning: Break down intricate problems into smaller, manageable tasks. Grasp each step before progressing to the next. This structured method can make learning less daunting.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Practices: Cope with exam stress by practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation, before tests or high-pressure situations.
Support and Resources for Students Battling Math Anxiety
Tutoring Centers: Numerous colleges and universities provide free tutoring services for students needing extra assistance in subjects like math. These services are often manned by seasoned tutors who can offer personalized guidance and support.
Online Tutoring Platforms: Websites like Khan Academy, Wyzant, and Chegg Tutors provide online math tutoring services tailored to various learning styles and comprehension levels. Some platforms even offer video lessons and practice problems for self-paced learning.
Study Groups: Participating in or forming a study group with peers facing similar struggles can be beneficial in overcoming math anxiety. Study groups offer a platform for peer learning, collaboration, and support.
Math Learning Apps: Apps like Photomath, Mathway, and Socratic can assist you in understanding complex math problems by providing step-by-step explanations and visual solutions. These tools can be particularly useful for visual learners or those who find traditional textbook learning challenging.
Teacher Office Hours: Maximize your teacher's office hours to ask questions and seek further guidance on difficult topics or concepts discussed in class. Building a good relationship with your teacher can lead to more personalized support tailored to your specific needs and concerns.
Supplemental Instruction Programs: Some schools offer supplemental instruction programs led by proficient peers who have previously excelled in the subject (in this case, math). These sessions often include group activities, discussions, and problem-solving exercises designed to reinforce classroom learning and enhance understanding of challenging topics.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine.
Nikki .
Emergency Room Nurse
10
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Nikki’s Answer
Nursing requires a lot of simple math with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division but the good news is that you won't be doing geometery, algebra or extremely complex math!
We took an entire class on "med math" devoted to converting medication doses in order to help is be successful.
There are tons of resources in nursing school to help you succeed. Most nursing schools want you to succeed. They are judged nationally on the percentages of students that enroll, graduate and pass the licensing exam.
The great news is that when you finally graduate and start working as a nurse, technology is on your side. Many charting systems calculate doses for you in order to promote patient safety!
We took an entire class on "med math" devoted to converting medication doses in order to help is be successful.
There are tons of resources in nursing school to help you succeed. Most nursing schools want you to succeed. They are judged nationally on the percentages of students that enroll, graduate and pass the licensing exam.
The great news is that when you finally graduate and start working as a nurse, technology is on your side. Many charting systems calculate doses for you in order to promote patient safety!
This made me feel so much so better! Thank you so much Nicole.
Ivy
Connor Adams
Technology Consultant
28
Answers
Provo, Utah
Updated
Connor’s Answer
Hi Ivy,
Good News is that most nurses are not typically doing a ton of math in their careers. I totally understand there will be a bit of math to get to that point. Something that I always found helpful was to make friends with people that were better at a certain skill than myself. Do homework together, study together, etc.
Another great resource is working with the professor. Expressing this same insecurity with your professor after the first day of class can really help you get the right resources to help you learn properly. Any extra mentorship from the teacher would go a long way since they are probably the best person to explain concepts and they are the ones writing the testing material that you will need to know.
Lastly, there are plenty of online resources that are as easy to find with a quick google search, "What is Algebra". Khan Academy, Youtube, Udemy are all great resources and platforms where you can find additional videos to help you grasp the concepts.
Goodluck and know that you will get out what you put into it!
Good News is that most nurses are not typically doing a ton of math in their careers. I totally understand there will be a bit of math to get to that point. Something that I always found helpful was to make friends with people that were better at a certain skill than myself. Do homework together, study together, etc.
Another great resource is working with the professor. Expressing this same insecurity with your professor after the first day of class can really help you get the right resources to help you learn properly. Any extra mentorship from the teacher would go a long way since they are probably the best person to explain concepts and they are the ones writing the testing material that you will need to know.
Lastly, there are plenty of online resources that are as easy to find with a quick google search, "What is Algebra". Khan Academy, Youtube, Udemy are all great resources and platforms where you can find additional videos to help you grasp the concepts.
Goodluck and know that you will get out what you put into it!
Thank you so much :)
Ivy
Sara Parsons
Nursing Management and Education
16
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Sara’s Answer
While you don’t need super math skills to be a nurse you do need some. Try using Kahn Academy to build your skills. They’ve been around for years, is free and is very user friendly. Stick to it and good luck.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
464
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hello,
Tackling math anxiety and developing the necessary math skills for nursing is absolutely within your grasp, provided you're committed and equipped with the right tools. Here are some actionable steps you can follow:
1. **Pinpoint Your Weak Spots**: Identify which math areas give you the most trouble. Is it basic calculations, algebra, statistics, or something else? Recognizing your weaknesses allows you to target your efforts more efficiently.
2. **Ask for Help**: Don't be shy about seeking assistance. You likely have access to resources and support networks, both in person and online. This might include tutoring services, study circles, or digital forums where you can pose questions and receive help from fellow students or teachers.
3. **Commit to Regular Practice**: Like any skill, mastering math comes with practice. Allocate consistent time to tackle math problems, starting with simpler ones and gradually ramping up the difficulty as you gain confidence. Plenty of online platforms and textbooks offer practice problems for your use.
4. **Leverage Visual Aids and Real-World Examples**: Grasping mathematical concepts can sometimes be easier when you can visualize them or connect them to everyday situations. Seek resources that offer visual depictions of math concepts, or try to apply math to scenarios relevant to the nursing field.
5. **Utilize Online Resources**: Numerous digital resources are specifically designed to help students enhance their math skills. Websites like Khan Academy, Mathway, and Wolfram Alpha provide tutorials, practice problems, and explanations of math concepts at different levels.
6. **Maintain a Positive and Resilient Attitude**: Conquering math anxiety may require time and effort, so it's crucial to remain positive and resilient. Celebrate every bit of progress, no matter how small, and don't let setbacks deter you. Remember, with steady effort, you can boost your math skills.
7. **Tap into Support from Your School or Program**: Many schools offer support services for students grappling with math. These might include math tutoring centers, workshops, or academic advisors who can offer guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.
8. **Consider Professional Assistance if Necessary**: If you're still finding it hard despite your best attempts, think about getting help from a professional tutor or educator specializing in math education. They can offer personalized support and guidance to help you overcome your challenges.
Remember, you're not alone in dealing with math difficulties, and with persistence and the right support, you can acquire the skills you need for nursing school and beyond.
Tackling math anxiety and developing the necessary math skills for nursing is absolutely within your grasp, provided you're committed and equipped with the right tools. Here are some actionable steps you can follow:
1. **Pinpoint Your Weak Spots**: Identify which math areas give you the most trouble. Is it basic calculations, algebra, statistics, or something else? Recognizing your weaknesses allows you to target your efforts more efficiently.
2. **Ask for Help**: Don't be shy about seeking assistance. You likely have access to resources and support networks, both in person and online. This might include tutoring services, study circles, or digital forums where you can pose questions and receive help from fellow students or teachers.
3. **Commit to Regular Practice**: Like any skill, mastering math comes with practice. Allocate consistent time to tackle math problems, starting with simpler ones and gradually ramping up the difficulty as you gain confidence. Plenty of online platforms and textbooks offer practice problems for your use.
4. **Leverage Visual Aids and Real-World Examples**: Grasping mathematical concepts can sometimes be easier when you can visualize them or connect them to everyday situations. Seek resources that offer visual depictions of math concepts, or try to apply math to scenarios relevant to the nursing field.
5. **Utilize Online Resources**: Numerous digital resources are specifically designed to help students enhance their math skills. Websites like Khan Academy, Mathway, and Wolfram Alpha provide tutorials, practice problems, and explanations of math concepts at different levels.
6. **Maintain a Positive and Resilient Attitude**: Conquering math anxiety may require time and effort, so it's crucial to remain positive and resilient. Celebrate every bit of progress, no matter how small, and don't let setbacks deter you. Remember, with steady effort, you can boost your math skills.
7. **Tap into Support from Your School or Program**: Many schools offer support services for students grappling with math. These might include math tutoring centers, workshops, or academic advisors who can offer guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.
8. **Consider Professional Assistance if Necessary**: If you're still finding it hard despite your best attempts, think about getting help from a professional tutor or educator specializing in math education. They can offer personalized support and guidance to help you overcome your challenges.
Remember, you're not alone in dealing with math difficulties, and with persistence and the right support, you can acquire the skills you need for nursing school and beyond.
Thank you so much for your advice Aisha! I will definitely utilize the online resources you recommended.
Ivy
Paul R. Banks
B2B Sales and Partnerships Manager
14
Answers
Palm Springs, California
Updated
Paul R.’s Answer
Overcoming a fear of math and building the necessary skills for nursing is achievable with the right approach and support. Here are some steps you can take:
1. **Identify Specific Areas of Weakness:** Pinpoint the specific areas of math that you struggle with the most. This could include basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or statistics. Understanding your weaknesses will help you focus your efforts on improving those areas.
2. **Start with Fundamentals:** If you feel like your math skills are lacking, start by reviewing basic math concepts and building a solid foundation. There are many online resources, textbooks, and tutorials available that cover fundamental math topics in a clear and accessible way.
3. **Practice Regularly:** Practice is essential for improving math skills. Set aside dedicated time each day to practice math problems, work through exercises, and reinforce what you've learned. Start with easier problems and gradually increase the difficulty as you gain confidence.
4. **Utilize Online Learning Platforms:** Take advantage of online learning platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, or edX, which offer free or affordable courses and tutorials on a wide range of math topics. These platforms often provide interactive lessons, practice exercises, and assessments to help you learn at your own pace.
5. **Seek Additional Help:** Don't hesitate to seek help if you're struggling with math concepts. Reach out to your teachers, classmates, or tutors for assistance. Many schools offer tutoring services or math support programs to help students improve their skills.
6. **Find Real-World Applications:** Try to relate math concepts to real-world situations, especially those relevant to nursing. For example, practice dosage calculations or medication conversions, which are important skills for nurses. Seeing how math applies to your future career can make it more meaningful and easier to understand.
7. **Stay Positive and Persistent:** Overcoming a fear of math takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself and stay positive. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Remember that with consistent effort, you can improve your math skills and succeed in nursing school.
8. **Join Study Groups:** Joining a study group with peers who are also struggling with math can be beneficial. Working together on math problems, sharing strategies, and supporting each other can make learning more enjoyable and effective.
9. **Use Visualization Techniques:** Visualizing math concepts can make them easier to understand. Try drawing diagrams, using manipulatives, or watching instructional videos to reinforce your understanding of difficult concepts.
10. **Take Advantage of Support Systems:** Many nursing programs offer support systems and resources specifically designed to help students who struggle with math. This may include extra tutoring sessions, study guides, or specialized courses focused on math skills for nursing students. Reach out to your school's academic support services to see what options are available.
Remember that overcoming a fear of math is a gradual process, but with determination, perseverance, and the right support, you can build the necessary math skills for nursing and succeed in your academic and professional pursuits.
1. **Identify Specific Areas of Weakness:** Pinpoint the specific areas of math that you struggle with the most. This could include basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or statistics. Understanding your weaknesses will help you focus your efforts on improving those areas.
2. **Start with Fundamentals:** If you feel like your math skills are lacking, start by reviewing basic math concepts and building a solid foundation. There are many online resources, textbooks, and tutorials available that cover fundamental math topics in a clear and accessible way.
3. **Practice Regularly:** Practice is essential for improving math skills. Set aside dedicated time each day to practice math problems, work through exercises, and reinforce what you've learned. Start with easier problems and gradually increase the difficulty as you gain confidence.
4. **Utilize Online Learning Platforms:** Take advantage of online learning platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, or edX, which offer free or affordable courses and tutorials on a wide range of math topics. These platforms often provide interactive lessons, practice exercises, and assessments to help you learn at your own pace.
5. **Seek Additional Help:** Don't hesitate to seek help if you're struggling with math concepts. Reach out to your teachers, classmates, or tutors for assistance. Many schools offer tutoring services or math support programs to help students improve their skills.
6. **Find Real-World Applications:** Try to relate math concepts to real-world situations, especially those relevant to nursing. For example, practice dosage calculations or medication conversions, which are important skills for nurses. Seeing how math applies to your future career can make it more meaningful and easier to understand.
7. **Stay Positive and Persistent:** Overcoming a fear of math takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself and stay positive. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Remember that with consistent effort, you can improve your math skills and succeed in nursing school.
8. **Join Study Groups:** Joining a study group with peers who are also struggling with math can be beneficial. Working together on math problems, sharing strategies, and supporting each other can make learning more enjoyable and effective.
9. **Use Visualization Techniques:** Visualizing math concepts can make them easier to understand. Try drawing diagrams, using manipulatives, or watching instructional videos to reinforce your understanding of difficult concepts.
10. **Take Advantage of Support Systems:** Many nursing programs offer support systems and resources specifically designed to help students who struggle with math. This may include extra tutoring sessions, study guides, or specialized courses focused on math skills for nursing students. Reach out to your school's academic support services to see what options are available.
Remember that overcoming a fear of math is a gradual process, but with determination, perseverance, and the right support, you can build the necessary math skills for nursing and succeed in your academic and professional pursuits.
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