Nursing and Chemistry?

Question

I plan on becoming a nurse, but I am just getting by in my chemistry class with a C+. Is this a sign I'm not cut out for nursing?

Answer 1

The problem is not usually one of what use the chemistry is in your basic RN program. The knowledge you develop is key to understanding some of the structure during pharmacology classes, especially if you advance past basic nursing. If you decide you want to work in an advanced practice role as an NP, CRNA, midwife or CNS, your will need to understand the pharmacology and the anatomy and physiology at a much higher level than for the basic level of nursing.

Additionally, competition for admission to nursing programs is very tough now. While you will hear many people tell you that they got into nursing and had no problem despite a C in Chem when they went or someone they knew had no problem...the issue now is even getting in. Many programs require a 3.0 in the sciences for admission. a C+ may require you to be admitted onprobation which might be enough to get you wait listed instead of admitted.

Go Study!!!

Answer 2

While I am not going into nursing, I have recently taken a number of science classes to get into the dental hygiene program. Since I had taken chemistry in college the first time around, I had to retake it again (it was over the 7 year mark).

The first time I took it, I didn't care and squeaked by with a C; after all why would you need chemistry to get into business? That was a mistake.

Getting back into the swing of the school thing was bad enough, but trying to takle biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology I & II and microbiology is a killer.

I work full time and go to school at night. But I did it. I always tried as best as I could , but that did not always mean I got an A.

Make sure that your other classes can help you with your GPA. I'm guessing that you are still in the class so ask your instructor if there is another student who might be able to help you. They might even have some additional pointers to give you.

The second time for me was a BIG struggle. Like I said I focused on numbers and stuff before so chemistry equations were hard. I had a lot of classmates that were going into the nursing program and had just as hard of a time as me.

My only saving grace was that I was just in the chemistry class. Most of the other students had full schedules.

Keep up your studies and check into additional help. Your getting a C+; so at least you are passing. Just work to keep it that way.

I know that some of my classmates did get C's but they still kept working toward getting into the nursing program.

If this is what you want then keep working toward it.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

I took 2 basic chem classes (chem for HC professionals). It was tough, and I had a hard time, too.

I haven't seen any chemistry, and have 1 semester to go before I graduate with a BSN from a top-rated nursing school. I don't think you should worry about it...just do what you can for your GPA's sake.

However, I would really consider if this is something you want to be doing. It sounds like you're a new nursing student. Nursing school is tough, and takes alot of commitment. You'll stay home studying when your friends go out. You'll have 12 hour clinicals--maybe 2 or 3 in a row (you'll get used to them)-- during midterms. You'll stress about the NCLEX. You'll wonder how you'll write 5 long research papers before Thanksgiving, and how you'll memorize 100+ drugs for a patho-pharmacology exam in 2 days (it CAN be done!). You will curse the day you listed nursing as your major.

But when you're almost done, and you're an awesome almost-nurse, ready to graduate, you've made this major accomplishment and will have an awesome career ahead of you.

My question to you is: are you really wanting to do this? It sounds like you're questioning yourself. Don't get so far into the program to decide you don't want this anymore, and either have to start all over or go into a career you don't want.

Now get off Yahoo Answers and go study!!

Good luck :)

Answer 4

No, it's not.

Chemistry is a "left over" requirement from the days when nurses used to compound some medicines when the pharmacy left for the day (DECADES ago), and before many of the systems were as automated as they are now.

Basic Chem won't help you much in nursing, but it will help you in understanding physiology processes.

Answer 5

Chemistry is just one of those required classes for nursing...you wont really encounter a problem where you will really need to know specific things about it....dont worry about it as long as you get a passing grade

Answer 6

Most of what you cover in a basic chemistry class won't be used on the job, you just need it understand some of the things you'll learn later.

Answer 7

opt for alternate nursing studies such as by distance mode