Maths worries and Nursing

2

Hi, any advice would be so appreciated. I am on my 1st Year of a Psychology degree and I’m really enjoying my part time role working as a support worker for children with Learning disabilities and complex care needs.
I am seriously thinking of changing my course and applying to the Nursing degree for Learning Disabilities at the same uni. It’s a hard decision as I enjoy the course that I am studying and I feel like it’s a big gamble. I’m confident within my role, academic writing and personal qualifications for nursing. My biggest fear is the maths, and that it’s a very weak subject for me. I know the medication test results have to be 100% correct to continue to the following year. Is there anyone that can share their experiences with me? It would be so appreciated.
Many Thanks

Reply 1

PonchoKid

20

Original post

by EJD13

Hi, any advice would be so appreciated. I am on my 1st Year of a Psychology degree and I’m really enjoying my part time role working as a support worker for children with Learning disabilities and complex care needs.
I am seriously thinking of changing my course and applying to the Nursing degree for Learning Disabilities at the same uni. It’s a hard decision as I enjoy the course that I am studying and I feel like it’s a big gamble. I’m confident within my role, academic writing and personal qualifications for nursing. My biggest fear is the maths, and that it’s a very weak subject for me. I know the medication test results have to be 100% correct to continue to the following year. Is there anyone that can share their experiences with me? It would be so appreciated.
Many Thanks

Im currently 2nd year on mental health nursing.

The medication "exam" you only have to get 100% in third year, think it was 69% in first year, 80% second then 100% third. But you can have a calculator (theres a calculator on the system) and you can access loads of practice questions.

Im rubbish at maths, and as a mature student iv not studied any maths since 2008 but its not really as bad as it sounds...

Reply 2

EJD13

OP

2

Thank you for the response. I went for an open day and spoke with the tutor who explained I should be fine. It’s nice to hear other peoples thoughts though x

Reply 3

Sir Wilson

1

Original post

by EJD13

Hi, any advice would be so appreciated. I am on my 1st Year of a Psychology degree and I’m really enjoying my part time role working as a support worker for children with Learning disabilities and complex care needs.
I am seriously thinking of changing my course and applying to the Nursing degree for Learning Disabilities at the same uni. It’s a hard decision as I enjoy the course that I am studying and I feel like it’s a big gamble. I’m confident within my role, academic writing and personal qualifications for nursing. My biggest fear is the maths, and that it’s a very weak subject for me. I know the medication test results have to be 100% correct to continue to the following year. Is there anyone that can share their experiences with me? It would be so appreciated.
Many Thanks

I would recommend reaching out to your university's academic advisors or the nursing department to discuss your concerns. They may be able to provide insight into the specific challenges of the medication test, offer guidance on resources available for math support, or even connect you with other students who have gone through a similar transition. Additionally, consider seeking out tutoring services or online platforms that offer support in math to help strengthen your skills.
[start]Remember that making a career change involves both personal and academic growth. While it may feel like a gamble, your passion for your current role and the confidence you express in your abilities for nursing are strong indicators that you are on the right path. Seeking advice and support from those around you will undoubtedly contribute to making a well-informed decision.[/start]

Reply 4

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

18

Hi there,

There’s plenty of help out there and it’s relatively simple maths. For example, if you have a patient who needs 1G of paracetamol, but you have 500mg tablets, how many do you give? (Answer: 2)

Then there’s the more complicated stuff such as volume to administer, but it’s not too difficult. There’s plenty of mock exams on the internet, and you’ll also get support up to that point. I was always a bit wobbly with maths so I went online and did the mock exams, and had guidance from mentors on placement.

An easy way to remember the equation for volume to administer is NHS - Need, have, stock
The amount you need, divided by the amount you have, and then times by the stock that’s available.

If that doesn’t make sense, it will when you do the mock exams and go on placement. It may sound daunting, but it really isn’t and you have plenty of time to scrub up on it!

Nat
Third-year student nurse

Reply 5

Sxrx007

3

Original post

by PonchoKid

Im currently 2nd year on mental health nursing.
The medication "exam" you only have to get 100% in third year, think it was 69% in first year, 80% second then 100% third. But you can have a calculator (theres a calculator on the system) and you can access loads of practice questions.
Im rubbish at maths, and as a mature student iv not studied any maths since 2008 but its not really as bad as it sounds...

I’m also bad at maths too and I’m applying for mental health nursing. What type of maths do you do? Is it hard…

Reply 6

PonchoKid

20

Original post

by Sxrx007

I’m also bad at maths too and I’m applying for mental health nursing. What type of maths do you do? Is it hard…

Its drug calculations, so mostly for mental health nurses working out how much medication you need to draw up to give a depot injection. If your search nursing medication calculations there will be loads of stuff on it, but i wouldnt get caught up in it initially.
Not sure about how other unis do it but at my uni i think in 1st year you had to get a minimum of 60%, second year 80% then 3rd year 100% but in 3rd year you were given like 10 or 20 chances, and theres formulas you follow that help.
Plus on placements arrange to go to your local depot clinic for a day to give you not only injection experience but also practical calculation experience as you have to work out how much of the medication you need to give

Maths worries and Nursing

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