Does the entrance med dosage calculation test in hospitals allow calculators?

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Nov 30, 2013

Depends on the hospital, but usually. I can't imagine why they wouldn't let you have aids you have available to you in real life. The tests I've taken without calculators have always had pretty clear math, no long division with 6 decimal places.

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2013

I have no idea. I've never had to take a dosage calculation test for any job. Have you asked the recruiter/HR?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 30, 2013

The only one who can ACCURATELY answer that question will be the hospital that will be administering the test. I would ask your orientation leader or HR.

ArtClassRN, ADN, RN · Nov 30, 2013

Hey everyone. Just got hired for a new job. Throughout nursing school & on the NCLEX I was able to use a calculator the whole time. Always got a 100% on these exams. Now I'm about to sit down for a hospital medical dosage calculation test during orientation. Will calculators be passed around? Thanks

I wouldn't worry about it. If they are giving a test no one would pass without a calculator, they will give you a calculator.

CaringGerinurse525 · Nov 30, 2013

I wouldn't worry about it. If they are giving a test no one would pass without a calculator they will give you a calculator.[/quote']
This is not necessarily true. In my program we were not allowed to use calculators. Calculators are definitely nice to use but we should be able to do the math without one. I would call HR and ask if you are to bring a calculator along for the test. This will clear up any questions.

ArtClassRN, ADN, RN · Nov 30, 2013

This is not necessarily true. In my program we were not allowed to use calculators. Calculators are definitely nice to use but we should be able to do the math without one. I would call HR and ask if you are to bring a calculator along for the test. This will clear up any questions.

You were not allowed to use calculator...but I am wagering the tests you are describing did not require superhuman mathematical abilities. Unless you and everyone who passed the exams you took indeed have superhuman calculating skills. In that case, my congratulations.

Applying just a hint of common sense here...if the test requires a gonk, you'll get a gonk. If not, do some pencil math.

TheLiftedButterfly · Dec 1, 2013

Hmm. Thanks everyone. Stupid me didn't ask Friday & I need to be in Monday morning no HR or manager available to speak to over the weekend hence why I ask here for some input. I guess I'll just have to practice some math questions tomorrow and hope for the best on Monday!

applewhitern, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2013

Every facility has it's own rules. I have had to take tests, especially math/dosage tests, for every nursing job I have had. Some allowed calculators; some expected you to be able to quickly come up with the correct answer without one. If you learned this in nursing school and passed NCLEX, I doubt you will have a problem.