How is Math handled in your program?

happystudent, RN · Oct 8, 2003

Twintoo,

Sorry to hear that about your friend. During NU1 , we had the option of attending toutoring for the ones having trouble. We had 20 questions on each and every exam.. They never "flunked anyone out" so to say. Our pharmacology is intergrated in our regular studies so it makes sense.

Hope your friend passes.

Take care

happy

twarlik · Oct 8, 2003

We are given a math test at the beginning of every semester. We are given three chances and must pass with 100%. If we fail, then we have to drop the course that the test is a part of (this semester it is a part of our competencies class). You can stay in the nursing program, but you have to make up the course during a later semester.

Sorry your friend is struggling. Has she gotten a good drug math book to help her? I have three books that I worked from and got a 100% on the first attempt. There are also some good resources online.

colleen10 · Oct 8, 2003

I am in a CC ADN program.

Our program requires that you take Algebra I.

There was also a 5 week, (1) credit, Drug Calc. Math class this past summer that you had the option to take if you were not confident in your math abilities. Although, it sounds like many students were not aware that such a class was being offerend and did not take it, although I did.

We just had our math exam last night. It was 30 questions and you had to pass with a minimum of 84%. If you did not pass this first time around you have one more opportunity to take it next week. If you do not pass that second time around you will be dropped from the program and have to go through the whole admission process again next year.

We used a really excellent book in the drug math class this past summer. The same book was recommended for all the other students to study from in preparation of the test.

Our test was very easy. Basic problems like you have an order for 500mg and you have on hand 2g/mL. How many mL would you give?

No one in my section failed but I have heard of some students failing out of the program because of the exam. The only reason I could see someone failing our particluar exam is because they have a serious "math phobia" which some people really do have or they are not serious students and just did not study the material.

We also have to pass another math exam the beginning of our second year with the harder problems like mixing IV meds. and drop rates, etc.

LeesieBug · Oct 8, 2003

Our school handed us a "Calculate with Confidence" book to practice dosage calculations and sent us on our merry way (as far as math goes anyway)! Today is the last week to go to the computer lab and take the Dosage calculations test.

We have three attempts to achieve a 90%, but with each additional attempt your score is reduced by 5%. So, if we have to re-take it a third time we must get all the questions correct to pass with a 90%. If we don't pass, we cannot proceed in the program.

I know my dosage calculations, and do fine at home when practicing, but knowing that I must get a 90 or FAIL has my nerves a flutter!! I guess they are just making sure we can give someone the right dose of a med when under pressure ! :uhoh3:

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Oct 8, 2003

You have to prove proficiency in basic algebra on your general college entrance exam and pass a nurse procalc drug calculation test with a grade of 80% in order to be accepted into the program. After that, I have no idea cuz I'm not there yet.

ggfifirn05 · Oct 8, 2003

Our ADN program requires College Algebra as a prereq, and then includes "Math for Medications" with our first semester Clinical Techniques class as "independent study". We have a tutor available who holds several sessions weekly for the first term students to get a handle on all we need to know to pass the Dosage Calculation test, which we take next Wednesday...you must pass with an 80% before you can attend clinicals. We are given three opportunities to pass it, but the original grade stays on your record.

The tutor, known by all as Ms. Emily, is a hoot! She teaches conversion of the metric system as the "Metric Slide" (rather than the Electric Slide) and even does a little dance up at the board while she demonstrating the technique. I wish I had had her for all my math classes over the years, because she takes the fear out of it, and makes it all so simple! I feel pretty good at this point about passing the dosage calculation test with no problem thanks to her unique teaching style. But I'll let you know next week how it really goes...

As for the next semesters, I can only guess, but as long as I have Ms. Emily near by, I'm not too worried about it!

memphispanda, RN · Oct 8, 2003

We had to take a math test to get into the program. Then each semester we have to pass a math test with 90 or better. You get 2 chances. If you fail the second one, you are out for the semester. You can only fail ANYTHING once, the second fail you are out of the program.

AmyLiz · Oct 9, 2003

We have to take a class called "Mathmatics for Nursing"...but I haven't taken it yet, so I can't tell you anything about it.

justjill · Oct 9, 2003

we didn't have a math pre-req, but we had a section of med math stuff that went along with sophomore level class (i'm in a bsn program). we had to pass a test with 100% after that section, and we had three times to pass. then, when peds clincals began, we had to do another math test for those dose calculations. almost every nursing test i have had since sophomore year has had three or four med math questions on it. so i feel like i am constantly being quizzed! but i guess it is a good thing.... :rolleyes: i really hate med math stuff

Catma63 · Oct 9, 2003

It's probably good that your friend is scared in a way. I know I was! When our class had to take the dosage calculations exam (failing grade was anything below 80, two chances to take it. Seond fail=dismissal) I just knew I wasn't going to be able to do it. I practiced, practiced, practiced. I looked online for study aids, practice tools. I found them and used them.

I passed on the first try!

Tell her to put "dosage calculation" in the search engine and use the links that come up. A lot of the problems on the sites show them worked out step by step. Very helpful.

Also, tell her to remember this formula:

Dosage ordered/Dosage on Hand=Amt. Needed

Whew!

FullMoonMadness · Oct 9, 2003

We had a math prereq and also mandatory math proficiency in each class(Med/Surg math, OB math and Peds math) had to make 100 on each one with 3 attempts to pass on each one.