OH, MY day today.

[peaceful2100, BSN, RN]

Today we had our first test. This is my fourth day of the semester. It was first thing at 8am. We had a drug calculation test and now that we are seniors we are required to get 100%. The bad news is that I failed. I got a 95%, I only missed one and it was SO stupid of me and what I did. I had the right formula, the right concentration, the right numbers, but when I used my calculator to calculate it since it was a high number for the concentration and the other numbers were weird I made a mistake on the calculator. So I knew what I was doing but I punched in the wrong number in the calculator.

Well, at least we have 2 more chances to pass with a 100%. IF we don't pass after the 3rd time we will have to drop from the course and wait another FULL year if we really want to come back. But I know I will past the next time around. I will be careful with my calculator and double check EVERYTHING. Also the 2nd good thing is that the test was part of a pass/fail course so at least it will not go into our grades as far as numbers are concerned. So word of caution BE careful with your calculators and ALWAYS double check your answers to be safe no matter how confident you feel. It will NOT hurt you it may save you a mistake that could mean pass or fail. IT is generally the little mistakes that get people in trouble as many of my classmates found out today. Out of 45 only about 5 people got 100%. So many people got 95% because of the little things such as the one I did.

Everything else is going really good for me. We have started out with the Cardiovascular side talking about various surgeries, interventions, prevention and things like that. We have our first major test on Thursday and it will be over the Cardiovascular system so I am preparing for that.

I am taking a critical care elective this semester and I am so glad I did because so far it is really interesting, it is online and the plus instructors provided us with tons of websites that will also help me a great deal during my ICU rotation.

I am just so excited, I don't think I have ever been this excited before but then again. I am getting closer and closer to the end so maybe that is why.

Good luck to everyone this semester:cool:

[RNIAM, BSN, RN]

WOW. I understand why they want you to get 100% but it's still a bit nerve racking. With your postive out look I am sure it won't be a problem next time.

[Ortho_RN]

We have a calculations test EVERY semester and we have to make 100% on it also.. With only one retake..

[Wyldeflower]

Tomorrow is the first day of class, and we will start with the math...but we have already been warned that we aren't allowed to use calculators! We have our calculations test starting Friday, and get 3 chances also...I'm hoping everything will be ok!!

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

Tonya,

I'm sorry that happened to you. It's so scary because we can still make the occasional error even though we know the info.

You will get them all next time. Thank you for the advice about the calculators, I will be careful using them.

Zach

[tex]

We never were allowed to use anything, but our brain, paper and pencil. This was in NY. We had 3 chances. And some of the nursing instructors were glad to work w/you. But this has been 10 years ago. We had math test the first 2 semesters of my rn program. Check, breathe, recheck, breathe then recheck again. Tex

[Bonnie Blue]

Peaceful, check out icufaqs on the web. It's like an ICU orientation on line. You can also link to it through MICU board here.

[Love-A-Nurse]

tonya, thanks for the adivce and for sharing your day with us. we have three chances to pass ours too. i know you will make the needed 100% next time.

[Swiftee]

Aw Tonya....how cruddy is that? But you really do have a great outlook on things, and IMO that's half the battle right there. Keep your chin up!

[jschut, BSN, RN]

I'm sure you'll do fine next time around Tonya....

I'm not gonna say good luck cause you won't need it! :)

[sfsn]

Don't be too hard on yourself! If only 5 people got 100%, and you only missed one, you're still in terrific shape!

You'll pass it, don't worry!

[essarge]

We also have to get 100% on our drug calculation exams. Yes, it is nerve wracking!! I've taken out my drug calculation text and am starting from the beginning to review. Our first class (and exam) are next Wednesday (the 4th). Am not looking forward to it at all!!