Accepatnce letter to NS with a catch?!

nlynrob · Nov 26, 2013

Yes my letter said something similar to yours. But I'm going into my first year of nursing. Can they ask me about IV drips or med math?! Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com[/quote']
Because they stated in your letter that is a "math entrance exam", I don't think so. At my school sophomore year is considered the first year of actual nursing school. Freshman year is all the A&Ps, English, intro to psych ect. So as the first year of real nursing curriculum, asking about drips or med math is cruel and unnecessary. Check your schools website; if this exam is listed as an entrance exam for the entire school (which I'm guessing it is) rather than a nursing specific requirement, then it's going to be questions on basic math knowledge, not nursing calculations.
The med calc exams everyone is talking about are required by most programs at the end of each nursing curriculum semester to be passed with a 90% or higher to continue to the next level of the program. They aren't called entrance exams which are something every single person entering the school for any major have to take.

RubberDuckieLove · Nov 26, 2013

We had a nursing math test the first day of orientation!!! Talk about stressful! And ours is 100 percent. Even if you get one wrong it's considered a fail (watch your trailing zeroes!). We get three tries to pass it and if you didn't you were dropped from the program. It's the same very semester. Just find a good practice book that will teach you and you'll do fine :)

ScientistSalarian · Nov 26, 2013

We had a basic math test that we had to pass with 100% within the first few weeks. It was pretty simple stuff (addition/subtraction/multiplication/division and conversions between decimals, percentages, fractions/improper fractions, and mixed numbers).

Nothing complex, but man - I hadn't dealt with a mixed number-to-improper-fraction type problem since around 7th grade! Khan Academy has some great, quick refreshers for this kind of math.

subee, MSN, CRNA · Nov 26, 2013

My nursing program does that, but we get 3 tries every semester. Even if you don't make it in 3 tries, some of the professors will sit down with you and Walk you through the problems and pass you. Find a dosage calculations book and practice practice practice! It will eventually become second nature.

It should have been determined if the students have basic arithmetic schools BEFORE they're accepted in the program. Makes me nervous that they''ll be lot loose on the public having a deficit in basic skills.

krisiepoo · Nov 26, 2013

my program had that and then we had one every semester with a 90% or greater necessary to continue on in the program however we also needed to take a dosage math class prior to being accepted so it wasn't difficult

Marsha238612 · Nov 26, 2013

We had a basic math test that we had to pass with 100% within the first few weeks. It was pretty simple stuff (addition/subtraction/multiplication/division and conversions between decimals percentages, fractions/improper fractions, and mixed numbers). Nothing complex, but man - I hadn't dealt with a mixed number-to-improper-fraction type problem since around 7th grade! Khan Academy has some great, quick refreshers for this kind of math.

Thanks, I'll make sure to check out Khan Academy. I took my last math class last fall so I hope to be ok with the basic math concepts.

Now if it'll be med math that's a different story.

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futurebsn2b · Nov 26, 2013

My program had this - we had to take test every semester to stay in too. 95% or above - two tries only. You will do great - just take your time. Good luck!!! :)

Marsha238612 · Nov 26, 2013

My program had this - we had to take test every semester to stay in too. 95% or above - two tries only. You will do great - just take your time. Good luck!!! :)

Even in the beginning of your program?! Because I'm taking this math test on orientation day!

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SageFemmeReveur · Nov 27, 2013

So this is a normal thing? Are any of you students at a CA university? I'm really glad I ran across this thread..

allnurses Guide · Nov 27, 2013

We lose a few now and then for poor math skills. We have limited spaces in the program, and those who can't hack the math and fail out, have used up a space that someone else may have benefited from.

I teach med calc, and although basic algebra is required for entry to the program, there are always a few who really struggle. I would recommend brushing up on basic algebra, solving for x, with ratio: proportion, and the simple dimensional analysis formula (canceling units).

Naeema_rnhopeful · Nov 27, 2013

I am starting Nursing School in January and I didn't know about this test until I met with my advisor. I don't think you should worry about it, I am sure that will talk about it in greater detail at you orientation. I know at my school that want us all to become RNs so I am pretty sure that are there to support you and not set you up for failure. :yes:

JS88 · Nov 27, 2013

I'm at a University in California... but we didn't have a math exam at orientation... we did have a med-calc test on the first week and was expected to get 100%. You do get 3 tries though... it's just sad when you're dinged .25 points and then you have to retake it! :no: But then you justify that by playing devils advocate... a simple med error could either get someone really sick or kill them.

I would probably just brush up on some conversions and basic math skills if they're going to throw a "math test" at you... unless they called it a med-calc test then I'd probably throw in some basic drip problems too.