Calculator at work?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Can nurses carry a calculator on the job to calculate dosages? I'm terrible at math when it comes to solving problems in my head. It's like my brain gets scrambled. Due to this I'm getting discouraged about becoming an LPN.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

If I'm not allowed to use calculators, I simply use the paper method...

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Specializes in Emergency Room, Trauma ICU.
Can nurses carry calculators on the job to calculate dosages? I'm terrible at math especially when it comes to solving problems in my head. It's like my brain gets scrambled. This is discouraging me from becoming an LPN..

Of course!! And if you have any tricky calcs to do I usually have someone double check my math. Especially if its for a peds pt.

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Why couldn't you I carry my iPod at work for spelling and new medications. Most pharmacies have stuff already calculated.

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So, for example, if a baby or kid came into the clinic for a vaccine, it'd already be calculated for me? I wouldn't have to calculate or convert anything? Sorry, math really intimidates me!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Yes of course you can use a calculator at work. Why wouldn't you be able to?

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Every unit I've ever worked on has had a calculator in the drawer with the CPS. Not used a heck of a lot because the Pharmacy does 99% of our med prep.

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I dont know really.. lol. I read online some nurses saying you shouldnt have to use a calculator, you should just know your calculations. I also read that some of the more experienced nurses look down upon those who have to use a calculator.. but I'd rather be safe than sorry!

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Every unit I've ever worked on has had a calculator in the drawer with the CPS. Not used a heck of a lot because the Pharmacy does 99% of our med prep.

Thank goodness! I feel more confident now. Lol

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
I dont know really.. lol. I read online some nurses saying you shouldnt have to use a calculator, you should just know your calculations. I also read that some of the more experienced nurses look down upon those who have to use a calculator.. but I'd rather be safe than sorry!

No they would not be impressed if you did it in your head and made a mistake. Like Fiona said, you very seldom have to do calculations anyways.When I do I will sometimes ask for soemone to check my math if I am not sure.

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Specializes in Oncology.

We have calculators all over the unit and do everything on computers with built in calculators.

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Yes!! You should know how to set equations up (you will learn in school) though but you may use a calculator.

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