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Discussion

Calculator at work?

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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    • Featured Replies

    Yes, you may carry a calculator. Be aware, however, that you will have to be able to pass math and/or calculation tests in school, and your particular school may not allow a calculator during testing. If you think you need a remedial math course, go ahead and take one. Good math skills are important.

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    Even if pharmacy does most of the med calculations, you need to double check them. I've caught many errors in calculations done by pharmacy.

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    Even if pharmacy does most of the med calculations, you need to double check them. I've caught many errors in calculations done by pharmacy.

    How do you check reconstituted bags? That's where most nurses I know have issues, figuring out how to dilute vials of antibiotics. Not how many capsules or pills make up the required amount.

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    we use own calculators, phones and of course the ones on the computer desktop

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    Obviously, you can't check reconstituted bags from pharmacy. Since I've always worked in Pediatrics I've never had the luxury of having pharmacy make up piggybacks for my patients. That was something the floor nurses did. However, there's a lot more to figure out than just how many pills to give for the right dose.

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    • Experts
    Can nurses carry calculators on the job to calculate dosages?

    HELL YES.

    You're not in nursing school anymore, so there's no reason why you can't have a calculator with you. Especially since now you have your own nursing license--so you'd better get that dose right :)

    Use the calculator in your smartphone/cellphone/iPad. If you are not allowed to use your phone on the floor at work even for this (don't laugh--some places are very strict about it), then go to your local dollar store and pick up 2-3 cheap calculators. Keep one in your bag or on you. Donate another one or two to the desk at your nurses' station.

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    You can make the same errors with a calculator as with pen and paper if you don't know how to set up your problem, which is why people still pick the wrong distractors in med math tests even though they can use calculators. Other than that, having an easily-accessible calculator in your pocket (literal or figurative) can be a boon to the calculating-impaired. When we used to have to calculate drip rates for mcg/kg/min in the ICU in the 70s we all had little light-powered ones; I still have mine.

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    Lol iPhone app for med calculations :)

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    Took calculus in 10th grade, mistakes are mistakes, I think I'm pretty good at math, but I always check anyways.

    It's all about safety, you and your patients are worth it, if anyone makes fun of you, no biggie. No ones perfect.

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    • Author

    Do you know of any good med calculation app for the android?

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