Can we use calulators?

chrisg0705 · Sep 13, 2005

I bought my books yesterday and I have been reading "Math Magic, Nursing Math Simplified." It looks like it will be very helpful with learning dosage calcs. Our school requires a 90 or above on dosage exams. I was wondering if we will be allowed to use calculators during the exams. After studying the sample problems in "Math Magic" I know there is no way I will be able to do the problems in my head.
What are your schools policies on calculators?
Lisa
PS. Spent $902.22 on books and supplies yesterday!

Sorry, but you can't use calculators at my school (which I HATE), but they say you can't use them for boards either. Let me know if you hear something different.

Chris

Momto3andNurse2B · Sep 13, 2005

Sorry, but you can't use calculators at my school (which I HATE), but they say you can't use them for boards either. Let me know if you hear something different.
Chris

I believe you are correct about that, Chris, which I believe is my school's rationale behind not allowing them for this class.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Sep 13, 2005

Sorry, but you can't use calculators at my school (which I HATE), but they say you can't use them for boards either. Let me know if you hear something different.
Chris

I've been told the NCLEX software has a drop-down calculator.

Just found this on the Elsevier/Mosby/Saunders site for Review books:

"A calculator option is provided on the CD-ROM to be consistent with the features of the electronic NCLEX-RN exam."

AuntieRN · Sep 13, 2005

True RN2be...I forgot to post the part about having to show our work as well. We have to show each step along the way, but we are allowed to use calculators. You aren't allowed to use a calculator on the NCLEX? I was never allowed to use a calculator in school when I was growing up (i'm 40 now). When I started college a few years ago I had a hard time with adapting to using one. I still have a hard time with the darned thing and prefer to do it all on paper by hand. But, some of these problems have numbers that are too big and leave room for errors is the rationale behind our school allowing calculators.

NewEnglandRN, RN · Sep 14, 2005

My school cannot seem to make a decision about calculator use! :uhoh3:

When we had to take an entry math exam, the first group was not allowed to use a calculator. The second group (those on the wait-list) were permitted to use a calculator. All during our first year, school supplied calculators were allowed on unit exams.

Image our surprise when we returned this year and were told there was a "quick" review math quiz the following morning. The next morning, we arrive and one of the girls asked "can we used a calculator?" and the instructor said no. We thought she was being funny. WRONG! No calculators allowed!

We have not received the math quiz back yet. We were finally told, it does not count as a grade, they just want to see where we are with our math skills :rolleyes:

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Sep 14, 2005

True RN2be...I forgot to post the part about having to show our work as well. We have to show each step along the way, but we are allowed to use calculators. You aren't allowed to use a calculator on the NCLEX? I was never allowed to use a calculator in school when I was growing up (i'm 40 now). When I started college a few years ago I had a hard time with adapting to using one. I still have a hard time with the darned thing and prefer to do it all on paper by hand. But, some of these problems have numbers that are too big and leave room for errors is the rationale behind our school allowing calculators.

Hi, vlsgirl....I posted that we ARE allowed to use a calculator for the NCLEX, found that out right after posting that I thought we could, BUT it's a drop-down calculator on the screen itself (touch pad) so it's very different than a normal handheld calculator.

I don't see any point in disallowing students from using a calculator during math exams, as long as they ARE able to show each step (so that there is no one spot where one can say "what would you do without a calculator?"). I personally like being able to verify everything quickly. I know my experience is limited as a student, but I haven't yet seen a med room or nurse's station without a calculator.