Do you have to be good in math?

sleepyhead · Jan 10, 2002

You have to be able to add, subtract, multiply, divide. You have to be able to think rationally. Most programs (I think) require a math dosage class, or it is at least incorporated with another class. Also, it was my experience that tests in every class would incorporate a few math dosage questions. You don't have to be able to understand calculus or remember too much (if any) of algebra. I personally can't remember anything about statistics, even though I was required to take it. Just do a lot of practice questions when the time comes to study dosage questions and you should do fine. When the time comes that your working as an RN, if a difficult dosage problem comes up, its a good idea to check it with another nurse and/or call pharmacy anyway.

jenlhale · Jan 10, 2002

Sounds good, thanks! I was just really worried about the dosage thing.

sleepyhead · Jan 10, 2002

Oh yeah, and the calculator is my best friend. I always have one in my pocket with my name on it!:)

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2002

Calculator!! And just about every nurse I know runs her calculations by another nurse...."here, double check this for me...." Better safe than sorry. And when in doubt, call the pharmacy!

You don't need to be a mathematician. Just know the basics. They'll teach you the formulas to use in nursing school for dosage calcs. Keep 'em in your pocket if you need to; lots of people do!

Kim-rn · Jan 11, 2002

If you are concerned about the math, buy a book and start learning how to calculate dosages. It isn't hard, but it does stump alot of nursing students. I know we lost at least 1/6 of our class to math our first semester (they weren't able to progress to the next semester because you had to make at least an 85 on the dosage calculations final.)

I bought the book by Springhouse "Dosage Calculations made incredibly easy", and I used it in addition to our textbook, and I passed the class with flying colors (I'm not a math person, either).

Or, if you can buy your textbook early, and just start working through it, it will really help you. The first semester of nursing school is a big adjustment--it's just so different from the other classes you will have taken--you don't want to have the added stress of worrying about whether you'll pass math or not.

Good luck!

CashewLPN, LPN · Jan 11, 2002

hmm... nursing math... the only math I really can do...

Its not hard to calculate nearly anything(AKA... give the pt 50 mg's of med x., you have 25mg pills... how do you dose the patient-- yep... you gots it.... 2 25 mg pills... easy, right?).... but driprates can be tricky...

There are many methods, just find the one that works best for you...

Good luck

--Barbara

askater · Jan 11, 2002

I am the worsed with math. Believe me...just as long as you know basic math you'll do fine.