Dosage calc/math for meds question

renerian, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2003

WE were not able to use them either. Did not use them on the floor either.

renerian

memphispanda, RN · Jan 9, 2003

We couldn't use calculators on the entrance test, but can for the dosage and solutions tests. I have noticed that our instructors just do it in their heads. I guess eventually you sort of get used to it.

emily_mom · Jan 9, 2003

We can't in school either, but are allowed to for clinicals. I bought one of those clipboards with all the info on it and calculator. Helps me keep organized.

Kristy

c.wicks · Jan 10, 2003

I remember one professor would not allow them, but all the others didn't care. When you take the NCLEX, you will be allowed to access the computers' calculator.

My hardest subject has always been math, algebra, statistics...you get the picture? I actually believe I have a learning disorder in that department. I am the only nurse I know who never shows up for work without a calculator in my pocket.

Take a deep breath.......relax......and memorize those formulas.

Total # of ml / total # of minutes X the drip factor = drip rate

You can do it!!!

MRed94 · Jan 10, 2003

I ALWAYS have a calculator in my grubby little pocket! I am the worst of the math impaired in my school, I think!

We can use them for tests and etc. in school. They warned us not to come to class without them.

I've never heard anyone say we couldn't use them.

M

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · Jan 10, 2003

We aren't allowed to use them first semester, but for the other semesters we are.

christinemj · Jan 10, 2003

We can use non-programmable calculators for any test or clinical. Our "nursing program handbook" even spells it out and points out that the correct process to solving the problem is essential. Basically, we have to show our work.

fourbirds4me · Jan 10, 2003

We are allowed and even encouraged to use calculators... drip rates for some drugs can get pretty hairy... even with calculators and I've seen ICU nurses double check themselves all the time. I would rather verify a calculation than risk a patient's safety trying to figure it out in my head...

I think knowing HOW to figure it is the key.

JMHO,

Paula

JudithL_in_NH · Jan 10, 2003

Thanks, all!

There seems to be a bit of variety in the policies at different schools.

I'd agree that the most important things are to understand the underlying process, rather than the math of the calculation itself, and to safeguard patient safety. I'm willing to work under whatever restrictions my school sets forth in testing situations, but you can bet I'll have a calculator with me any time I work with a patient, so I can verify my calcs!

Thanks for the feebdack!

leslieRN2B · Jan 10, 2003

We could not use them on the dosage calculations test, but we could use them on the unit tests in the Basic Pharmacology class

DIPLOMATICRN4HIRE, MSN, RN · Jan 10, 2003

We were never allowed to use them. They did catch one student with one in clinicals and she got read the riot act. Now I can do it all in my head I have even caught myself calculating the drip factor on the coffee machine. It becomes second nature.

Zoe