is dosage calc. necessary?

dylansmama · Jul 24, 2008

I would definitely take the course...this is something that you MUST be comfortable in for patient safety. It will only benefit you and your future patients! :redpinkhe

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 24, 2008

Ours doesn't make you take it either, BUT they make you very aware that each semester you have a drug dosage exam in which you have to get 90% to pass, you get 1 rewrite, fail that rewrite and ur out of the program! I didnt take the class, but I bought the book that they use in the class and did the questions, so one has to be a bit more self motivated. As well on orientation we had a math exam, and if ya failed that, you had to take the drug dosage class.

Guess it depends on you. Are you good with #'s? and of course it can only benefit yourself if you do take the class.

RN874 · Jul 24, 2008

sounds like my school as well with the quizzes...If I decide to take the course it will make #4 for this semester. I also bought the book to try and stay on top of things. Do you know if the dosage is taught in Nurisng Assesment or Fundamentals of Nursing? Thanks

owensmommy · Jul 24, 2008

I took a dosage calc class in school. It turned out to be an easy "A". But it also was a great reminder on how to do certain conversions and a bunch of other things you tend to forget from jr/sr high!!

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 24, 2008

In my program its not taught in any of the other classes. In one class they will go over some of them if ur having difficulties. As well we can goto the student centre for assistance. So in reality one doesnt have to fork over more $$$ for another class. One could just buy the book, and seek out help at the school. And their are many web sites that have drug dosage questions!

As well al our exams have 1-4 dosage questions, so easy marks if you know ur stuff,lol If your self motivated, easy enough to do on ur own, or find a study group.

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Jul 24, 2008

Our school offers a calculations class, but it's not required for the degree. It's recommended for an elective, and really it's an easy A. We are expected to get the information, either in lab or on our own; our quizzes always have a calculation question on it. To me, it's worth it; I think nurses really need to feel confident in their ability to do this.

Dianacabana · Jul 24, 2008

tough call on whether to take it or not...i too am good with numbers but i started math for meds earlier this summer and i am so glad i did. its a great way to work on those equations & calculations until they are second nature.

i would buy the book and do it on your own. some of the early chapters are a bit simplistic, but the later chapters are quite helpful.

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2008

My school does not require you to take the Dosage Calculations course but they do reccomend it. Anyone have any advice on taking/not taking this course? I am pretty good at math and have gotten high 90's on basic math pretests. Thanks

I don't think dosage calculation is necessary if you've had chemistry, as the stoichiometry calculations learned in chemistry gives you the perfect setup for dosage calculating.

rnmomtobe2010 · Jul 24, 2008

At my school, it wasn't necessary, but highly advisable...

Dianacabana · Jul 24, 2008

sounds like my school as well with the quizzes...If I decide to take the course it will make #4 for this semester. I also bought the book to try and stay on top of things. Do you know if the dosage is taught in Nurisng Assesment or Fundamentals of Nursing? Thanks

At my school dosage is not taught in either of those classes BUT you are expected to know how to do it when they ask you...

Good luck!

SillyStudent, ASN, RN · Jul 24, 2008

I would take the dosage calc class. Extra instruction in med calc is never a waste of time. It is easy to make a mistake without adequate practice.