Dosage Calculation Test

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

I need to take the Dosage test and pass with a 90%

We don't even have this test in HI, and I'm not sure what to expect. This is for a school in STL, MO.

I tried to look up books online but couldn't find any!

And the school's website has a practice test..and sure, I can memorize it, but seriously, I'd rather just study like a mad woman so I'm positive I'll pass it. But I need something to study!!!!

Has anyone taken it? I'm not the best test taker. I asked my sister for advice (she is so gifted mentally..) And she's no help. She seriously got like, a perfect score on the NET. I'm not kidding. Her score was practically unbelievable.

Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.
WDWPixie is a smart cookie.

I almost spit out my milk (that I was drinking with my cookies, lol)....you give me too much credit!!

No, I'm not a smart cookie -- I've just "been there, done that"...I remember how confusing and head spinning it all could be....my only nursing contact was my friend in CA who got me IN to this mess and she couldn't help me here!! LOL....wish I would've known about this site BEFORE I went through the school of hard knocks!!

I really, really wish you guys the best....you will enjoy Meramec....and I will be here to help!! :icon_hug:

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What school are you at in Hawaii?? I know the HPU dosage calc class is pretty good (I went there) and prepared me well for the future dosage test I had to take to graduate.

University of Hawaii. :)

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I almost spit out my milk (that I was drinking with my cookies, lol)....you give me too much credit!!

No, I'm not a smart cookie -- I've just "been there, done that"...I remember how confusing and head spinning it all could be....my only nursing contact was my friend in CA who got me IN to this mess and she couldn't help me here!! LOL....wish I would've known about this site BEFORE I went through the school of hard knocks!!

I really, really wish you guys the best....you will enjoy Meramec....and I will be here to help!! :icon_hug:

Thank you!!!!

I have both the Admission Guidebook and the nursing handbook printed out and refer to them often to just make sure I'm on track. I've been in contact with a counselor at STLCC for months now, and she's the one who told me I had to have it before I was put on the waitlist.

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.
I have both the Admission Guidebook and the nursing handbook printed out and refer to them often to just make sure I'm on track. I've been in contact with a counselor at STLCC for months now, and she's the one who told me I had to have it before I was put on the waitlist.

I guess that makes a certain amount of sense, that way someone who can't pass the test isn't taking up space on the list...I'll try to remember to ask around tomorrow and see if that's the case, but their staff on that campus is usually pretty reliable, so I'm guessing that will be the case.

A couple of things....will you be coming here to submit your name on the list? I guess I mean to do the actual application? I know we had to do that in person....if so, can you take the dosage online class from there before that time, and then be prepared and make arrangements to take the dosage test while you're in town? If I remember correctly, it's offered almost weekly. If not, then the next best thing might be to ask them if you can make some kind of arrangements to have it taken where you are and see about having it "proctored". I'm not even sure that's remotely feasible, but it's probably worth asking about if this might become a problem for you.

As for the book, here it is online:

http://www.amazon.com/Calculate-Confidence-Fourth-Deborah-Morris/dp/0323029280/sr=8-1/qid=1172723979/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7780749-5396640?ie=UTF8&s=books

I think it is absolutely terrific....I believe you can also find it at Borders and Barnes & Noble....please be sure to get this 4th edition as the earlier one that I have has a CD in it that's NOT compatible with my Windows XP. Kind of stinks as there have been times I would have loved to use it....

Good luck....

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I guess that makes a certain amount of sense, that way someone who can't pass the test isn't taking up space on the list...I'll try to remember to ask around tomorrow and see if that's the case, but their staff on that campus is usually pretty reliable, so I'm guessing that will be the case.

Good luck....

You're so helpful, I can't thank you enough.

I'm glad you pointed me in the direction of that class.

I found an online course:

NRSG 704 60L

from 03/19-04/13

This is the same class right? This would be perfect if I could take the class from Hawaii, then come in May and apply. It would take so much weight off my shoulders!

I've never taken an online course.

Has anyone taken this online class?

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

I found an online course:

NRSG 704 60L from 03/19-04/13

This is the same class right? This would be perfect if I could take the class from Hawaii, then come in May and apply. It would take so much weight off my shoulders! I've never taken an online course. Has anyone taken this online class?

Yes, that will be the class....I see there's the e-mail for the instructor listed with that course. WRITE her now and explain what you're planning on doing (Spring break starts next week)....make sure there won't be a problem with you doing it this way. The bottom line will be that you will be self-teaching since you're so far away....I don't know if there is normally some classroom component that goes along with this online version, so you'd miss that if so.

I have taken other online courses and found them to be great, but you really have to be self directed and not need someone holding your hand. All of my online have been credit courses, so we had on-campus testing at the least....since this is continuing ed and there were only "practice" tests, you obviously won't be required to come to campus for that.

Make sure you've got some math resources available to you there also....math tutors on campus, a friend/relative, anything like a Sylvan center (not endorsing them; we have private, independent math tutoring centers around here I've used when I needed a little help)...

Your plan sounds like a good one....DO write the instructor listed and get her thoughts and agreement about your plan...when you do come to take the official dosage test, it's VERY informal....they provide you with a calculator so you don't even need to bring that...really "get" the math as you practice it and do so a LOT until you've taken and passed that test....I do think you need to schedule it with the Assessment Center on campus, so be sure you've called them to ask them about scheduling during the time you'll be here.

There are links to websites with dosage practice on them in other threads on this site....use them, also...I think someone had some listed with tutoring/practice...start looking at them now...the math is really pretty basic (for the calculations test anyway, lol)....I can try to help out, too, if you get stuck....don't hesitate to PM me.

If you can do basic chemistry math and understand metrics, you will be SO ahead of the game...I was new to metrics and only now am starting to get the hang of it, lol....the hardest part is that they're a bit like word problems where sometimes they throw a little something extra in -- a "distractor"...but they're not HARD....so don't get too far ahead of yourself worrying....just remember this is knowledge you will need for as long as you're a RN, so best to get on board with it NOW....

My, I'm chatty this morning....take care!!

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I am taking the same test for SLCC. I signed up for the Nursing Math class mentioned above. I am taking the online version. I'll be applying for the program after I take BIO and CHEM this summer. I'll probably take the dosage test in the Fall so that I don't take it too early.

I just noticed this post, sorry I missed it. Which online nursing class are you taking? The one that starts in march, or april?

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I checked the Meramec website for sample tests and the practice test that is there includes only Ratio and proportion questions. Can someone that took the admission test in Meramec tell me what kind of the questions are on the test. Do the dosage calculation test includes those IV and infusion rates questions or it is just the ratios and proportions???

I'm getting confused because on the web I'm finding different websites like http://www.accd.edu/sac/nursing/math/mathindex.html that have kind of different questions from those posted on the Meramec website.

I appreciate the help :))))

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.
I checked the Meramec website for sample tests and the practice test that is there includes only Ratio and proportion questions. Can someone that took the admission test in Meramec tell me what kind of the questions are on the test. Do the dosage calculation test includes those IV and infusion rates questions or it is just the ratios and proportions???

Hi there!!

I haven't taken the test for a few semesters, but at the time I took it, it was strictly the ratio/proportions type of questions you saw on that practice. We didn't learn IV calcs or infusion rates until 2nd semester and I would guess it's pretty safe to say that it hasn't changed since last spring!!

Please let me know if you need more info! Best wishes and Happy New Year!!

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Hi there!!

I haven't taken the test for a few semesters, but at the time I took it, it was strictly the ratio/proportions type of questions you saw on that practice. We didn't learn IV calcs or infusion rates until 2nd semester and I would guess it's pretty safe to say that it hasn't changed since last spring!!

Please let me know if you need more info! Best wishes and Happy New Year!!

Yeah, I too think it should be the same as the practice test. Thank you a lot for the response. In that case I'm gonna take the test as soon as possible :))))

I wish you a lot of luck and fun during 2008 ;)

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.
Yeah, I too think it should be the same as the practice test. Thank you a lot for the response. In that case I'm gonna take the test as soon as possible :))))

I wish you a lot of luck and fun during 2008 ;)

I think they're basically looking to see if you understand the basics of dosage calcs. Apparently in the past they lost many students in the first semester or two who just couldn't do the math. Wasted spaces for those who were on the list and COULD do the math.

Thanks for the well wishes....I am personally just looking forward to graduating, lol!! Fun can come afterwards!!

Let us know how you do on that test; I believe you can take it 3 times in a year, but if you've got the ratio/proportion understanding, you'll do fine! Is Meramec where you plan on applying?

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I think they're basically looking to see if you understand the basics of dosage calcs. Apparently in the past they lost many students in the first semester or two who just couldn't do the math. Wasted spaces for those who were on the list and COULD do the math.

Thanks for the well wishes....I am personally just looking forward to graduating, lol!! Fun can come afterwards!!

Let us know how you do on that test; I believe you can take it 3 times in a year, but if you've got the ratio/proportion understanding, you'll do fine! Is Meramec where you plan on applying?

Yeah I'm applying in Meramec. So this is your last year?

I took General Chemistry 1 with a B so I'm okay with this test. Did you do hours in some hospital and if you did were they paid ? :)

Good luck on the graduation then :) hehh

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