Dropped for Math Calc test in 4th semester

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I am a 4th semester nursing student and failed to pass the med calc test. I am not sure about other schools, but we were only allowed to miss one. I must now withdraw from the program. As if failing the test wasn't bad enough, my situation is even worse. I have already been reinstated once due to surgery so I can't even apply for reinstatement.

Has anyone else ever been in my shoes or am I the only "dumb" person??

I feel like such a failure! All this hard work and only eight weeks of school / preceptorship before graduation. There are no other ADN programs in my area other than a private college (which only has provisional accreditation).

I am considering transferring my credits to a local university that offers a BSN program but I don't even know if I would get accepted since I can't even pass a med calc test. Any comments or suggestions would surely help. I am still in shock and disbelief. I never, ever thought I'd fail due to med calculations!:no:

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I don't have much advice to offer, but I am so sad to hear that. Keep going, the BSN may be your best bet since the other schools are provisional and you may be looking to further your ed. Good Luck with everything.

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I am so sad for you. Are you sure there is no chance to retest. Have you talked to your advisor? I know you probably have.

In no way does this mean you couldn't do a BSN program.

My BSN program allows you to retake the drug doseage one time if you don't pass. I will hope that things work out for you.

Hugs.

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Is there any way you can have a make-up quiz? Just asking. If not, I hope this will turn on to be a blessing in disguise, good luck.

If not, take your BSN. Brush up on your math skills, take classes, read basic algebra, do it so you can solve it while you're asleep.

In my school we are allowed to have 2 retakes for the exam, they are very lenient. But best of luck to you buddy.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

I think what worries me most in your post is that you feel like a failure and that you note that you "can't even pass a med test"

Of course, medication safety is crucial to patient care, and a skill that will always be important to a nurse. But I hate to see you define yourself by one event. Most people have failed something before, whether they will admit it or not.

Of course, you are very sad right now and that's to be expected, but if you really want to be a nurse, brush yourself off and keep going. Failure isn't getting knocked on your butt, it's failing to get up again.

Talk to your instructors, get as many tips and practice problems as possible, take a dosage calculation class or remediation class, and practice until you are 100% confident in your ability to calculate. One problem I have seen with my own students is that they do not continue to practice calculations year-round, only practicing as much as needed to pass the calc exams.

This is a skill you will use daily. Practice often and regularly, go to another school if you have exhausted your appeals, and go become a good and safe nurse! You can do it if your want it enough.

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I can't imagine what you must be going through. Good luck in your future endeavors.

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Make an appointment with the dean, associate dean or some big wig in the program, while you're waiting for your appt, you should probably figure out that math (we have to have 100% on our calculations test next summer). Bring in your documentation for the surgery, including the letter you are going to call on Monday morning and get from your surgeon to your appt.

Nursing school is hard and you've made it through 3 semesters (my program is a progressive program and you would eligible to take the LPN exam now in my program). Those rules in that student nurses handbook are made for them to pick and choose which ones they want to enforce.

It's time for you to convince them that they shouldn't count the medical leave against you. So you want to go in there like a confident adult and tell the dean why you deserve to stay, or be let in next semester.

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Specializes in heart failure and prison.

You are not stupid. How many times can you take the math test? In my school we can take it a total of 3 times. Do they have a review board? maybe you can tell them your situation an ask for tutoring and another shot at this test. Good look

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i know this may sound a little harsh, but how are you in your last semester and are having troubles in drug calculations? did you have any problems in prior semesters or was the one you missed a total fluke?

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I think what worries me most in your post is that you feel like a failure and that you note that you "can't even pass a med test"

Of course, medication safety is crucial to patient care, and a skill that will always be important to a nurse. But I hate to see you define yourself by one event. Most people have failed something before, whether they will admit it or not.

Of course, you are very sad right now and that's to be expected, but if you really want to be a nurse, brush yourself off and keep going. Failure isn't getting knocked on your butt, it's failing to get up again.

Talk to your instructors, get as many tips and practice problems as possible, take a dosage calculation class or remediation class, and practice until you are 100% confident in your ability to calculate. One problem I have seen with my own students is that they do not continue to practice calculations year-round, only practicing as much as needed to pass the calc exams.

This is a skill you will use daily. Practice often and regularly, go to another school if you have exhausted your appeals, and go become a good and safe nurse! You can do it if your want it enough.

Thank you for your insight and advise. I don't really "think" I am a failure, it was just the way I was feeling at the time. I am in the process of appealing to see if I can get reinstated again. If not, I plan to attend the LPN program (several courses) and bridge to ADN. It wasn't part of my original plan but if it gets to me my goal then it will be worth it in the long run. I've brushed myself off and I refuse to quit. Thank you again for your posting and words of wisdom.:wink2:

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Make an appointment with the dean, associate dean or some big wig in the program, while you're waiting for your appt, you should probably figure out that math (we have to have 100% on our calculations test next summer). Bring in your documentation for the surgery, including the letter you are going to call on Monday morning and get from your surgeon to your appt.

Nursing school is hard and you've made it through 3 semesters (my program is a progressive program and you would eligible to take the LPN exam now in my program). Those rules in that student nurses handbook are made for them to pick and choose which ones they want to enforce.

It's time for you to convince them that they shouldn't count the medical leave against you. So you want to go in there like a confident adult and tell the dean why you deserve to stay, or be let in next semester.

Thank you for the advise! I met with the Dean and was told my options are to either apply as a new student and re-do the entire program, or to take a few courses in the LPN, get my LPN license and bridge to ADN. I asked if I could appeal to the reinstatement committe as I felt my prior reinstatment (due to necessary surgery) should not be held against me. I am in the process of doing this now. Wish me luck! :up:

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i know this may sound a little harsh, but how are you in your last semester and are having troubles in drug calculations? did you have any problems in prior semesters or was the one you missed a total fluke?

I don't take your question as being harsh. Its a legitimate question and I really don't know what to say!! I did not have any problems with any of my previous calc exams. I wasn't the only student to get dropped from the program, there were quite a few of us.

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