Drug Calc Test for New Nurses

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Aug 16, 2005

And I thought I was done with tests!
Can someone tell me about drug calc test for new nurses? IF I passed NCLEX (I'll know tomorrow), I am scheduled to begin my very first nursing position next week. However, I have to take a test immediately before I begin. I was only told that drug and drug calc questions would be on it, and it is 50 questions.
My brain is fried from studying for NCLEX; I can't take any more tests!

Kristin,

I'm a new RN in my 4th week of orientation. When I started my job last month I had to take a drug test as well. I thought it wasn't hard at all. Mine had 75 questions on it-25 calculations & 50 on drug knowledge. I didn't even prepare for the drug knowledge part but still got an A on it since all the pharm stuff was still fresh in my head thanks to NCLEX studying! :) The calc part was fine too-I had IV drip rate problems, & converting from mg to grams, etc, & also a lot of easy problems like this: the MD orders 28 mg of drug A. Drug A comes in a vial of 52 mg/mL. How many mL would you give? I think you should spend a little time reviewing calcs but don't worry too much over it. If you graduated from nursing school & passed NCLEX, you'll be fine! :) Good luck.

-Christine

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2005

Good luck Kristin from a fellow chad counter.

KristinWW · Aug 18, 2005

Good luck Kristin from a fellow chad counter.

Hey, I wondered what happened to you! You were transferring out of FL, right? We will still be here another year; we didn't sell our home

KristinWW · Aug 18, 2005

Kristin,
I'm a new RN in my 4th week of orientation. When I started my job last month I had to take a drug test as well. I thought it wasn't hard at all. Mine had 75 questions on it-25 calculations & 50 on drug knowledge. I didn't even prepare for the drug knowledge part but still got an A on it since all the pharm stuff was still fresh in my head thanks to NCLEX studying! :) The calc part was fine too-I had IV drip rate problems, & converting from mg to grams, etc, & also a lot of easy problems like this: the MD orders 28 mg of drug A. Drug A comes in a vial of 52 mg/mL. How many mL would you give? I think you should spend a little time reviewing calcs but don't worry too much over it. If you graduated from nursing school & passed NCLEX, you'll be fine! :) Good luck.
-Christine

Thanks, Christine! I am happy to report that I PASSED!!!! I'm definitely feeling much better about taking the drug test now. Thanks for your info!!