I'm in my 9th week of nursing school, first year, and I'm getting pretty good grades, 89% in theory, 94% in clinical (we've only been in the nursing home so far, we go to the hospital after spring break). However, we had our 1st crack at the math proficiency test (dosage calc, dimensional analysis, etc) yesterday and I failed it! We had to get a 95% or better to pass, which means we could only miss one. I ran through the questions, and felt very confident when I turned it in, but I got it back later and I missed four!!!!
This was yesterday and I'm still so upset about it. Now I only have two more chances to pass and my confidence is shot...I was so confident in my answers but now I'm just freaked. And we have to wait a whole month to take it again, now every day I'm going to be wondering if I'm going to fail, because if we can't pass it in 3 tries, we're out! I've never had any doubt that I would be able to make it through the program until now.
Anyone had this kind of experience? Do you guys have to take similiar tests?
I am using the same book you are and it's in my car right now, but I could have sworn the grains stuff is on the inside front cover.
Anyway grains are like a clock face. 60 mg= 1gr.
ss or 1/2 gr is 30 mg
1/4 gr is 15 mg.
So, just like there are 60 min in one hour...
does that make sense?
I am about your age and in the same boat--deep in debt and have nursing school as a very big deal to pass because I have two kids to think of and besides that, I can't imagine doing anything else.
I am not going to fail nor will I stress myself out over this because God brought me here and I will have his guidance through it. I've actually been more worried about my kids and their reaction to being in a new place since we had to move for me to attend school.
I think you know your stuff nadjaa.. you sound confident.. to me. I believe your problem is in rushing through the test. You'll probably finish the test in about 30-40mins and then take the remaining time to go over every little things including your answers to make sure you used the correct thing. If they are asking for mcg, make sure not to put mg and stuff like that.
In such things, I don't mind being the last to turn in my paper. It usually pays off at last. I'm in my last semester and have always made 100% on my math test. Just take your time and don't even bother about it. It's just a wake up call so next semester and the remaining times, you will be much more better. We learn every day. Just concentrate on your other classes and don't let it stop you because you'll make a 100% next time. Take care
With two more tries I'm sure you will do fine. I used Mosby's Brown & Mulholland Drug calculations book. I kept doing equations similar to those that would be on the test over and over again. Always passed the first time with 100%. Also on your scratch paper be very organized- number the problems and keep all stuff worked out for each question in a boxed out area. That makes it easier to go over it again and check for mistakes even if you are running out of time at the end of the test. I have caught myself many times that way. Good luck but I don't think you'll need it you will be back here in a month letting us know you aced it.
hi nadjja, I will take my first math test this thursday any recommendation??
we have to score 90%
I am not Nadjia but I would like to give suggestion - study ratio and proportions. Many of the nursing math formulas are stated in ratio & proportions. Practice finding the "X." If you can find the "X" and recheck your numbers (decimals, fractions, etc), then you should do well on the math.
Lisa CCU RN, RN
1,531 Posts
I am using the same book you are and it's in my car right now, but I could have sworn the grains stuff is on the inside front cover.
Anyway grains are like a clock face. 60 mg= 1gr.
ss or 1/2 gr is 30 mg
1/4 gr is 15 mg.
So, just like there are 60 min in one hour...
does that make sense?
I am about your age and in the same boat--deep in debt and have nursing school as a very big deal to pass because I have two kids to think of and besides that, I can't imagine doing anything else.
I am not going to fail nor will I stress myself out over this because God brought me here and I will have his guidance through it. I've actually been more worried about my kids and their reaction to being in a new place since we had to move for me to attend school.
I'm going to be an RN and so will you.
God bless you.