How much math and chemistry do nurses use on a daily basis?

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Hello! I'm a pre-nursing student and I am not a science or maths person.

Of course this didn't stop me when I entered an ER about two years ago and realized that this was my calling.

So, I was just wondering, how much chemistry and math do nurses use on a daily basis? Is it ok to carry a calculator on the job?

I did take chemistry and bio in school, (even though I retook chem in grade 12 because my grade was a 50..)

So, should I take a few classes in like Pharmaceuticals before I apply for Nursing School?

I forgot about that. I currently work in the world of ecommerce and computer fail

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Specializes in IMCU.

In answer to the original question...every day.

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what if u have failed ur chemistry class at high school and never re-took it? are u not going to be allowed to go in nursing field or what? i m so scared noww....i hated chemistry!!!!! oh lord....do anybody knows abt it and can help me out? thank you

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
are we learning the fundamentals, however with modern technology we will not be starting from "scratch"? are meds delivered to the floor with the dosage already calculated? if not, in the near future will meds be pre-packaged and calculated by a computer?
meds are usually delivered premixed and it's a simple matter of typing the information into the pump and off you go. even there, though, some very basic maths are required. for example, by policy we generally don't push narcs, we dilute them into a saline flush and then attach that as a secondary. our pumps can't do the math of x ml over y minutes so i have to calculate the rate to run it at. very, very simple math but math nonetheless.

recall that i said "usually." on occasion (nights, weekends, holidays and sick-time), the pharmacy is closed and we have to go in, get the components, and mix up the solution. sometimes we don't use pumps but instead old fashioned roller clamps and piggybacks.

i'm one of the few new folks who walked right in and could do it as well as my preceptor. lots of folks flounder for awhile.

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Specializes in NICU.
what if u have failed ur chemistry class at high school and never re-took it? are u not going to be allowed to go in nursing field or what? i m so scared noww....i hated chemistry!!!!! oh lord....do anybody knows abt it and can help me out? thank you

It doesn't matter if you failed or aced your high school chem class, since it doesn't count towards your ADN or BSN. You need to take one or two semesters of chemistry as pre requisite coursework for your nursing program.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Most of the chemistry involved deals with acid-base balance which you will touch up more in pathophysiology, but you need a general knowledge of chemistry. Nothing too difficult like organic chem! As for math, it's basic math/algebra. I always carry a calculator with me just in case but they usually have them out on the units somewhere.

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