On our first dimensional analysis exam coming up, our instructor says we won't be allowed to use our own personal calculators because we could "store the conversions in it"?!
Here's the problem with that: cheap, ****** calculators (which i'm sure is what will be used) have a difficult time with registering keys 100% of the time.
My TI-30X IIS has never had such a problem.
There's a reset button on the calculator. If I demonstrate that I've reset the calculator before taking the test, is it fair for her to prohibit me from using it?
I don't have a problem with using a basic calculator, but the sensitivity problem is actually a real issue. If I knew the calcs we're given were quality ones that have near perfect key registration (as my TI does), I wouldn't be worried. Of course, there's no way for me to ensure this.
At the beginning of our nursing program we had to buy a packet that contained our journal, the handbook for the first class, some other stuff (I forget what now), and a cheap, no nonsense calculator. It had the 10 number keys, +, -, X, /, and =. It was more than enough, and the only calculator we were allow to use on exams. I don't know if the NCLEX has changed, but that is all you get for that--although it is on the computer, not a physical calculator.
In addition, there is a thread going on right know about metric units/conversions. As pointed out in that thread, it helps to have a small pocket calculator to enable to you to do quick conversions and simple med math. Having a giant graphing calculator is neither necessary nor practical for such a purpose. Get used to the barebones calculator now.
We are not allowed to use personal calculators for our medication administration exams either. They bring a huge bucket of cheap calculators and everyone grabs one before the exam. I've never heard of anyone having a problem with them. It's just your basic 4 function calculator, but that's all you need for dosage cal. If I were you, I would just make sure to check your answer more than once.
No way in hell would I use my head on a dosage calculation exam when I am allowed to use the computer calculator. Why would you take the chance on a stupid mistake on a test that is a mandatory pass or you get kicked out of the program? You can save your "in your head" calculations for practice.
My school does the same, and also has some crappy calculators. Type numbers in carefully and double check answers. I don't think this is a big deal. Honestly, I think that you (and my classmates on some stuff and myself on other things) create issues that are really non-issues. It almost sounds like "Can I have this special exception so I can be special? Someone validate my need to be special."
Practice is for practice. I wouldn't give a med to a patient without checking my math on a calculator, at least for most things. I will always have a calculator on me as a nurse, why would you try to do a timed math test without one when you have the option of using one? Makes no sense to take a chance on a stupid mistake and failing out of your program because you could have used a calculator and didn't because you wanted to prove a point.
On our first dimensional analysis exam coming up our instructor says we won't be allowed to use our own personal calculators because we could "store the conversions in it"?! Here's the problem with that: cheap, ****** calculators (which i'm sure is what will be used) have a difficult time with registering keys 100% of the time. My TI-30X IIS has never had such a problem. There's a reset button on the calculator. If I demonstrate that I've reset the calculator before taking the test, is it fair for her to prohibit me from using it? I don't have a problem with using a basic calculator, but the sensitivity problem is actually a real issue. If I knew the calcs we're given were quality ones that have near perfect key registration (as my TI does), I wouldn't be worried. Of course, there's no way for me to ensure this. What do you guys think?[/quote']
Yes, it's fair for her to prohibit use of a scientific calculator. If the rules state that you have to use a certain calculator, that's the way it is. Believe me, it's NOT worth it to stress about something like that before this kind of exam, just use what they give you.
Our nursing handbook specifically states we can only use calculators provided by the school or "simple" (non-scientific, non-programmable) calculators approved by the lead instructor. Every exam we take has med math on it. They provide a bag full of cheap little solar powered calculators. I've had keys stick before, but I simply redo the calculation a few times to make sure I have a consistent answer.
It's really no big deal once you get used to using the cheapies instead of the fancy graphing calculator. :)
You're supposed to know how to set up the problem and not compute it in a "high tech" calculator and get the answer. A regular cheap calculator is all you need. That exactly what we got for our math med exam and it turned out fine.
Good luck and practice problems if you're having any difficulties. Practice with a pencil and a good old piece of paper.
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psu_213, BSN, RN
3,878 Posts
At the beginning of our nursing program we had to buy a packet that contained our journal, the handbook for the first class, some other stuff (I forget what now), and a cheap, no nonsense calculator. It had the 10 number keys, +, -, X, /, and =. It was more than enough, and the only calculator we were allow to use on exams. I don't know if the NCLEX has changed, but that is all you get for that--although it is on the computer, not a physical calculator.
In addition, there is a thread going on right know about metric units/conversions. As pointed out in that thread, it helps to have a small pocket calculator to enable to you to do quick conversions and simple med math. Having a giant graphing calculator is neither necessary nor practical for such a purpose. Get used to the barebones calculator now.