Math cal exam

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I am in pharmacology and patho. In pharm we have to take math cal test. We have 3 chances to pass it. (I did not pass the 2nd attempt today). I am not sure what to do. I am hestitant on taking 3rd test because I am afraid i will fail again. We have to have 100 percent on exam. I studies hard but I still did not pass. If we don't pass after 3 tries we fail the course and have to retake it next semester. I am starting to wonder if I mas meant to do nursing. Other grades are fine.

I don't have a job either. I also take antidepressants. Would it be possible for people on antidepressants not to go into nursing?

Thanks

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Specializes in Infusion.

Did you not get 100% because you made a couple of mistakes of because you don't understand how to figure out certain problems? I think there are nurses who take antidepressants and antianxiolitics as well.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Regarding the math: What are you not understanding? If you post examples of problems that you're struggling with, folks can assist your learning here.

Regarding the antidepressants... not an issue. I know a couple of nurses who take them.

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You should not have a problem becoming a nurse because your on antidepressants. Maybe theres a professor you can speak to who can help you review and go over what you are having problems with. Don't give up, try to find someone who can help you or explain it better.

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If you post some problems or at least a type of calculation you are having difficulty with I would be more than happy to help if I can. :)

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Specializes in Student.

Besides the Help offered here, does your school have a learning center, or better yet, check to see if there is a Math/Nursing Tutor available. Many schools offer these for free, you just need an appt.

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The third time, I only missed one question out of 20, unfort I did not pass, neither did an acq of mine who has a degree in engineering. What we have to do know is one: wait till next yr to take class or b: apply to committee to see if we can take it with the day students (i am evening student).

There was several kind of iv/infusion problems, some with pt weights, others with none. I think i just got mixed up. I had all rounding and conversions and other problems right.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

Are you interested in using a book to help you practice with your calculations? At my school, we had a class completely dedicated to nursing math called Dosage Calculations. The book we used was called Henke's Med-Math http://www.amazon.com/Henkes-Med-Math-Calculation-Preparation-Administration/dp/0781776287 & it was an excellent book! Very informative & helpful. I also purchased Dosage Calculations Made Increadibly Easy & it was a good practice book too. Both of these books helped me soo much! I'm not a math whiz, but the way those books explained it, I was able to understand it & I did quite well on my exams :) Take a look @ them, I think they will help you alot! Good luck :)

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Specializes in IMCU.

I used the Math for Meds book. Buy it and start on page 1 and work your way through. Don't think "oh I can do those" or "those are easy". Do every single problem in the book and when you get one wrong, go back and figure out why. Just beware with that book -- somewhere in the IV calculations they have printed a few wrong answers. There are threads here that state which chapters are affected. It is such a shame that you are missing it just by one question -- I would appeal to go into the day class OR ask them if you can agree a written plan for remediation that would let you stay in your current class (be proactive).

I approach dosage calculations with the view that 1 mistake = 1 dead patient. It helps concentrate my mind.

By the way, half my class is on some kind of medication -- anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar etc. Then there are the few that self medicate by sucking down tequila whenever they get the chance. I am glad you are looking after yourself. Remember that working with a psychologist is also recommended, not just medication alone. Nursing school is stressful and a good psychologist can help you with coping skills.

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