Math!

ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2003

algebra.

many different formulas to calculate drips, pounds to kilograms, doses based on mg/kg/day, etc.

algebra... YUCK!

NurseShell · Mar 22, 2003

Yep...algebra

More specifically: Ratio and Proportion

Metric conversions too.

memphispanda, RN · Mar 22, 2003

Yup...what Shandy said. You have to be able to convert from ounces to milliliters, grains to milligrams, etc. You have to be able to calculate how many drops per minute and cc per hour. I don't find it to be particularly difficult to do, but some people do struggle with it.

As far as required courses, that will vary from school to school. I wasn't required to take any math, but I did have to pass a math test before being admitted.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 22, 2003

Yep algebra, ratio and proportion, fractions to decimals etc.

Mimi Wheeze · Mar 22, 2003

I have a question that relates.

Do nurses actually calculate drips, dosages, etc or are there cheat sheets for all nursing calculations? It would seem there would be many problems with math mistakes, (human error) thus endangering the patients.

I'm "math challenged" and if a patients' dosage was completely dependant on my math skills, I might have to find another field to go into. :uhoh21:

LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN · Mar 22, 2003

Originally posted by Mimi Wheeze
I have a question that relates.

Do nurses actually calculate drips, dosages, etc or are there cheat sheets for all nursing calculations? It would seem there would be many problems with math mistakes, (human error) thus endangering the patients.

I'm "math challenged" and if a patients' dosage was completely dependant on my math skills, I might have to find another field to go into. :uhoh21:

I don't know too many nurses that don't have someone else double check their calculations though. Yes you do have to do the calculations.

Also another calculation to do is degrees fareinheit to celsius and celvin. Not so much celvin unless you are more into the pharmacology and research.

cactus wren · Mar 22, 2003

And there are neat pumps that will do the calcs for you. Also most Cardiac monitors also have this capability. But even with these geewhizz helps, you must have the basic skills to double check the results.

Also a neat puter program that does cel/farh exchanges...

nursetobe-babe · Mar 22, 2003

oh my goodness :eek: ... i'm the worst at conversions... i can do alot of hard math problems, but for some reason struggle when it comes to conversion

nursetobe-babe · Mar 22, 2003

ok another question ( since y'all have been so helpful;) )

What kind of labs are done in nursing school?

LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN · Mar 23, 2003

Originally posted by nursetobe-babe
ok another question ( since y'all have been so helpful;) )

What kind of labs are done in nursing school?

Ours were pretty easy. Or atleast they started easy. Making beds, and bed baths, then immunizations and IV's. I've not started bridging into the RN program yet. But that is what we did in the LPN program.

LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN · Mar 23, 2003

I have also noticed on here, that some of the nurses carry PDA's in their pockets to help them keep it all straight. They didn't have those in the days of my start. Once I get back in though I'll have one in my pocket. Read somewhere that they even have a program to add to your PDA with a drug handbook.

Alot of your calculations are done by the pharmacy. But they can still make mistakes. Always double check!:)