med calculation test at work

Nurses New Nurse

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Specializes in PACU.

did anyone else have to take this during orientation? i am naturally freaki ng out about it. we had to do these test every semster during school, but it was just once in the beginning of every semester then yo ukind of forget about it. we also have a blood transfusion exam. in addition to all the exams, i also have to complete 8 more online learning modules!!!!!! i am stressed and havent even been on the floor yet. can anyone share any experiences like mine?

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

My unit's orientation includes certification exams for administration of neuromuscular blockers, administration of cytotoxic drugs, management of intracranial pressure monitoring devices and management of temporary pacemakers plus a general knowledge exam with a number of medication calculations included. We are also required to recertify every year. Recerts involve BCLS recert, fire safety, anaphylaxis, body mechanics, interactive sessions in a classroom on topics identified as staff having knowledge deficits about and an exam that includes portions of each of the original certification subjects.

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Take a deep breath. If you have taken a med calc test each semester and passed then you will be OK. Reflect on your past success!:up:

I had to take a critical care med calc test in my orientation, along with completing several compentencies such as Patient Controlled Analgesia, EKG, etc, etc.

If I can do it, anyone can.:bugeyes:

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Specializes in Public Health.

Typically, hospitals will give you a study guide to help you prep for such a test. If they did, go over that and know your basic calculations (drip rate/dosage).

For me, it was a pre-employment requirement. I couldn't start orientation until I passed that test.

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did anyone else have to take this during orientation? i am naturally freaking out about it. we had to do these test every semester during school but it was just once in the beginning of every semester then you kind of forget about it.[/quote']Everywhere I've worked has included a pharmacology/calculation exam during orientation. It's not something you want to forget about; you will need to use that knowledge every day you work :)
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Specializes in Rehab.

My orientation included a pharm-calc exam, general pharm exam, IV calcs and procedures, cultural awareness in healthcare, infection control, sharps safety, body mechanics, ... plus all the HR stuff. About 2/3 was online. You do use most of it every single day. So as others have said, reflect on prior success, study the material they give you (or your class notes if they don't) and get through it all so you can care for your patients. Good Luck!!

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Specializes in PACU.

it wasnt bad, i did just fine:) thanks everyone

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I ma having trouble with this...order is for 10,000 units of medication in 1 liter to be infused at 1000 units per hour. You would infuse at HOW many mls per hour? Can you show me the formula set up for this?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Telemetry, ER.

1000 ml = 1 liter

1,000ml/10,000u x 1,000u/hour = 1,000,000/10,000 = 100ml/hour

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OMG, I know hospitals usually give a med calculation test, but didn't know about the others

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

I had to take two for my current job. One was for all RN applicants and it was 50 ADULT questions.. nevermind I hadn't had an adult patient in two years! I missed 2 on it and did it in 15 minutes though..it was pretty common sense and med calc. Then I had to do a NICU specific one that was a little more difficult. I took a little longer but I missed 1/50...I was a bit shocked because I didn't double check any of them.

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