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Ask if they have a study guide. Ask if you can use a calculator.
Find out if they use the NLN medication exam. If they do, it's a 60 question exam that is heavy on standard medications, nothing too new or exotic. There are calculations and a few chemo questions. Again nothing too exotic or specialized.
Ask about the retest policy.
Good luck.
Make sure you study the meds commonly used in the elderly, who will make up the majority of your patients. You'll see lots of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, dementia, pain, and depression, so the medications used to treat these problems are good ones to be familiar with. You'll also want to know what IV solutions are generally used in certain instances and have a good working knowledge of treatments such as heparin drips, blood transfusions, and IV pain meds. You will gain confidence as you study and then give these meds and treatments over and over again, so don't get too stressed out....you'll do fine!
I am a new grad working med-oncology floor. I use a palm pilot. There are several very good palm drug programs out there that have excellent IV information, drug side effects, dosages, etc. This tools helps me so much. I have it on me at all times. If there is a question about drug compatability with IV meds, I run a program that indicates any significant incompatibilities with the those particular drugs. Also for pt teaching, while in the pt's room, I do not have to run out to get a book to look up information. All the info is in my pocket. I think palm pilots are a must for nurses. There is a nurse download called Pepid RN with disease processes, diagnosis info, associated labs, teaching etc. There is too much info to know, and keep in our heads. It gives me confidence to have the right answers in my pocket if needed. You can also build in your own info under memo, like procedures you don't do often that you might need to review quickly before doing them. So many uses it would take all day to list!!!
avolensky
27 Posts
Hi!!.
Finally I will start working in a med-surg unit. I went to the hospital yesterday to do the paperworks..so far so good.
I learned that during the orientation we will have an exam on medications..anyone of you who can guide me on what particular medications that I can include in my review..id really appreciate it. This is my first job..Im concerned about the "old eating the young"...which I read a lot in this site.I hope I wont get that experience.
Im concern about a lot of things like the medications which I am not familiar with, the clinical skills ( the hospital setting we have back home is totally different from here), know-how with the modern facilities..etc...its endless.
If you have any advice for me..now that "the day" is coming near..It would certainly be welcomed. Im from the Philippiness and I dont know anyone here yet with whom I can let out my concerns. Its good I found this site.
Have a nice day to all.