Need some advice...AM I CRAZY????

Nursing Students Student Assist

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I am an older student (early thirties) and in preparation for clinical math which I will be taking this summer... I have purchased my book and taught myself pretty much all the doseage/conversions/calculations. I am using the formula method (the ratio one just confuses the heck out of me) and wondered if a calculator is used in the real world to double check your calculations.

All of my answers are 100% accurate with it.... but since I am not the best math student in the world...(hence the reason I decided to get a head start and learn as much as I can BEFORE class) I have relied on it while teaching myself.

Please give me your feedback. Most of the questions I can do in my head....but some of them are trickier than others, and I feel reassured using the calculator to check myself. thanks in advance for your help.

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Specializes in Pedi.

You can use a calculator in the real world. In an emergency you might not have access to one, but there would be other people there to double check your math.

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do you ever see anyone using a calculator? I am assuming the more familiar I become with doseages and conversions the sharper I will becomer.

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Math is not my strong suit. If I have a dosage I'm not sure about I will definitely double check it with a calculator.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

I use the calculator on my iphone everyday at work.

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Specializes in NICU.

I write out the conversion, calculate by hand, and then check with calculator. My reason is because -for example- when dividing or multiplying by 10, I may move the decimal the wrong way....but the calculator won't.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
do you ever see anyone using a calculator? I am assuming the more familiar I become with doseages and conversions the sharper I will becomer.

I have carried a calculator in my pocket for 33 years clipped to my pocket drug/dosage book and have used it in a code.

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These comments make me feel so much better. I was worried everyone was doing all the calculations/conversions in their heads and I would look like A TOTAL FOOL carrying around a little notebook or calculator. I am hoping they let me use a calc in school. I too am afraid I will move the decimal the wrong way... :) Thanks again!

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These comments make me feel so much better. I was worried everyone was doing all the calculations/conversions in their heads and I would look like A TOTAL FOOL carrying around a little notebook or calculator. I am hoping they let me use a calc in school. I too am afraid I will move the decimal the wrong way... :) Thanks again!

I took a med math class last summer (2 week intro using dimentional analysis) and we not only used calcs for class and tests we are also allowed calcs for every other math question in any class we take - it does have to be a calculator though and not your phone - in the hospital it probably won't matter as much

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Specializes in none.
I am an older student (early thirties) and in preparation for clinical math which I will be taking this summer... I have purchased my book and taught myself pretty much all the doseage/conversions/calculations. I am using the formula method (the ratio one just confuses the heck out of me) and wondered if a calculator is used in the real world to double check your calculations.

All of my answers are 100% accurate with it.... but since I am not the best math student in the world...(hence the reason I decided to get a head start and learn as much as I can BEFORE class) I have relied on it while teaching myself.

Please give me your feedback. Most of the questions I can do in my head....but some of them are trickier than others, and I feel reassured using the calculator to check myself. thanks in advance for your help.

From what I have observe, out n the real world calculators are used.

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.
do you ever see anyone using a calculator? I am assuming the more familiar I become with doseages and conversions the sharper I will becomer.

Yes. All the time. Further, whereever you work there is a good chance there is a computer around and you can just pull up Start>Programs>Accessories>Calculator.

Or you can use the calculator on your phone.

Or, you can just use a calculator.

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Yes in the real world calculators are used. However I would also advise you to learn how to do the math without the calculator where I go there have been math tests that calculators are prohibited.

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