New Hire Pharmacology Test

[StephRN08]

Hello everyone!

I just started a job with the VA and will be working on a general medicine unit. My background is oncology/BMT. I will have to take a general pharmacology test next week as part of the orientation process. In BMT land we give the same drugs over and over and over, but I am familiar with things like insulin, BP meds, statins, diuretics, and anticoagulants. Is there anything else that anyone can think of that would be included on this test? I would like to have an idea on what to re-familiarize myself with. Thank you!!!

[armyrn26]

I am a med/surg float at a 500+ bed hospital. Those are the drugs are also see everything. not much variance from them. Maybe some of the cardiac drugs like coreg, betapace, amio (PO or IV).

Don't know but maybe you could ask someone there to see what to expect.

[mentalhealthRN]

They let me use a drug guide and calculator and told me it would have 2 hours. I was so nervous--it took me like 20 min--and I am NEVER a fast test taker. I thought it was pretty easy. And there were a couple of older meds on there there I had to look up--ones I didn't know they still used. I didn't end up taking a job there but had to take the test before my interview--waste of time.

[resumecpr]

Drug calculations and nursing interventions for drug reactions etc. is what I remember from taking my new hire pharm test.

Good luck!

[britgirl37]

as a traveller i've had to take a few of these for different hospitals. you almost always get asked at least one question about antidotes for heparin,coumadin, lorazepam or narcs. also, have your drug calculation/ivf formulas handy. good luck.

[JoMark06]

I work for the VA and took the test about 2 1/2 yrs ago. They will give you drug guides and help you pull up some online resources. The test wasn't that difficult that I recall...drug calcs, drug interactions, adverse reactions, etc. Good Luck to you!!!

[pamelalayn]

I would imagine some behavioral medications and anitcoagulant antidotes.