Published
Just thought I'd share this with you all.
Nurses Who Can't Add Cost Lives.
:)
Unfortunately, addition is a small part of the process as you have to know the proper formula to utilise and how to perform a dimensional analysis. This typically involves multiplication and division with a touch of basic linear algebra.
A spelling error may cost you some money and pride; however, I do agree that screwing up a dosage calculation is potentially fatal. All the proper spelling in the world cannot make up for a lethal medication error. Both are important concepts; however, I can appreciate the underlying concern regarding mathematical errors. Of course, the OP could have simply come out and explained his/her stance instead of nebulous one liners.
I am getting old and dense, and have great difficulty reading between the lines sometimes.
Hopefully if will help nurses become more confident with their math skills by either asking for a second opinion or revising their math education so I don't think its a nonsense thread.
Well perhaps you might have mentioned so in the original post? The OP as it stands sounds accusatory yet offers no solutions.
Unfortunately, addition is a small part of the process as you have to know the proper formula to utilise and how to perform a dimensional analysis. This typically involves multiplication and division with a touch of basic linear algebra.A spelling error may cost you some money and pride; however, I do agree that screwing up a dosage calculation is potentially fatal. All the proper spelling in the world cannot make up for a lethal medication error. Both are important concepts; however, I can appreciate the underlying concern regarding mathematical errors. Of course, the OP could have simply come out and explained his/her stance instead of nebulous one liners.
I am getting old and dense, and have great difficulty reading between the lines sometimes.
Utilize
Unfortunately, addition is a small part of the process as you have to know the proper formula to utilise and how to perform a dimensional analysis. This typically involves multiplication and division with a touch of basic linear algebra.A spelling error may cost you some money and pride; however, I do agree that screwing up a dosage calculation is potentially fatal. All the proper spelling in the world cannot make up for a lethal medication error. Both are important concepts; however, I can appreciate the underlying concern regarding mathematical errors. Of course, the OP could have simply come out and explained his/her stance instead of nebulous one liners.
I am getting old and dense, and have great difficulty reading between the lines sometimes.
I'll have to dispute your statement concerning proper spelling. With the similarity in names between many drugs a spelling error (or error in reading a written order) could potentially lead to serious medication errors. I think precision in both reading/spelling comprehension and basic mathmatical processes is vital to safe nursing practice.
I'll have to dispute your statement concerning proper spelling. With the similarity in names between many drugs a spelling error (or error in reading a written order) could potentially lead to serious medication errors. I think precision in both reading/spelling comprehension and basic mathmatical processes is vital to safe nursing practice.
I can appreciate your point; however, proper spelling of medications is most important for the one prescribing the medication. That typically does not include the "average" nurse. I do not disagree with your point; however, the primary point of this thread still remains valid.
I can appreciate your point; however, proper spelling of medications is most important for the one prescribing the medication. That typically does not include the "average" nurse. I do not disagree with your point; however, the primary point of this thread still remains valid.
Proper spelling can matter if the nurse grabs hydralazine instead of hydroxyzine or epinephrine instead of ephedrine. Not everyplace has a pyxis and I've seen these side by side in med drawer (and yes, have sen a nurse grab the epinephrine when ephedrine was ordered - quickly corrected)
Hate to say it Dan, but how about nurses that can't spell... I think you meant "they can also cost lives" not lived. Percocet or prunes, who cares....Anthony
Oops, I accidentally hit the 'd' key instead of the 's'. They're beside each other.
I'm actually quite mad at myself for not seeing this. I'm the type of person who reads a post correcting the spelling in my head! I love constructive criticism as I'm always trying to better my spelling and grammar.
abweaver
31 Posts
Hate to say it Dan, but how about nurses that can't spell... I think you meant "they can also cost lives" not lived. Percocet or prunes, who cares....
Anthony