Nursing calculations...HELP

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My daughter was just accepted into the nursing program, starts in January 2010. The University where she is going to attend just started a 'new" requirement exam to be totally accepted (makes no sense to me). However, she is required to take a Nurses Calculation exam "Before" beginning the program. She is stressed out because this is something she would learn "in" the program.

Any suggestions would be great, help, guidance etc.... to get her going to learn this before the exam in January. Thank you!!

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

If I were her, I would begin by contacting the university to solicit details on what exactly they mean by "nurses calculations" and then go from there.

I presume it's some sort of basic math test that covers things like simple, single-variable algebra (e.g. 5X = 10, X=?), ratios, proportions, percentages, fractions, units-of-measurement/conversions, etc.

Get a "for dummies" book or a "demystified" book on basic math and it'll give her what she needs.

What kinds of prerequisites did they require of her?

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My daughter (whom I have recommended she join this site) has all of her prerequisites except for 1 Physiology class; she already has a BS in Criminal Justice and has taken the Medical micro etc...

They did give her a book of examples and guideline, but she is stressed because she does not understand the medical conversions or the abbreviation for medical terminology etc...

I am a Hygienist and have been through all the medical micro and A&P classes and have been in Medical Sales for 15 years, I can help her to an extent, but was hoping for an elementary (so to speak) way to teach/help her. The dummy book is a good path to go, I will look for it as well. This seems like the cart before the horse kind of requirement on the programs part, no?

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I used a fantastic book called Nursing calculations by Gatford and Phillips.

It is arithmetics skills they're after, I doubt they'll require anything like pumps and drips.

Good luck.

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There's a book called Calculate with Confidence that I found really helpful. The later chapters are probably more advanced than she needs for the initial math test, but the beginning reviews ratios and percentages, common conversions, med orders, and medical abbreviations. The math tests generally aren't as bad as they sound, and I was definitely not a math person going into nursing school.

It sounds like your daughter will have a lot of support during her program, so best of luck to you both!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

The "Incredibly Easy" series is great...get the Dosage Calulations made Incredibly Easy and she'll figure it out.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I had to pass one of these before starting nursing as well so I guess it may not be that uncommon. Once in school the math tests were very demanding, you had to get 100% consistently or you failed nursing school.

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Thank you ALL for great information! I am researching each book and have told her about them to see what will help. First, she needs to calm her nerves about it :o)

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