Pax exam, special accommodations

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Mar 20, 2015

Whomever is in charge of your IEP-- I would have this discussion with them. Be sure that when your accommodations are created, you leave nothing to chance and have as many accommodations that you need to succeed.

I am not sure about a calculator, however, they sometimes will have scratch paper. If you can think about your formulas, write them down first thing.

I had to be tutored for math-for-meds. I have significant issues as far as learning well. I put it in a "what I have, what I need" scenario, and set up the formula that way. Then, it really clicked for me.

Good luck!!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Mar 20, 2015

IEPs end when you graduate high school. You should have had a 504 accommodation plan created as a part of transitioning from high school. Did you have accommodations/modifications for calculators on non-calculator portions of standardized tests in high school or any other college classes? Do you have a documented dyscalculia diagnosis?

Were you eligible for accommodations for the SAT/ACT?

You should have self-identified to the office of student disabilities at school. As an adult, you are responsible to notify the school. The student disabilities office would make arrangements for such a modification if available. Some tests (like the NCLEX) have a calculator function built into the program.

Blance2 · Mar 20, 2015

No I never had any problems in high school, it all started in college with "timed tests" I needed extra time...which I would be granted, but then I wouldn't end up needing to use it. I'm sure it's a mental thing but I just want every chance for success with this test.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Mar 20, 2015

No I never had any problems in high school, it all started in college with "timed tests" I needed extra time...which I would be granted, but then I wouldn't end up needing to use it. I'm sure it's a mental thing but I just want every chance for success with this test.

Without a documented dyscalculia diagnosis your chances of getting calculator access on non-calculator portions of the test are slim to none. It's considered an unfair advantage without a documented need.

Extended time may be a possibility.

Blance2 · Mar 20, 2015

I don't have dyscalculia, my GPA is 3.9, I only wanted a calculator to make sure I answered all the questions in time, hopefully I will be granted extra time which will solve my main problem, thank you for explaining it to me. My other question is.....is there a limit to the amount of scratch paper you're permitted to have?

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Mar 20, 2015

I've never seen a scratch paper limit unless out of control like 200 sheets!

Blance2 · Mar 21, 2015

Oh ok, I wasn't sure, one person told me that they were only allowed ONE sheet of 8X10 paper and I just couldn't believe that!!

NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN · Mar 21, 2015

I took the PAX RN last year after being out of school for 16 years. It's not hard. I looked over a review book and took some practice tests from the book the weekend before the exam. I don't think that they would allow a calculator for the math portion since some of the questions would be able to be answered with just the use a basic calculator. All you can do is ask. You have been allotted more time so that should account for the time constraints. There wasn't any limit to the scratch paper where I went. Good luck.

Blance2 · Mar 22, 2015

Thank you!! all encouragement is greatly appreciated, a few prayers wouldn't hurt either :up:

Blance2 · Mar 22, 2015

To whom ever sent me a PM, it won't let me view it due to the fact that I haven't been active on the site for awhile.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Mar 22, 2015

Are you kidding me right now?? You have no documented disabilities, and because the tests are timed, you think you need a calculator? I'm sorry take it like the rest of us. We all have to deal with timed tests. Unless this is a documented issue since you were a child, don't come here trying to learn ways to cheat. Learn how to do math without a calculator the way the test of us did.