Pharmacology Testing

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I have been offered a job at Hoag Hospital in California and found out today that there is a closed book pharmacology test that I have to take before starting. I havent taken a pharm test (only regular dosage calc tests) in a very long time. I was sent a study guide, but it didnt really have any information in it, just a VERY breif outline (and very vague). Has anyone taken pharmacology tests for new jobs lately? Even better, has anyone taken the test at Hoag? Any tips would be appreciated!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Our facility provides them for new hires. The test consists of basic IV and med administration calculations and 2-3 questions on the use of the PDR. Believe it or not, the most frequently MISSED question is "What is the largest dose". People do not know how to convert grams to milligrams, etc.

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yes just like the above poster said, basic IV and drug calculations, and remember your mill-, centi. micro- , etc, conversions. also a few i missed was the drip factors on the different iv sets, so know how to calculate a microdrip or macrodrip just in case, because that was on my test. i took mine at a county hospital in my area. good luck!

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Specializes in M/S, Tele, Sub (stepdown), Hospice.

Brian - I am interested in working for Hoag after I graduate (I'm doing my summer externship there as well)......please update this post after you take your pharm test and let us know how it went!!!

Good luck & congrats!!

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I just passed the pharmacology test not too long ago. 1/3 of my test is drug and IV calculation, the rest are testing some basic knowledge of common medication. These medications including cardiovascular, chemotherapy, diabetes, antibiotics, anti-coagulant, and psychiatric medication.

Study drug and IV calculation is not enough.

Good luck!

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