About drug calc...
we had to take an entire class on dosage calculations. We did this our freshman yr (while we were still pre-nsg. majors) A passing grade of C- in the class was requried for entrance to the nsg. program. After we got thru that, we have to take a dosage calc. test every semester and pass with a 90% or better before we can begin clinical. Calculators are permitted after the soph. year. That is a very good thing.:)
About clinical- we did six weeks of lab b/f clinical where we had to demonstrate every skill, and were graded on it. Then, the first time we performed that skill in the hospital, we had to have our instructor with us, to be "passed" on it. I must say though, although they are tough, my instructors were awesome, always willing to give extra help on what to them must have seemed incredibly mundane.:)