I moved to NJ after getting my BSN and passing the NCLEX. As most people know, the job market is tough. St. Peters University Hospital had an open house for New Grad RN's and they offered me an internship. The internship is unpaid, and they may or may not offer me a job at the end of the 6-8weeks. The nursing recruiter said that the hospital has a two part med math exam. Part one is med math and part two is pharmacology. I have no idea how many questions there are but I do know that I have to score at least and 85 on each part. I am trying to keep in mind that I am only a new grad and they can't expect me to be a walking drug guide, but my anxiety is getting the best of me. Has anybody had a New Grad Internship here that could shed some light on the pharmacology part of this exam?
I'm super happy I found this thread, I got the internship as well! I take my test this Thursday and I was hoping to ask you guys who have taken it about it. I'll be interning on the mother/baby unit so I've been looking over the women and children's section on the "study guide".. Are any of you guys on that unit as well? Also, I know some of the meds listed just say "cardiac meds", "antibiotics", "anticoagulants", etc.. Did you just study those in general? Also, how was the format if you don't mind me asking?
I'm not worried about the calculations section I've never had much of a problem with those.. it's the actual medications I'm worried about and you guys are making it seem like they were very specific questions.
Hi Alysaa. I'm actually interning on the mother/baby unit and taking my test tomorrow as well ! I'm a little worried about the medications questions too but at least we can retake it which definitely makes me feel a little better about it. I just think its so hard to predict what medications they are gunna ask about. Good Luck tomorrow
Thanks DorothyRN! I appreciate the info, I'll try my best to zone in on the more popular medications.
njrn92 that's awesome you're on the mother/baby unit as well and that you feel the same way I do about the test tomorrow hah. I have a feeling I'll have to retake it, but at least we have the ability to do so. Good luck to you as well!! See you tomorrow!
Oh also, I know Abrilliant12 is starting on November 3rd but did anyone else get a start date or any other information? All I know is I'm taking the med test tomorrow and that there's still a background check and other paperwork to be done. They didn't say when I start so I'm going to ask tomorrow.. just wanted to see if anyone else was given more information!
I wasn't given a start date either they just told me about the test and that I would have to get a physical and fill out paper work after, so it pretty much seemed they gave us the same info !
I failed the pharm test the first time tooo and now I'm worried for the second one but who did u guys schedule the date with because everytime I call it just goes to voicemail and the main recruiter is not there DorothyRN would you say the test was harder second time around and how long did u study before u took it?
I agree the recruiter is really difficult to reach I always have to leave a few messages and send a few emails before I hear anything back from her. I would say that the second test is equally as difficult as the first. The good thing is that the format is almost identical so you are already prepared for what types of questions will be asked. However, not all medications are the same (done are though!). I would suggest to memorize all the drugs you had on the first go and then research meds in the same categories. I studied seriously for it the evening before and the morning of so it would be fresh :) I made index cards and for example put the drug on one side and the dosage on the other and just would keep flipping until I would get them all right.
I got a phone call today from HR and I passed the test and they gave me a start date of December 1, so alyssa your start date will probably be then too :)
njrn92 yup my start date is December 1st as well! I aced the calculations, but unfortunately have to retake the pharm section on Tuesday. I'm super nervous about it and tried to write down as much as I could remember from the exam, but I feel like I'm missing a lot and am afraid I'll miss things when I'm studying.
I passed!!! I honestly thought I failed again but thankfully I didn't. Ahh I am so excited!! What unit will you be interning on?
and now I'm worried for the second one but who did u guys schedule the date with because everytime I call it just goes to voicemail and the main recruiter is not there DorothyRN would you say the test was harder second time around and how long did u study before u took it?
Abrillant12
18 Posts
Best of luck if you haven't taken the test yet!! Keeping my fingers crossed for you!