Take pharmacology calculations prior to NS?

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Hi all. I am reading through threads about what to study before NS starts and find that many suggest working on drug conversions. Would it be a good idea to take an online course called Pharmacology Calculations in the semester before NS? I have had math through calculus but haven't had any math courses for 16 years. yikes.

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No idea what that class is about.... I would not take a Pharm class before NS but if its a Pharm Calc then Im assuming it would take about dosages on hand, dosages ordered and you need to figure out how much. If that is the case, then it wont hurt to take it early but it is 'easy'

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My advice would be to buy a math dosage calculation book online and learn the material on your own. The material is very easy and you can solve most of the problems using proportions. I should've saved the $400 I paid this summer for the class and learned the material on my own.

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I took it, but my math was shaky. I had had the required math courses the first time I went to college and didn't need to retake any this time around. But with your level of math skills-calculus-you will be just fine. It is very easy stuff. Save your money and your time and just review how it is done before you start NS.

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if youve gone through calculus, you prbly wont have any prblms with the math.

but then again it may increase your comfort level, and you'll learn to speak the language early on without the pressure of nursing school deadlines...so it might be a good idea.

but its stuff like this

1. the pill has 500mg. the order is for 1000mg. how many pills do you give?

the more advanced stuff is stuff like this

2. the iv bag has 1000mL in it. it is infusing at 100mL per hour. if you start infusing at 12 noon, what time will the bag be finished.

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those look easier than things I had run across when looking in threads here. It is only a one credit class. I don't want to be taking on anymore than I need to in this semester as I want to not be overwhelmed when starting NS either.

Thanks for the advice!

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I'd just get Calculate With Confidence and work through that. the math really isn't complex, it's just getting the steps down and remembering whichever formula you like to use.

Also, stuff might look more complicated in threads because you don't have the full context yet. Things make a lot more sense when you've seen IV pumps, talked about the drugs a little. At least IME.

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my school offers a Nursing 100 class that goes over terminology, dosing calculations, and other things (ie. study techniques) to prepare you for actual nursing school. I am taking it in the fall....can't wait!

(....one of our texts is Calculate w Confidence)

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calculate with confidence has great reviews on amazon. I think I will go that route instead of a formal class even though it is only one credit.

Thanks so much!

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