WOW! Have things changed that much or did we have our signals crossed???

[ilmbg]

I'm still 'in shock'! Yesterday I was talking to someone who lives in my neighborhood and telling her I am going to do a refresher course and see if my back/neck can tolerate 4-8 hours a week working. I mentioned all the new drugs I will have to memorize, as there will undoubtably be a drug written drug test wherever I work. My neighbor said "just take your Blackberry with you and use that- they allow you to use it' Now maybe my age is showing, but I thought an interview is to give a potential employer a clue of how much you know by testing!? Don't they want you to do it without help anymore? Or am I a dinosauer? I guess I can look at it this way: If you use your Blackberry, then you know you are correct?? I know taking your Board is so different now- I guess you can take them from home on a computer- I would imagine people use a Blackberry or even books to get some of the answers then also?? Opinions, please.

[qma_indiana]

Information is king and does it matter where u get it.I just hope people retain the info they learn and not depend on the source to much.I for one find the health care field has fallen way behind in the way they find and share information compared with other fields.I have also found alot of places will trust u to manage acute patients and admin count and store narcs but wont trust u to have internet access so u can find info when u need it...

TL

[JaneyW]

The only time I have taken med tests for employment, I was given a drug book for reference. I would think, as others have said, that the important skill is to know how to find what you need in a timely manner. Paper or hi tech!

[JulVaccRN, BSN]

While I was searching for a job, one of the places I applied to had me take a med test. No one watched while I took it, but using a cell phone to look up meds never crossed my mind (I may be young, but I still use a cell phone without a camera (nevermind internet...I only need it to call people)

As for the boards: you have to take them at a designated test center. Not only was I fingerprinted, but they also took a "palm vein scan" and a (rather horrific) pre-test photo to make sure I was the same person entering as I was leaving. The entire test was proctored, and none of the testers were allowed to wear any sweatshirts or jackets. Our pockets were emptied in front of the proctors, and the computers used to take the test were solely used for the test, no internet available.

Personally, I like recalling information from what I've learned rather than a computer, but it really is a great resource for the things you don't come across often.

[steelydanfan]

After reading all of these posts, I am now confused as to what the Op's original intent even was, as there have been SO many different interpretations.

OK, after hearing a story about a BS candidate (in her last 3 months) shadowing a nurse and stating her focus was "on meds, because I am not good at them"; and her preceptor realizing that this candidate knows NONE of the major classes, actions or USES of drugs; (pril, otolol, azapam, nope, never heard of 'em) because her school's mindset was that she would learn them "on the job"; is it any WONDER that we look a little askance at new grads?

And is it any wonder that new grads look at us with such amazement when we refuse to do their nursing school curriculum over again?

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

I have taken plenty of med tests as a nurse, and I can say that NONE of them would have permitted what your neighbor suggests.

When our interns/residents, often the attendings will stop them from just reading the screens, they are expected to absorb, retain and use a certain amount of data on their own-use of VHS are usually to set up added drug doses rapidly, etc.