Math in Nursing School? | Free Dosage & Calculation Practice Quiz Problems

RegisteredNurseRN
7 Jan 201505:56
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this informative video, Sarah, a registered nurse, addresses common concerns about the math involved in nursing school. She explains that while some basic math is required, such as probability and statistics, the focus is less on complex algebra and more on practical applications like drug dosage calculations. She emphasizes the use of tools like calculators and computer systems to minimize errors and reassures viewers that the math in nursing is manageable and designed to ensure patient safety.

Takeaways
  • 📚 Many nursing schools require pre-requisite math courses, often related to statistics and probability, which involve some algebra but are manageable with the right professor.
  • 🔢 A good strategy for selecting a math course is to research potential professors using resources like ratemyprofessor.com and asking for peer recommendations.
  • 📈 Entrance exams for nursing programs, such as the HESI, typically assess basic math skills like fractions and unit conversions, rather than complex algebraic equations.
  • 💊 In nursing school, drug dosage and calculation classes are common, focusing on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, often with the aid of calculators and software.
  • 📊 The key method for solving dosage calculation problems in nursing is dimensional analysis, which will be further explained in upcoming video series.
  • 🏥 On the job, nurses rarely have to perform complex math calculations by hand due to the availability of computer systems, calculators, and pharmacists for assistance.
  • 🛑 Medication errors are minimized through the use of computer systems that guide nurses in dosage adjustments and verifications.
  • ⚖️ Nurses should always double-check calculations, especially when converting weights or dosages, to ensure accuracy and prevent errors.
  • 🎓 Despite fears and misconceptions, nursing school does not require a deep understanding of complex math, focusing more on practical applications.
  • 🆓 Resources such as practice quizzes for dosage and calculation skills are available for free on the speaker's website to help prospective and current nursing students.
  • 🙏 The speaker aims to alleviate concerns about math in nursing school and encourages the use of available resources to improve confidence and skills in this area.
Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is the type of math that one might encounter in nursing school.

  • What kind of math does the speaker remember struggling with in high school?

    -The speaker struggled with algebraic equations, calculus, and geometry in high school.

  • What math course was required in the speaker's bachelor's program?

    -In the speaker's bachelor's program, they were required to take a course called Probability and Statistics.

  • How did the speaker choose their professor for the statistics class?

    -The speaker chose their professor based on ratings from ratemyprofessor.com and recommendations from people who had already taken the classes.

  • What type of math is tested on the entrance exams for nursing schools?

    -Nursing school entrance exams, such as the HESI, typically test knowledge of fractions, conversions (e.g., grams to kilograms, milliliters to liters), and basic arithmetic like addition and division.

  • What math skills are necessary for drug dosage calculations in nursing?

    -For drug dosage calculations, one needs to know how to add, divide, subtract, and multiply.

  • How does the speaker describe the use of calculators in nursing programs?

    -The speaker mentions that calculators are typically used in nursing programs for drug dosage calculations, and that they were not required to do the calculations by hand.

  • What method is used to solve dosage calculation problems?

    -The method used to solve dosage calculation problems is called dimensional analysis.

  • How does the healthcare system assist in preventing medication errors?

    -The healthcare system assists in preventing medication errors through computer systems that guide nurses on how to properly dose medications, as well as the availability of co-workers, calculators, and pharmacists for double-checking calculations.

  • What resources are available for practicing dosage calculations?

    -The speaker's website offers free dosage calculation practice quizzes for individuals looking to improve their calculation skills.

  • What is the speaker's advice for those concerned about math in nursing school?

    -The speaker advises that the math involved in nursing school is not complex and that the available resources, such as practice quizzes, can help alleviate any fears and improve understanding.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Overview of Math in Nursing School

This paragraph discusses the common concerns about math encountered in nursing school. The speaker, Sarah, a registered nurse, explains that while many people are stressed by math, the level of math required in nursing school is generally not very complex. She mentions that most nursing programs require students to take pre-requisite courses such as Probability and Statistics, which involve some algebra but are primarily focused on calculating statistics with the help of software. Sarah also talks about the math encountered in entrance exams, such as the HESI, which usually involves basic operations and conversions, rather than advanced algebra. She emphasizes the importance of choosing a good professor for these courses and provides advice on how to select one based on ratings and recommendations. Additionally, Sarah touches on the necessity of a dosage and calculations class in many nursing programs and reassures that these calculations are typically done with the aid of calculators and that the skills are essential for administering drugs competently.

05:01
💊 Math Application in Nursing Practice

In this paragraph, Sarah shares insights on how math is applied in actual nursing practice. She explains that while there are concerns about using math on the job, the nursing profession has systems in place to minimize errors. Nurses often have access to computer systems that assist with medication dosage calculations, and they can also consult with co-workers, pharmacists, and use calculators to ensure accuracy. Sarah gives an example of how a nurse might convert a patient's weight or handle dosage adjustments, highlighting that while these tasks involve math, they are designed to be user-friendly and error-proof. She concludes by encouraging nurses to double-check their work and reassures that the math involved in nursing is not complex. Sarah also mentions that her website offers free quizzes to help nurses brush up on their dosage and calculation skills.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Nursing School
Nursing School refers to an educational institution that provides professional nursing education, preparing students to become registered nurses. In the context of the video, it is where one will encounter specific types of math that are relevant to the nursing profession. The speaker aims to alleviate common fears about the math involved in nursing school by explaining the nature of the mathematical concepts taught.
💡Math Anxiety
Math anxiety is a feeling of stress or anxiety related to mathematical tasks or the prospect of engaging in math-related activities. In the video, the speaker acknowledges this common issue, especially among nursing students, and provides insights on how to manage it by explaining the actual math curriculum in nursing school, which is less complex than many might fear.
💡Probability and Statistics
Probability and Statistics is a branch of mathematics that deals with the analysis of random phenomena. In nursing school, this course is often a pre-requisite, focusing on calculating statistics and using software to analyze data, rather than heavy algebraic equations. It is an essential tool for nurses to understand and apply in their profession for making informed decisions based on data.
💡 Entrance Exam
An entrance exam is a test that a student must pass in order to gain admission to a particular educational institution or program. In the context of nursing school, these exams often include basic math skills such as fractions and conversions, which are necessary for the nursing profession.
💡Drug Calculations
Drug calculations are the mathematical processes required to determine the correct dosage of medication for a patient based on their weight, the prescribed dosage, and the concentration of the drug. This is a critical skill for nurses, as it ensures patient safety and the correct administration of medications.
💡Dimensional Analysis
Dimensional analysis is a method used to convert and simplify units of measurement in calculations, particularly in drug dosage calculations. It involves canceling out the units to find the desired conversion, making the process easier and less prone to error.
💡Calculator
A calculator is an electronic device used to perform mathematical operations. In the context of nursing school and the nursing profession, calculators are essential tools for performing drug calculations and ensuring accuracy in dosages.
💡Pharmacist
A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who specializes in preparing and dispensing medications, as well as providing expertise in drug therapy and dosage calculations. Nurses often collaborate with pharmacists to ensure the safe and effective administration of medications to patients.
💡Medication Errors
Medication errors refer to mistakes in the prescription, dispensing, or administration of medication that can potentially harm the patient. The healthcare system, including nurses, works to minimize these errors through careful calculations, double-checks, and the use of technology.
💡Clinicals
Clinicals are hands-on training experiences in actual healthcare settings that nursing students must complete as part of their education. They provide the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals.
💡HESI
HESI is a standardized test used by many nursing schools as part of the admission process. It assesses the basic knowledge needed for success in nursing school, including math skills, which are crucial for the nursing profession.
Highlights

Sarah, a registered nurse (RN), discusses the type of math encountered in nursing school.

Many nursing schools require pre-requisites including a course in probability and statistics, which involves some algebra but focuses on calculating statistics with software assistance.

When taking required courses, it's beneficial to research professors and choose based on ratings and recommendations.

Entrance exams for nursing schools often include basic math like fractions and conversions, but not complex algebra.

Nursing programs typically require a dosage and calculations class, ensuring competency in drug calculations.

Drug calculations are usually performed with calculators and do not require manual solving.

Nurses can rely on pharmacists and computer systems to assist with drug dosage calculations in practice.

Computer systems help prevent medication errors by guiding nurses on dosage adjustments.

Nurses often double-check calculations, like weight conversions, to ensure accuracy.

The website offers dosage and calculations practice quizzes for free.

Dimensional analysis is a method taught in nursing schools to solve dosage calculation problems.

Sarah shares her personal experience with math in nursing school and reassures viewers about the manageable level of math involved.

Nursing schools aim to minimize medication errors with technology and support systems.

The video series will cover solving dosage calculation problems using dimensional analysis.

Math in nursing is practical and straightforward, focusing on patient care and safety.

Nurses may need to convert between different units of measurement, such as grams to kilograms or milliliters to liters.

Transcripts

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Nursing MathStatisticsDrug CalculationsAlgebraHESI ExamDimensional AnalysisPharmacist SupportMedication SafetyEducational ResourcesNursing School Prep