Math is used as "calculations" for meds. During your clinicals, it should be used daily when meds and IV drips are given.

If you can add, subtract, and do some basic algebra you should be fine.

My school had us test each semester on med calculations and dosages. THere is a book, pick it up and it will help.

I use it every single day I work with patients.  Most of the math is pretty simple and straight forward.  Basic arthematic, really.  It's gotten a lot better now that apothecary is pretty much out of the picture.

Complicated drip calculations should still be checked by hand, even if the pump "does it for you."  If you input something improperly in the pump, that will not be a defense if you OD the patient.  I always check the calculations, and the pump settings to be sure they are correct when I take over a patient--and I do find input errors.

It astounds me how students struggle with the math.  It really isn't that hard.  I suck at math, and if I can do it, anyone can.  But a lot of students do still struggle with it.

A lot of students think learning how to calculate flow rates by the drop method is a waste of time "because it's all on pumps now."

O contraire!  I recall working recently, and the hospital ran out of pumps.  Lo and behold, we had to calculate drop factors, and manage the flow by hand.  The old hands like me still remembered how.  The new grads were frustrated because they'd data dumped it as soon as they graduated. :)

Anonymous says ...

Math is just not about solving problems it teaches reasoning and following processes.  If you can't do basic Algebra don't be a nurse too many decisions are made on being able to collect data and sort through the important information and solve the problem. 

 

I would have to disagree.  I love math, but algebra doesn't come easily to me, and yet I don't have any trouble at all with med dosages, or reasoning and following processes.  I actually think that caring people aren't always as good with math, but you can do just fine with nursing as long as you can do med calculations.