Math for Nursing MTB 1370

May 9, 2008

Yesterday I had my first math class. It should be 4 weeks long at 4 hours per week (one day per week). Apparently it is actually 2 classes. On week three we take the exam. There are ten questions and to pass we must get a 90 or 100. Anything less and you kill (potentially) too many patients. I guess it is ok to kill ten percent, but not any more (just kidding God). What if you kill 100 out of 1000 patients (10%), is that too many?

If you pass the exam on week 3, there is no need to come back for week 4. If math is not your strong suit there is a lab, and practice worksheets. They really want you to succeed. There is a packet of 60 questions you must complete at home and turn in. All the work on every question must be shown on the packet and on the exams.

The only problem I can foresee is that the process for working the problems is different from the way I (and several other students) was taught in CHM 1032. I think we need to get past that block because it was a strange process in CHM, and we are now being taught the algebraic way. If I learn anything I think could help, I will post it here.

There are several topics covered so if you need a math review it is included in your math book. From what I see on the syllabus we have to cover 7 chapters this week, and 4 chapters next week. I will be reviewing most of these chapters because I am a glutton for punishment. I did just complete College Algebra so hopefully I’m covered with the basics.

We will be having dosage calculations on EVERY EXAM. Yes, EVERY EXAM for the rest of our lives. When we are hired on at a hospital we will have to take a dosage exam. Get cozy with that math book. There is practice sheets for each different course we are taking.

*A note on etiquette: Do not come late. Do not talk in class. Return from breaks on time. Do not take the staples out of the packet of papers given to you (don't ask, lol). Bring a black pen to sign everything.