Dosage Calculations

I am having a hard time with med calculations like IV, IV push, IM, etc. Can you suggest anything?

~ Submitted by Theresa

Lots of nursing students have difficulty with dosage calculations, but as I’m sure you know they are very important to learn how to do! Honestly, the 3 best things I can suggest are probably the most obvious…and that is to 1) practice, 2) practice, and 3) practice. Get a spiral notebook that you only use to practice your dosage calculations, then set a goal for yourself as to how many calculations or how much time you want to spend on it every day.

The “secret” to mastering dosage calculations is to do a little bit of practice at a time, but to do it often. A lot of times, when we feel like we are not good at something, we tend to avoid it! Then when test time rolls around we freak out and cram for a few hours…but that just leaves us feeling frustrated and even more nervous than before. Instead, start preparing today. Spend 15-20 minutes every day doing dosage calculations, and maybe an extra 1-2 hours on the weekend. If you stick to your goal consistently, then I guarantee that you will start to feel more confident in your math skills within a few months. Fill up that entire spiral notebook with practice problems!!

If you still feel like you need some extra help, see if your school has a math lab or tutoring center that you can take advantage of. Just don’t expect that they will magically make you good at dosage calculations…even with their help, you still need to be practicing regularly on your own to master the skills they tutor you on. No math lab? Ask one of your nursing instructors for help during office hours, or find a classmate who is good at math and has the patience for teaching. Wherever you go for extra help, though, don’t forget that the real secret is to spend time practicing on your own.

13 thoughts on “Dosage Calculations”

  1. Joanne

    I am learning about reconstitution and I do not understand it. I have finals in three weeks and my tutors do not specialize in this. I need help fast!

  2. Dale Pastel

    Hi,
    If there is a tutoring need in Nursing math calculations, then I would love to help you.
    Thanks.

  3. Sharon

    Call me if you can help my daughter or e mail me the cost
    904-803-3689

  4. Sharon mcguire

    Hello my daughter has taken this class twice and fell both times .
    She need to get a turtoring coach that can help
    Her can you lead me to someone
    Shavona Mcguire
    904 -803-2141

    My number
    Sharon Mcguire
    904 803-3688
    E mail Sharon.mcguire@compass-usa.com

  5. Shonda

    Hi looking for a dosage calculation tutor in Nursing school and struggling a lot
    with it has an exam on it in 2 weeks.

    1. Hi Shonda,
      I hope that you have improved in dosage calculations. However, if you still need review then Rnurse Math Workbook by Tanga C. Elam, BSN is located on Amazon. Check it out.

  6. Socorro Dalton

    Hello, I was wondering if you provided 1-1 tutoring services?

  7. ethan

    I would really like to become a nurse but math has never been my strong suit and its very hard.

  8. Scharlyn

    I have never been good at math and I really want to become a nurse but can’t pass the medical dosage course. please help.

  9. victor

    Need help on how 2 calculate drugs n doses and some questions on drug calculations.

    1. Alison

      Yes! It’s my weak point how can you help me?

      1. Olarike Obisesan'

        Am starting my second year in adult nursing next month. I need support in drug calculations, proof reading and understanding assignment questions

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