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Published on: June 21, 2010
Numeracy skills of nursing students
Kathryn J Eastwood1, Malcolm J Boyle, Brett Williams
1Monash University, Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Building H, McMahons Rd, Frankston 3199, Victoria, Australia. kjeas1@student.monash.edu
Nurse Education Today
|January 18, 2011
Summary
Many nursing students struggle with essential math skills, impacting patient safety. This study reveals significant calculation errors among Victorian nursing students, highlighting a need for improved mathematical competency in drug dosage calculations.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Mathematical Competency in Healthcare
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Previous research indicates deficits in mathematical abilities among nurses.
- Common errors include conceptual, arithmetical, and computational mistakes.
- These errors can compromise safe medication administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the drug dosage and basic mathematical calculation accuracy of second-year undergraduate nursing students in Victoria, Australia.
- To identify the types and prevalence of mathematical errors made by these students.
- To evaluate the implications of these findings for nursing practice and education.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive survey was employed, collecting demographic data and assessing mathematical and drug calculation skills.
- Fifty-two undergraduate nursing students from Victoria participated in the study.
- Performance was evaluated through a series of basic mathematical and drug calculation questions.
Main Results:
- The average score among participating students was 56.1%.
- A significant percentage of students (63.5%) reported no issues with drug calculations, despite performance data.
- Conceptual and arithmetical errors constituted the majority of mistakes (36.0% and 38.9%, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Victorian nursing students exhibit deficiencies in accurate calculation skills, particularly in arithmetical and conceptual areas.
- These mathematical flaws indicate fundamental understanding gaps, posing a risk to safe patient care.
- There is a critical need to address mathematical competency in nursing education to ensure safe practice.
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