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Innovative Educational Strategies to Improve Dosage Calculation Competency in a Nursing Program.
Uloma D Onubogu1, Naquita J Nelson, Lisa Gardner
1Author Affiliations: College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Massachusetts (Dr. Onubogu); School of Nursing, Salem University, Salem, West Virginia (Dr. Nelson); Florida A&M University, School of Nursing, Tallahassee, Florida (Dr. Gardner); and Academic Affairs, Joyce University, Draper, Utah (Dr. Johnson).
Nurse Educator
|July 6, 2026
Summary
Implementing a standardized, experiential approach significantly improved medication dosage calculation (MDC) pass rates for nursing students. This strategy enhances patient safety and supports student progression in nursing programs.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Patient Safety
- Healthcare Simulation
Background:
- Medication dosage calculation (MDC) errors pose risks to patient safety and hinder nursing student progression.
- Nursing programs require effective, scalable strategies to enhance MDC competency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a standardized, experiential MDC initiative on student pass rates.
- To assess program-level changes in MDC competency over time.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective program evaluation analyzed MDC outcomes over 13 semesters.
- The study compared first-attempt pass rates before and after implementing an integrated instruction, simulation, and assessment initiative.
- Statistical analysis using a t-test assessed program-level changes.
Main Results:
- Mean semester-level MDC pass rates were significantly higher after initiative implementation (t(3.79) = -4.18, P = .016).
- Postimplementation semesters consistently met or exceeded the program's benchmark for pass rates.
- The initiative demonstrated sustained improvement in program-level outcomes.
Conclusions:
- A standardized, experiential approach to MDC instruction is linked to improved program outcomes.
- This approach offers practical guidance for nurse educators aiming to enhance medication safety.
- Data-driven curricular innovations can support both student progression and patient safety.
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