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Adding up the cost of teaching mathematics
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Accurate nurse calculations are crucial. A working group surveyed colleges and piloted a new test to assess and improve student nurses
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Professional Skills
- Clinical Mathematics
Background:
- Accurate drug dosage calculation is a critical nursing competency.
- Recent studies indicate potential deficits in nurses' mathematical abilities.
- Nurse educators frequently dedicate time to remedial mathematics instruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey current practices in calculation testing for student nurses across colleges.
- To investigate methods used for assessing nursing students' calculation skills.
- To develop a pilot calculation test for selecting students entering pre-registration nursing courses.
Main Methods:
- A working group was formed to conduct a survey of nursing colleges.
- The survey examined existing calculation testing procedures for student nurses.
- A pilot study was undertaken to create a new selection test.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a need for improved mathematical skills among nurses.
- Current calculation testing methods vary across educational institutions.
- A pilot test was developed for the selection of student nurses.
Conclusions:
- Standardized calculation assessment is important for student nurse selection.
- Further development and validation of calculation tests are warranted.
- Enhancing mathematical proficiency is essential for safe nursing practice.