Authors

  1. Valcourt, Maryann P. PhD, CPNP
  2. Smith, Deborah RNC, MSN, CNM

Article Content

Nursing students can have difficulty conceptualizing medication calculations. The students' lack of understanding of clinical context makes it difficult for them to determine the information needed to solve medication calculation problems. Students need multiple opportunities to develop medication calculation skills to achieve competency. A comprehensive strategy, which includes the use of a free online graphing calculator, virtual case studies, low-fidelity simulation, and progressive remediation throughout the semester, was developed. The use of the online graphing calculator allows for animations and images to be embedded in the medication calculation problem, providing more meaning and clinical context to the problems (Supplemental Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/NE/A950, photo, left side). For example, the student not only computes the problem correctly but, through the use of animations, also needs to fill a syringe with the correct amount of medicine. Virtual case studies allow students to apply medication calculation skills to a patient. In the scenarios, the students document demographics, allergies, and medication orders on the medication administration record (MAR). Using the MAR, students perform the medication calculation and are asked to identify the correct images of the medications. Once practice scenarios in the virtual environment are completed, case studies in a low-fidelity laboratory bring similar exercises to life (Supplemental Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/NE/A950, photo, right side). Medication calculation assessments proceed from simple to complex and are scaffolded throughout the program. Study halls and remediation sessions are built into the process to provide support and early intervention for students. These comprehensive strategies support the students in gaining confidence and mastery of medication calculations.