High Stakes: Assessing Numeracy for Nursing

The Techno-Numerate Nurse: Results of a Study Exploring Nursing Student and Nurse Perceptions of Workplace Mathematics and Technology Demands

“…This concern regarding the lack of mathematical competency and confidence among nursing students has led to the introduction, in some jurisdictions (e.g., United Kingdom), of mandatory high-stakes drug calculation skills tests which students must pass as part of the culmination of their undergraduate nursing degree or diploma programs (Coben, Hodgen, Hutton, & Ogston-Tuck, 2008;Wright, 2009). Others have suggested that an admission entry test for undergraduate nursing programs should be instituted that would include a focus on the mathematical competency required for the profession (see, for example, Dray, Perkins, Faller Fritsch, & Burke, 2010).…”

Making the nursing curriculum more inclusive for students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD): Embedding specialist study skills into a core module

“…Numeracy skills are key for safe and effective practice (Coben et al, 2008;NMC, 2010a), particularly in medicine administration and management (NMC, 2010c;2010d). A lack of proficiency in numeracy amongst both students and registered nurses is of concern in the safety-critical environment of nursing (Cooke, 2009).…”