title: Dosage calculation testing for competency in ambulatory care.
abstract: The scope of services provided by the Staff Development Department or clinical educators in healthcare settings includes, but is not limited to, employee orientation, continuing education, and competency assessment. The critical issue of ascertaining competency of nursing staff in medication dosage calculation encompasses each of these functions. The authors describe the process of pilot testing a dosage calculation test in an ambulatory care setting, adapting it based on feedback, using it with orientees and current staff, and using the educational process with nurses needing assistance in dosage calculation.
authors.affiliation: Ambulatory Care Services, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Hamner
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000592:standards*; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008433:Mathematics; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013192:Staff Development