We therefore recommend that nursing students learn to
perform calculations initially without calculators. Although
calculators may be useful in checking answers, it is important
that students develop the underlying mathematical
knowledge and skill to perform drug calculations and to be
able to interpret the result accurately. For this to occur,
regular practice and support from educational and clinical
staff is essential. An important recommendation, therefore,
would be that time should be set aside in university
curricula for students to learn how to perform basic numerical
and drug calculations and, as programmes tend to be