PHARMACOLOGY COURSE

[AmyRN1227]

Hi-

I'm a 2nd year nursing student, will be graduating this May and our school is offering a seperate pharmacology course this fall to take with our regular nursing course. A lot of my friends are signing up for it since most of us are going on for bachelor's degrees and think it may be of some benefit. I would also like to take it but cannot do so because my husband will be working evenings and the class is offered in the evenings and I have a 4year old. Will I be missing out on something very valuable or do you think that I can take the class later on when I'm furthering my education and be okay. I plan to go on for my master's degree anyway so I'm bummed that I can't take this class right now. Anyone have any good suggestions? Any advice greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!

Amy

[yellow rose]

At my school, basic pharm is taken before any meds are ever given. Then, advanced pharm is taken the following semester!

These classes are some of the hardest that I have taken so far- but I can't imagine not having them!

Tip- learn the mechanism of actions!! Not only are they favorite test questions, if you can know how a drug does what it does, it becomes much easier to figure out side effects.

Good Luck!!! :)

[nar-S]

i also have the same ? didn't you have pharma yet???pharmacology is a very important part of nursing...it was introduced to us very early in nursing school...have you ask other schools if they offer pharma in a different schedule?

[Sharon]

Amy,

You have enough information to pass boards easily. But additional information will be priceless for the next twenty years of your career depending on the course. So before deciding to take the course in your basic program (what type was it? AA, Diploma), there is a few more details you need to look into.

1. Will you still be required to take the course in your BS program?

2. If it is transferable, will the BS program require a cumulative exam for the specific pharmacology credits?

3. If you have the opportunity to do it either way, you will need to evaluate the courses.

If you want the best grounding for the future, the course instructor should either be a DPh (doctorate in Pharmacology) or a DNS (doctorate in Nursing Science). The course should be 2 semesters long. It has only been in the recent six months (I took mine courses back in 1980) that the basic theories of neurology, immunology, genetics and biochemistry have expanded to the point that I have had to get assistance with understanding new classifications of drugs.

My most memorable moments were having to memorize the name of every nerve in the body and its function, which section(s) of the mitochondrial body did energy exchanged occur, and of course those never to be forgotten questions of: drug X in ____ dose produces what effect on _________ nerve/cell with what type and amount of energy exchange. Therefore, what side effects should you anticipate? If you add drug P then what effects and side effects should you anticipate?

BTW, just as valuable is biochemistry. Which you may be able to either minor in or audit in your BS program.

[peaceful2100, BSN, RN]

I say if you can all help it to take the pharmacology class. Knowing just the basics and enough to pass the NCLEX I feel is not enough. I would think since meds is extremely important then every nursing school would offer it no matter what type of program it is. Don't over do it but if you can find the time take the class.