Just got accepted...terrified about Pharmacology

[QuarterLife88]

Hi!

I've just recently graduated from pre-nursing student to nursing student, though my first class/semester does not begin until May 9th. As you can see, first class is Pharm. I haven't read too much about it on these boards and I even did a search and got mixed views from posters a few years back.

So my question is: How hard is Pharm IYO? Did you like it? Was it like Chemistry class in a way, and if you did well in Chemistry and A&P should you have an easier time in Pharm?

[QuarterLife88, MSN, RN, NP]

If you did well in your pre-req sciences (i.e., A&P, Micro, Chemistry), then you should do fine in Pharmacology. It's a tough course that requires a solid understanding of A&P. As for chemistry, IMO, I've only used it when we went over pharmacotherapeutic interventions for shock, fluid imbalances, and electrolyte imbalances. Microbiology comes in handy when studying antibiotics, antivirals, and anti-neoplastics.

Thank you, and to everyone else as well!

btw, I love your username staphylococci.

[Despareux]

I think pharmacology is easier than A&P and chemistry because it's relatively straight forward. Yes pharm does require a certain amount of analytical thinking, but not much, because it only branches so far and is generally disease or [therapeutic] side effect specific. On the other hand, A&P or theory is learning many systems and their compensating factors that can [and most likely will] change in an instant.

So if you have done well in your other science courses, then you will most likely pass pharmacology with no problems.

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

Pharmacology is not hard but there is a decent volume of information to get through. If you are concerned purchase the recommended textbook now and get the class syllabus (both should be available at this stage). The first few chapters of most nursing pharm books are about general principles. Have a read of them, do some of the questions at the end of those chapters. that should ease your concern AND get you familiar with the textbook resources.

I went so far as to find out from the instructor what he was covering first and did the reading. But I have a crazy busy life so I need to work ahead as a contingency.

Welcome to nursing school. Buckle up!

[sandi1743]

Hi!

Was it like Chemistry class in a way, and if you did well in Chemistry and A&P should you have an easier time in Pharm?

congrats!

IMHO/E PathoPharm is more like the physio part of A&P and less like chem. For me Chem is a differnt animal (i took in UG - Gen1&2, Orgo1&2, biochem and a few more in grad school) was all about the molecules, structures, reactions etc and i HATED then basic ones as it was all about memorization. I love physio as it was about what things DO and how they do it - this is what pathopahrm at my school is about.

e.g.

Given: Pt is rx'ed Lithium.

For what conditions is Lithium rx'ed?

Is it being rx'ed according to FDA approved or off label?

What lab values are you as the nursing going to watch for?

Why?

How often?

Etc

It is all about form fits function. yes there is a lot of material but it is not impossible. :)

[MrSpock]

Pharm is such an easy class :) but it can be alot of info. We had a test every 2 weeks over 15 chapters. But the days of studying the day before a test are over. The key to getting an A is reading before class not after, but really read! Also if youR teacher gives objective do them before class, this helps understand what th heck the teacher is talking about. Also be sure to buy a nurse drug guide and a medicAl dictionary.

[kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN]

Some will say it's easy, some will say it's hard. It's really up to you and whether or not you connect it with your patients in clinical and the diseases you learn in patho. If you take those 3 things and put them together, you're good to go. It makes it a lot easier when you actually UNDERSTAND what the drugs do, don't just memorize stuff.