Pharm and Funds and Work

[nurse630]

Hey everyone! I'm a first semester LPN student in Illinois. I am currently taking A&P on the full-time track. During second semester, full-time students take Pharmacology and Fundamentals together.

My school informed us right away that for Pharmacology there is about 11 chapters to read between each class (meets 1 day a week). Fundamentals meets 3 days a week for lab, lecture, and clinicals. I've read through this site and searched for some helpful tips, but wa unable to find anything other than that Fundamentals is relatively easy, but a lot of information. I have also heard from advisors at my school that a lot of people start out taking Pharm and Funds together and drop within 2 weeks. There is rumor that only 3 or ago people have been able to completely both with awesome grades while working. 80% is our C and a 79% is fail.

My question: I'm currently going through a move, but after the move I plan to get a CNA job. I hope to be able to find something 2 days a week and maybe +PRN. I also live on my own with my boyfriend, so I have "household duties" since no one can mop like a woman! Or so he makes me think, ha! Is taking Pharm and Funds at the same time really as difficult as they are saying? I am a great student and take this very seriously dedicating time to studying, but I'm worried after everything I've heard if I could take both, work, and get A's. What are your thoughts or experiences?

Thanks!!

[mermcm83]

It can be done. Apply for some casual or prn positions, that way you control your schedule. Pharm is actually not as bad as they say if you remember the key words and not try to memorize every medication, it's impossible. I.e. meds ending in Lam and Pam are benzodiazepines (anti anxiety meds) things like that is how I passed my Lpn boards, and some meds and theirs side effects will become second nature with repetition.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

https://allnurses.com/pharmacology-flashcards-drug-cards-t394218/

[FutureNeoNursing]

You can do anything you put your mind to! I have friend who completed her RN program while holding down a full time job and kids,it can be done. I learned a few things from her,one being only study what is required of you and never try to cram it all in one setting. Flashcards are definitely lifesavers when you need to learn alot in so little time. Im taking pharmacology now with pathophysiology before I enroll in the lpn program..