A little concerned about my future (to be a NNP)

suzanne4, RN · Jun 3, 2007

If you definitely know that you are weak in chemistry, highly recommend that you get a tutor as soon as possible. There is no reason why you cannot understand it before you get started in the fall. Sometimes it just takes someone else to explain it to you in a way that you will understand.

And yes, chemistry is required for you to be in the know about. But it is something that you can master. If you can get thru biology, you can get thru this.

core0 · Jun 3, 2007

If you definitely know that you are weak in chemistry, highly recommend that you get a tutor as soon as possible. There is no reason why you cannot understand it before you get started in the fall. Sometimes it just takes someone else to explain it to you in a way that you will understand.
And yes, chemistry is required for you to be in the know about. But it is something that you can master. If you can get thru biology, you can get thru this.

To be honest most pharmacology is rote memorization. It does help to understand chemistry and biochemistry when puzzling out drug interactions. I had to take organic chemistry and the only time that it comes in handy is when I have to explain chirality to my patients (not that that comes up often). I would second the tutor advice. Also self study aids are helpful (check you bookstore). Finally remember that sometimes it is the instructor not the student. Ask questions if you don't understand. You may find that the whole class is as confused as you are and just afraid to ask questions.

David Carpenter, PA-C

Jolie, BSN · Jun 3, 2007

I'm not an NNP, but have worked in NICU for 11 years. In my opinion, chemistry is important, but not nearly so as anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.

A good grasp of chemistry will enhance your understanding of fluid and electrolyte balance, and the mechanism of action of many drugs. But it is all pretty basic, and no-where near as critical to your practice as a good foundation of A&P and abnormal physiology.

I agree with Suzanne and David that if you begin to have trouble with chemistry you should immediately hire a tutor. While I did not find the coursework to be difficlut, it builds upon itself, and if you don't master the early material, you will struggle mightily with the rest of the course.

justme1972 · Jun 3, 2007

I just finished a high-school level Chemistry class this Spring, and I was totally lost about half-way through. I finished with the highest grade in the class, but that isn't saying much considering the entire class was graded on a curve so the person that had the highest number of points, received 100%.

Now, with the curriculum that I have selected, my RN, BSN, and MSN, another Chemistry course isn't required. I do have to take Microbiology...not sure of how much Chem is involved in that. The pharmacology class for my ADN...the students say they have it set up really well, and if you do all of your work, you'll get an A...I'm just really concerned about the graduate level part of it and how much Chemistry is involved when you start learning about more advanced drugs when you start prescribing them.

I really appreciated all of the responses....this really helps me alot.