Did you take pathophysiology? How hard was it?

[northmississippi]

My local college has been talking about requiring pathphysiology for ADN/RN course, and the BSN school here already requires it..so...looks like I may have to take it,,,,how hard is patho as compared to A&P? thanks.

[OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN]

I thought it was very hard but I learned a lot and I have used that a lot in nursing school. It was a great class and definately not any harder then a nursing class so I wouldn't worry

[Despareux]

Honestly, I thought it was very boring; that is, until I got into the nursing program, where I was actually able to see associated factors (patients, labs, diagnostic tests) of the disease process.

Your enjoyment of a class may be dependent on what type of learner you are vs. the teaching style of your instructor.

Although some may not agree, but I believe patho is something you must know very well for ease of success in nursing school.

[luv2garden]

I'm taking it right now and I dont think it is that hard. It is sort of like A&P all over again but with more emphasis on the disease processes, what to look for, signs/symptoms, labs, etc... It's actually a lot more interesting than A&P because it is more "relatable" to nursing which in turn makes it easier to understand. Hope that helps.

[KristeyK]

My school has you take it concurrent with Med-Surg and I LOOOOVE it. The teachers cover the same systems at the same time, and it's really helping everything to "click" into place. It CAN be boring and dry to read it, but nice when you can apply it to your nursing classes at the same time. For what it's worth- I like it better than A&P.

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

Physiology is how things work.

Pathophysiology is how things work when they don't.

In short, it was an awesome and fascinating course for me, more so than A&P. I took it for fun prior to nursing. My program has it integrated into other coursework rather than as a stand alone class.

If you did well in A&P you'll do fine in patho.

[pinkkitty11]

Pathophysiology was hard, but it was such a great class. It was definitely one of the best classes I have ever taken during school. I recommend that you take it seriously and really try to do well, because I have pulled out my patho notes several times during the nursing program (I am graduating in May with my BSN), especially with critical care.

Good luck!!

[vanillacupcake17]

I am currently taking patho. it is so difficult, but it may depend on your program. but i'm learning a lot!

[JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN]

We have it integrated into our med-surg focus in nursing school. I find it really interesting to learn about a body system and disease processes at the same time I am caring for patients with the diseases. So while studying respiratory conditions, I chose patients with COPD and pneumonia.

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

Patho is the coolest class a nursing department can offer. Take it. It's kicking the asses of the others in my class, but I love it. Helps I used to teach A&P I guess.

It's set up to cover a body system the week before we cover it in the acute care course. I think it'd been more appropriate to have it intertwined with pharmacology last semester instead and health assessment and acute care together this semester.

[Leesh0817]

I got a B in A&P and a B+ in patho. My A&P teacher was much harder than my patho teacher. I have said it once and I will say it again, your course will be as difficult as the professor wants to make it. We have two patho teachers at my school. One of the professors is quite easy and the other one is VERY difficult. Unknowingly, I took the class with the easier teacher. Also, it depends on how much you are willing to study. 2-3 hours of studying will not produce a good grade unless you have an awesome memory. I had to study for hours for each unit test (8-10 at least). It is a really great class and I think it will help me to become a better nurse because I have an understanding of pathology and how it works. In my opinion, all BSN programs should require it.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I can't imagine that pathophysiology would be an elective, so yes, you should definitely expect to take it. when people come to our care it's usually because they have something wrong with them. it behooves us to understand what.