Did taking Chemistry really help you become a good nurse?

Whispera, MSN, RN · Aug 26, 2009

I think Chemistry is required some places because it teaches thinking. Also, in nursing if you know some chemistry, it can help things make more sense than they would otherwise.

prmenrs, RN · Aug 26, 2009

All of the science courses are the foundation of your education. The sciences help things you're learning about taking care of pts, and their disease processes/treatments make sense.

e.g.: If you try to push some drugs w/certain IV fluids, you'll get white flakes in the tubing. A chemical reaction has caused a precipitate.

KIMRNNYC · Aug 26, 2009

I have never heard of an A.A.S. or B.S.N. that did not require Chemistry. Do I write out chemical equations, etc at work? No but it definitely helps me understand certain aspects of nursing a little everyday. If you really think about it during your day at work, you would be surprised how Chemistry creeps into it.

raininghere · Aug 26, 2009

I went to a BSN program that did not require chem . . . big mistake. If you want to get any respect and know what the hell you're talking about with physicians and other staff, get all the education you can. Nursing is one of the only healthcare professions that doesn't require a masters degree. We really shouldn't be eliminating courses from the curriculum on the chance that "maybe I won't need to use it everyday."

Blondie24 · Aug 26, 2009

A basic understanding of chemistry will help you in nursing. The concepts behind acids and bases (ie. Hydrogen ions), metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, resp. acidosis and resp. alkalosis. These are real-life nursing situations and chemistry will help you comprehend these topics more fully. Good luck.

CareteamRN70 · Aug 26, 2009

I wondered the exact same thing at first about Chemistry and Microbiology I and II...I tried to convert them into "nursing classes" in my mind but it just seemed a huge waste of time...until I took my pharmacology class (the evil angry stepchild of chemistry) and then I took my pathophisiology class and all the symptoms for diseases caused by bacterial or viral infection, the test, lab results, etc all fell into place "OH yea thats right, S. aureus causes that" or "this lab tells me to suspect this antibiotic will be used". They are foundation classes that in the end I think (and hope) will allow me relate to the process of nursing more effectively. Even with that epiphany, didn't make taking the foundation classes any more fun then a root canal.

allnurses Guide · Aug 26, 2009

One hundred percent yes. I love chemistry. Actually it really does surprise me that ANY nursing school would not require it. I'm not sure how you could study pharmacology at all without knowing the basics.

*ac* · Aug 26, 2009

Yes!

Especially dimensional analysis. And pH.

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Aug 26, 2009

It makes you a damn good nurse and will get you a lot of respect from the medical staff when you know what the heck you are talking about.

I often wonder why people avoid chemistries, and mathematics when it comes to nursing because it is still revolving around medicine--SCIENCE. I also don't understand why people get into nursing because it doesn't "need" as much.

Give me a break. If I were a patient, I want to know that my nurse can tell if I am acidotic and why or why my chem panels are off.

If you want to be a good nurse, excel in your sciences. You want to be humdrum? Please don't work with me because my expectations of the nurses around me are very high.

And YES MATH--is VERY IMPORTANT TOO!

Off my soapbox now....

Cassaundra · Aug 26, 2009

I loved my chemistry classes. It was a big help to learn how the molecular structure of medications make them work or not work. Also, it makes a big difference if you actually know what potassium and sodium are.

OC_An Khe · Aug 26, 2009

Yes chemistry is vitally important to a successful nursing career. I can't imagine a nursing program at the RN level without it. If there is one I wouldn't be recommending that program.