Failed Pharmacology

[Molly12]

I have almost completed my first semester of the PN program. My class was the first class to take intro to pharmacology, and the class was very unstable. First, being a hard class as it is, adding all the instability with it, I was not prepared. With that being said, I had to drop and I have to retake it next semester in January.

The teacher was not prepared, changed test formats (that we didn't know until two days before the test), etc. We were using a book that was at least a year ahead of us. We did not get a calculations class; although, we were getting tested on drug and IV problems. We started dealing with having to know the drugs, then she changed it by having to know classifications, but still asked questions with drugs. All in all, it was a very frustrating semester with just this class.

Looking forward, I cannot go on with my nursing classes until I pass pharmacology. Very discouraging. I need any help I can possibly get. Books, websites, advice on how to study/pass pharmacology, study tips, study materials, nursing calculations, or anything else would be much appreciated!!

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

Get a Dimensional Analysis for Medication Calculations and study that for the medical math. Also make sure you have a good drug handbook, I personally like Davis.

Start with Classifications. Then fill in the specific meds under that. Most of the meds in a classification are going to have same/similar side effects, etc.

Learn the endings that tend to go with a classification. Such as -pril is for Ace Inhibitors.

Get a hold of the book being used for next semester. Also, go through the book you already have.

[Arrisu]

I just finished pharmacology. You really need to

take the time on a daily basis to read and rewrite

all the classifications, side effects and nursing

interventions. It takes a while and you really need

to do it over a period of time. (It took me about a

week to roughly memorize everything).

I cannot stress rewriting the information over and

over again. It's much better then reading or skimming

through papers.

Finally try to group certain side effects or classifications

together. For example: Drowsiness, Dizziness and Lethargy

often go hand in hand.

[caliotter3]

Network with your classmates who successfully finished the course this term. Get one of them to tutor you. This should be especially helpful if the same instructor is teaching the course again. Hopefully the instructor will have their act together this time around. Good luck.

[caliotter3]

Also do a search on this site. One of the members posted a very informative thread about pharmacology. Find that thread and bookmark it.

[MilieuRN]

Do you have access to ATI? It can be tedious to go through it all and put in the time, but I have found it to be very helpful. If your school offers coaching, I would recommend that as well.