Experienced Nurses, I Could Use Your Help

[TDCHIM]

Okay, experienced nurses, I could really use your help with this one.

I'm interested in improving my clinical knowledge background. Full disclosure: I'm not a nurse, nor am I training to become one; rather, I'm studying health information management. Some of the areas in this field are heavily dependent on the person's in-depth knowledge of disease processes, treatment protocols, etc., in addition to expert knowledge of the documentation and coding process. for the most part, you're simply expected to pick this up with experience. That's fine, but I'd really like to boost my clinical knowledge background as much as possible before I'm done with my program.

Now, at the moment, I have a year's worth of honors general biology, a year's worth of honors general chem, a year of anatomy & physiology (specifically for those in the health professions), one semester of physics (which I hated - I have no idea why I'd need physics for a health care role, but it seems as though it's often required), and two semesters of medical terminology. I'll be taking human pathophysiology (also specifically for health care professionals) in the immediate future. I've taken a boatload of documentation and coding classes, but those obviously don't matter in this context. I've taken two semesters of college-level calculus, one semester of general statistics, and I'm in the midst of a yearlong sequence in statistical methodology, so I have a solid math/stats background. I think that's everything that's remotely relevant.

I have never taken a course in genetics, microbiology, or organic chemistry (I've avoided the last like the plague, because chemistry isn't my favorite subject, but I'm capable of completing it). I have no pharmacology courses built into my program either, which seems to me like an odd gap. I would appreciate any and all suggestions for courses that I could pursue that would help strengthen my clinical knowledge background. (Oh, and before anyone asks, I don't intend to switch to nursing or go into it in the future - I am unfortunately not physically capable of performing a nurse's duties due to a major physical disability.) My program has a pretty good relationship with the nursing program - we take some of our classes along with the nursing students - so there's even a slim chance I'd be able to one or two courses through the school of nursing with the appropriate prereqs. Obviously clinicals would be out of the question for me.

I know book knowledge is no substitute for experience, but it at least gives you a solid foundation for future learning. I'd really appreciate any suggestions about courses you found valuable or consider absolute necessities for forming a good clinical knowledge framework. Any feedback will be deeply appreciated. Thanks!

[HiHoCherry-O]

The Anatomy and Physiology classes will be very helpful. Pathophysiology courses would also be helpful but best taken after A&P. The pathophysiology courses cover disease states and what some of the treatments for them are. A reference guide to procedures may be helpful in the realm of coding (I think Lippincott has a decent one).

And of course, the internet is your oyster. . . : )

[Crux1024]

I was required to get a "Mosbys Pharmacology in Nursing" book when I started school and I highly recommend it!

Its not just your regular drug look up book. Its a huge (maybe daunting) text and goes into an indepth explanation of drug classes, uses and etc.

Maybe check one out next time youre in a bookstore. Itd be worth the money if youre really interested, IMO.

I also ditto what was said above me.

[ebear, BSN, RN]

I suggest that you invest in the Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, as well of the pharmacology text above. Lippincott is an excellent resource book. (BTW, you are an outstanding writer!)

[Emergency RN]

I was going to suggest getting a nurse as a significant other; that's gotta be the easiest way. Just pump them for info, LOL...

Seriously, I would suggest that you take and read the general nursing texts, the same as those given nursing students. There is a wealth of knowledge in those tomes, and all future nurses are drawn from the knowledge within them. Even if you're not a nurse, at least you will have access to their same basic knowledge base. That should give you a solid starting foundation to base any future research on.

Good luck.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Physics is very important to advanced nursing, especially if you're going into a field where sicker patients are on vents, and machines.

If you understand physics, you will be able to understand the HUMAN BODY and distinctive interrelations between the LAWS of Physics and how people are treated with advanced technology.

I couldn't imagine NOT knowing it when treating a micro-premie on a HFV and being able to use my skills to evaluate how it is effecting the neonate. --or the physiological effects of mechanical and medicinal intervention pre-intra-post surgery--the use of robots, the use of gases, etc., and the pressures that are monitored constantly...

There is SO MUCH involved in knowing it.

Never assume you will not need it. That will be your weakness---not applying what you learn to true life situations. LOOK for real life applications. And remember, you take in what you learn with your attitude. If you believe that everything has a reason--and you seek the reason, you will truly be able to encompass your knowledge base.

My 2 cents.

[LouisVRN, RN]

I have taken 2 years of advanced organic chemistry, it really does not come into play too much as a nurse. The most I can say is that I am a pro at calculating heparin drips and the like from all the stoichiometric equations that were required in school.

Microbiology could be helpful depending on your role although, it kind of functions independently. As long as you know what to DO about gram positive cocci resembling staph, it is not necessary to know how to do a gram stain, the difference between cocci and rods, etc. If anything I think you could pick up one of those laminated sheets they sell in college bookstore which are like cliff notes to the class and probably be okay using that.

ETA: I hated physics too, but it has been relatively useful in nursing.

I also took a class in advanced genetics (I could not make up my mind what I wanted to do for quite awhile in school) and because of that I can say I'm a little more familiar with some of the rare genetic diseases we see once in a blue moon. However where I work, the patients we see with these rare genetic conditions could probably teach the doctor's a thing or two. They are very knowledgeable about their conditions, medications/treatments. I imagine this depends on where you hope to work. If you hope to work at a hospital or area that specializes in the treatment and diagnoses of rare conditions it might be a bit more helpful.

[TDCHIM]

Thanks for your replies, everyone! :)

Okay, I'll invest in a copy of Lippincott's Manual of Nursing Practice - I looked it up on Amazon and it sounds like a great idea. I bought a Mosby's earlier this semester, so I'll try to set up a regular schedule of study to improve my grasp on drugs and pharmacology in general. I might try to push my program director on the lack of pharmacology classes. It just seems like such a weird lacuna in the course of study.

I can't really seem to get a handle on a standard list of standard nursing textbooks - I've tried researching the topic online, and the places where I can find texts listed (and there haven't been many nursing programs that have posted textbook lists online for the public), there are differing options. If anyone could offer me a few suggestions on nursing school classic textbooks, I'd be really grateful!

I'll see if there are any additional pathophysiology courses available to me at my university beyond the Human Pathophysiology course I'm required to take.

@JoPACURN: Thanks for clarifying the practical application of physics in a hospital setting. I never really understood WHY you'd need to know that sort of thing to work as a health care provider, so it's good to have a real-life explanation of its use in daily life. I doubt that I'm ever going to really like physics (the subject isn't my speed - it's just a matter of personal preference/interests), but that won't stop me from learning and mastering the material! Is one semester of physics sufficient, do you think, or should I try to fit another one into my schedule?

@LouisVRN: O chem isn't my favorite, but if it would be important for improving my clinical knowledge and understanding, I'd take it. From what you've said, it doesn't sound like it would be worth the investment of time in addition to the year of chem I have down already.

@Emergency RN: Yes, a nurse significant other would be a help. Too bad I already saddled myself with a journalist spouse. Sheesh, my lack of forethought has once again cost me....

@ebear: Thanks for the compliment. I used to work as a reporter (that's how I ended up with the journalist spouse!), so my writing ability is basically the one semi-practical professional skill I currently possess.

Thanks again to you all for your help!

[ebear, BSN, RN]

Your writing ability will serve you well in health information management! Good luck, TDCHIM. I admire your determination!