No Pharmacology class!!!!

meandragonbrett · Feb 1, 2008

Most schools who don't have a specific pharmacology course incorporate pharm into their fundamentals and med-surg courses. Are you in an Associates or BSN? Most AS/AD programs integrate their pharm and most BSN programs have a separate pharm course.

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Feb 1, 2008

My pharm is built in. In fact last semester we had a test just on pharmacology last semester at the very end. I wouldn't worry about it yet. Give them a call and see if it's built in.

nursekrys · Feb 1, 2008

Thanks for your replies.

I guess our pharmacology is kind of built in...we study meds with each body system, but I don't feel like I know them as well as I should. Does anyone take the ATI exams? I took a pharmacology ATI and most questions were about side effects and what meds can be mixed with others! Any suggestions on how to keep this all straight?

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Feb 1, 2008

Thanks for your replies.
I guess our pharmacology is kind of built in...we study meds with each body system, but I don't feel like I know them as well as I should. Does anyone take the ATI exams? I took a pharmacology ATI and most questions were about side effects and what meds can be mixed with others! Any suggestions on how to keep this all straight?

We do ATI.

With how to know them here's what I was told...

Know them by class. I was told that each class has similar effects and knowing that will be the best way. I don't know if that really works for me.

I graduate in July and I'll be honest...I just figure I'll never pass boards. I feel like I know absolutely nothing...though I know that's not true. So you might be surprised how much you know. Sometimes the questions are more about application and there are ways to know the answer without knowing the drug inside and out.

APBT mom, LPN, RN · Feb 2, 2008

We didnt' have a dedicated pharm class either. Ours what built into our med/surg class. We got a new gorup of meds with each body system. I still don't know my meds and I'm kind of irritated about the whole situation because it's one of the most common things that you will do when you start working. We took the Arnett (similar to HESI) and there was pharm quesitons on it but they were more how you give it, what you look for, and some side effects (very comon though).

I bought a supplemental pharm book that I used that really helped me learn the drugs better than the infamous pharm cards that the instructors had us write out.

MB37 · Feb 2, 2008

We had a separate pharm class, but it was 1st semester and I've forgotten a lot of it. However, it's integrated in with Med Surg as well so I'm learning it again. I bought the Pharmacology Reviews and Rationales book to review with, I love that series for every subject.

LaceyRN · Feb 3, 2008

We have a 1 credit Pharm class, typically taken the last semester (I was ambitious and took it last summer) as a review/refresher but the program integrates pharm into every course. We learned about SO MANY meds last semester... cardiac, HTN, diabetes, etc. and every course has applicable meds, class/indications, interactions, side effects, nursing assessments/interventions, pt. teaching. Your program does the same, I'm sure b/c the nurse must have a working knowledge of meds to pass NCLEX and provide safe administration to patients.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Feb 3, 2008

We don't have this as a separate class either. I don't feel like I know much about the drugs although some have been incorporated with our studies of the systems. I am petrified about the NCLEX and upcoming HESI with my very limited knowledge.

To be sure, I know a lot more about meds overall than I did before NS, but I am nowhere near knowledgeable enough about individual drugs or even the classes, to know SEs, interventions, assessments, compatibility, etc., without a drug guide nearby. I fear this will really slow me down a great deal when I start working.

FutureNavyNrs · Feb 3, 2008

We had a separate pharm class, but it was back in 2nd semester and I'm sure I don't remember half of what I learned. The way that our instructor taught it to us was to break it down by class and then teach us a representative drug of each class. It helped at the time, but now I'm not 100% sure. 4th semester we also really got hammered on the common meds used in the ICU during critical care, so I feel like I might actually remember one or two of those if asked about them on the NCLEX. It will be interesting to see what I do and don't remember, though.

nurz2be · Feb 3, 2008

Hey fellow nursing students!
The nursing school I attend does not have a pharmacology course. I have been told by nurses who have recently taken the NCLEX that pharmacology is a big part of it. Any suggestions on how to study pharmacology? I really want to pass boards!

I personally would not attend a school who doesn't do this. I would contact the nursing admin and find out if it is part of another class you are taking. If not, I would head for the hills. Meds are a HUGE part of being an RN. Good luck passing the NCLEX without knowing meds......

Just me and what I'd do

At my school, we have a specified Pharmacology class, M-F 7-3 for 4 weeks. During this class we have 2 med calculation exams of which a 100% is expected, we get 3 tries and if we cannot do it, we are out of that class and must retake it. Also in that month, we have an exam every Monday and are expected to make at least an 85%, no retakes here, or again we are out. Then the day before the class is completed a final cumulative written exam is given where a 90% is expected, no retakes, if you cannot make it, then out you go. Finally, the last day, is the skills examination that goes through I think about 10 scenarios, again a total of 90% or no passing. This may sound harsh or impossible, but I assure it is not. I have friends who just completed that class, which is the 4th month of our 16 month program (RN) and they did it. As have the hundreds who passed before them. Reason for such high grades? Med errors are in many cases lethal. Not giving a med correctly, on time, or god forbid the wrong one, can and does lead to patient death or harsh consequences. Do I think I will make med errors, I hope not, but the reality is I, as will many others, most likely face this very issue. That is why a class like this is SO important. Then, in med-surg we go over organ specific meds and so on.

Logos · Feb 3, 2008

My school does not have a class either- I am worried about it.