Pathophysiology with Fundamental Concepts of Nursing

[nurse4forever]

Pathophysiology and Pharmacology are not a requirement for the ADN program I plan on attending. However, I really want to take these two classes to better prepare me for the NCLEX and my future nursing career. I've heard Pathophysiology and Pharmacology are both really hard classes. I want to take all the general courses like bio, chem, psych, sociology, and english classes before starting the Nursing the program so I can just focus on just the nursing courses. Since I have to take A&P1 and A&P2 before taking Patho and Pharm, it looks like I will end up having to take Patho my first semester with Fundamental Concepts of Nursing and Pharm my second semester of the nursing program. Should I try to take both classes in the summer before I start the nursing program so I wouldn't have to take them with the nursing courses? Or are these two classes doable with the nursing classes?

[ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN]

They are difficult courses. Just know that an overview of Pathophysiology will happen in your Adult Health courses. As far as pharmacology, I cannot believe it isn’t part of your program. There will be NCLEX questions regarding pharm. Perhaps Pharm is built into the nursing curriculum during your Adult Health courses. If so, I wouldn’t bother taking Pharm or Patho.

I have had Patho and it has helped me with my Adult Health course. When we go over the body system, we review the A&P, Patho, and Nursing Interventions/Implications. I don’t think it would be a waste of time. It’s up to you.

Good luck.

[CuriousMe]

If your program doesn't specifically list pathophysiology in the curriculum and doesn't require it as a pre-req....it's likely built into your nursing classes (as is pharmacology).

There's no possible way to understand nursing interventions, clinical priorities or pharmacology if you aren't taught pathophysology in one way or another.

[nurse4forever]

Thanks Parker and Curious... I decided to hold off on those 2 classes and just focus on the nursing courses as planned because Patho and Pharm will be incorporated into the nursing classes and probably easier to learn that way.