Pharm self-study plan?

Fun2, BSN, RN · May 18, 2007

Also, I wonder why the BON even accredits

Personally, I think that most of nursing school is 'learn on your own'. I don't think any school covers EVERY topic needed for the NCLEX.

My school is considered to be extremely hard to get in and extremely hard to stay in, but has a reputation for turning out some of the best nurses. I heard that from the school before going in, and said, "Yeah right...whatever."

I've also heard that at hospitals, and from people not even in the medical field. (They've heard of the program.)

There once was a time you had to have 4 physical education credits to be a BSN. ....Now that is what I questioned. :uhoh3:

I think studying pharm mostly on your own, makes you learn it more. You know you can't just listen to a lecture and pass a class. You actually have to 'study' it, and spend lots and lots of time on it!

ladybugsea · May 18, 2007

Thanks for the tips, Kris. I like that idea. I am a 'whole picture' kind of learner and organizing on one page will work well for me. Thanks!

It's not like we don't discuss pharm in lecture. For example, when we studied panic/anxiety disorders a few weeks ago, we discussed SSRIs, TCAs, MAOIs, etc. It's just that there's so much going on that the teaching focus is not on that. We do have drug questions on our exams. And in clinical we are required to know and be able to explain (notes or cards are acceptable) all meds before giving them. There is really no room in an ADN program for another course. I think the ADN is the only two-year program in the world that takes 3-4 to complete.

MB37 · May 18, 2007

My BSN program has pharm, but the ADN program my coworker is going to doesn't.

MikeyJ, RN · May 19, 2007

I can understand schools integrating pharm into the different body systems, but I still think it is slightly scary that nurses are being pumped out of these programs with no knowledge of pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics.

Fun2, BSN, RN · May 19, 2007

We do have to learn that. We just don't have someone hold our hands to learn it. We get a small amount in lecture, clinical and lab, and the rest is up to us to study and learn.

As I posted before, in my class, we had to get an A on the Pharm test or get kicked out.

Besides, I think it's a lot more scarey to think someone would say, "I learned that in school" and think they will know it forever.

For myself, I'd much rather know how, and know when to look things up.

I can understand schools integrating pharm into the different body systems, but I still think it is slightly scary that nurses are being pumped out of these programs with no knowledge of pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics.

MikeyJ, RN · May 19, 2007

We do have to learn that. We just don't have someone hold our hands to learn it. We get a small amount in lecture, clinical and lab, and the rest is up to us to study and learn.
As I posted before, in my class, we had to get an A on the Pharm test or get kicked out.
Besides, I think it's a lot more scarey to think someone would say, "I learned that in school" and think they will know it forever.
For myself, I'd much rather know how, and know when to look things up.

I think most nursing students "know how, and know when to look things up." I maintain almost a 4.0 and the way I have done it is looking up details that I am not clear on.

And my comment was not directed toward you, specifically. I was referring to programs where there is no basic foundations of pharmacology.

Besides, I think it's a lot more scarey to think someone would say, "I learned that in school" and think they will know it forever.

I am not sure if you were referring to me there, but I said nothing of the sort.

Fun2, BSN, RN · May 19, 2007

Nothing at all is directed 'to you'...just in general. I'm sorry if I seem argumentative.

I am only speaking from experience of the program I am in, one of which does not require a pharm class.

However, I am commenting on behalf of many programs because I don't anyone reading all of this to discredit a nurse, or nursing student, who didn't have a pharmacology class.

...Nothing at all of ill intent.

By the way, I believe that many ADN programs must integrate several classes because they are only allowed a certain amount of credits to complete the program.

msdobson · May 19, 2007

Nothing at all is directed 'to you'...just in general. I'm sorry if I seem argumentative.

I think this is the part where I say, "I think both parties got thier signals crossed." Let's move on.

I am only speaking from experience of the program I am in, one of which does not require a pharm class.

I think those of us on the side of believing that ALL nursing programs should have a fundamental pharmacy program, is due to the fact that a book cannot talk back to you. Asking your professor to elaborate on some point or concept that you canot grasp is invaluable. As to incorporating pharmacology into other classes, I can see where this WOULD have value, however, on the flip side, I wouldn't want to learn valuable mathematic concepts from my art history professor, either. :lol2:

However, I am commenting on behalf of many programs because I don't anyone reading all of this to discredit a nurse, or nursing student, who didn't have a pharmacology class

No one has, or will ever, "dicredit" ANY nursing student for what they cannot control. It would be outstanding if ALL nursing schools followed a regulated schedule, but we are all aware of the varying degrees in which nursing programs are set up and run.

By the way, I believe that many ADN programs must integrate several classes because they are only allowed a certain amount of credits to complete the program.

Having never been IN and ADN program, I cannot speak to that. However, ALL of the programs must be approved and accredited by your state's BON.

WDWpixieRN, RN · May 21, 2007

Our ADN program does not have a separate pharm class....I would imagine some of it is a matter of time for the courses we do have, in addition to the fact that drugs are covered as we go through body systems....

*I* personally am not comfortable with this because we are told to "memorize the classifications", etc., and heck, if I understood what that even was, I'd probably have already done it, lol....there's so much to the drugs that it's personally frightening to me what a lack of knowledge I feel like I do have....

Our school has had a consistently high pass rate for years...in addition, the RNs they turn out are highly respected and sought after in the community (and we have a number of schools in this area)....we have been told that the majority of what we will need to learn about meds will be done when we start working in one location.....that they are generally the same depending on what area of the hospital you work in and that we will become very familiar with those when the time comes ......I've heard that from nurses, too, but it's still frustrating to not feel you have a good grasp on this very vital knowledge for which *I* will be held accountable for in the future...

msdobson · May 21, 2007

we have been told that the majority of what we will need to learn about meds will be done when we start working in one location.....

Have you heard anything on the amount of pharm-related questions on the NCLEX?

Going through school (LPN for me...) is not nearly as scary as facing the "dreaded" NCLEX!

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · May 21, 2007

And what kind of ursing program doesn't have a formal Pharmacology class!
Mike

Lots of them.

Fun2, BSN, RN · May 21, 2007

There have been MANY graduates of ADN programs that do not have a formal Pharm class who have passed the NCLEX.

If one doesn't understand the concepts you are required to memorize, I advise you to read your pharm book. I agree, we all need to learn these things.

Added....I personally do not like the Kee Pharm book we have, but I have to suffer reading it. ha