Pharmacology Failure - Need Advice

[stephwp]

So I just took my second test in pharmacology and got a big fat 64. The first test was over pharmacodynamics, etc., and I got a 96 on that one but this one really threw me for a loop as it was the first test with actual drugs on it.

If I don't pass this class I won't be able to start nursing school in the fall and I'm a little bit panicked and feeling really down right now. Does anyone have a story or words of encouragement? I'm starting to have those "am I smart enough for nursing school???" thoughts which are pretty unproductive.

Does anyone have any hints or techniques they used to get through pharmacology? They weren't kidding when they said these tests are unlike anything we've experienced before!!

PS I felt decently confident going into this test, which is why I'm panicked. Clearly I was way off the mark...

[heatherxnicole]

Well you'll be studying types of drugs. We took pharm as part of our nursing curriculum. My prof liked to ask about aspects of the drug that were unique. It was always important to know if something had to be taken at night (like cholesterol meds) vs those taken in the morning. Maybe makes cards or pages of notes about each TYPE of drug and then learn the suffix. It'd be pointless to memorize every drug, that's why they have the same suffix for the most part (your book should tell you the suffix).

I made a B in pharm and if I wasn't planning a wedding and preparing for my husband's deployment, I probably could have pulled an A because I was at an 87 or so. However, my pharm prof said the only class she made a C in while in nursing school was pharm (irony). Some people do struggle with it but it doesn't mean you can't be a good nurse because on the job, you can use your PDAs or drug guides.

[One2gofst]

I am in my second of three terms in an accelerated program. I had pharm last semester. Take my input for what it is worth.

No one wants to fail a test and doing so makes one feel bedly, no doubt. However, I pose the hypothetical, how would you feel if rather than a 96 and 64 on these first two tests you got an 80 on both?

Personally, if I got an 80 on both, I'd feel like I needed to kick it up a notch, but wouldn't feel like it was the end of the world. The good news is, the average is the same for either scenario.

I am a high achiever and have always gotten good grades. I continue to do so in nursing school, but there have been bumps in the road. When all else fails, there's always the old cliche, "Cs get degrees".

To me the biggest concern would be understanding your mistakes on the tests so you can actually learn from them. IMO, this is what is going to help you eventually pass the NCLEX.

Good luck

[sweetiepeas]

I would agree with the first post. Know what the suffixes are. Like with cardiac drugs ending in olol they are Beta blockers. Know thataa Beta blocker blocks the stimulation of the Beta1 receptor in the heart which lowers blood pressure and heart rate.

Knowing where and how they work will most definitely help. Do you have Davis drug guide? I have it on my phone and look it up if I don't know a drug. In clinicals you'll be able to do that but you will need to know the most used on a test. So don't beat yourself up about it. Try flash cards with the suffixes and a short definition in the back and carry them EVERYWHERE. I used to read mine while shopping for food. :)

Good luck.