Pharmacology Help

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Hospice and Dialysis.

I am in Fundamentals now and doing well.

I start Pharmacology in a few weeks. The class before us freaked out with an instructor that would not allow you to ask questions. A third of that class flunked.

I am told the basis of Pharmacology is a ton of memorization.

What tips do any of you have to make Pharmacology as smooth as possible?

I am told the book Straight A's in Nursing Pharmacology is good. I'm also told to get flash cards. If so, which ones? Do you recommend a specific drug handbook?

What other words of wisdom can you provide?

Thanks!

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Depends on what kind of learner you are. I'm strictly a visual learner, so this book is saving my life in Pharm...

http://www.amazon.com/Mosbys-Pharmacology-Memory-NoteCards-Mnemonic/dp/0323054064/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303925823&sr=8-1

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Make your own flashcards, actually drug cards for the particular drugs you are learning. Learn the drug classes, and the prototype for that class of drugs.

I have Pharm Phlash (drug flashcards) and it's good, but I learned better by making my own.

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pharmacology was my favorite class! i found it really easy to study for because it basically is straight memorization.

the best study tip i can give you for pharm is studying in a small group. we would create scenarios and quiz each other. "what would you give mr. so and so if he had symptoms xy&z?" sort of thing.

also creating quirky sayings and rhymes to remember groups of drugs.

good luck!

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also, i don't know what textbook you are supposed to have but i used this one: http://www.amazon.com/Pharmacology-Approach-Joyce-LeFever-Kee/dp/1416046631/ref=pd_sim_b_29

and it is one of the best books i've had in nursing school! everything is broken down and explained simply. it's also really easy to find information because it's sectioned so well.

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I reccommend making your own flashcards. I used 5X8 index cards because they were bigger and allowed me ample room for all the pertinent information. On my flashcards I inlcuded: generic and trade name, therapeutic and pharmacologic classifications, indications, the most common side effects, adverse effects, special considerations (i.e. don't give atenolol if apical pulse is less than 60), patient education, contraindications to the medication.

I found that writting every thing out helped me to retain the information better. They also sell rings (like the three rings in your binder) individually at some office supply stores, I would punch a hole in the top corner of my flash card and use the ring to hold them all together. The index cards fit nicely in my purse and are convient to study with through out your day.

Also sometimes I used 3X5 index cards and made a giant floor memory game out the flashcards as well, but I am also a giant nerd ;)

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