Pharmacology

Wow! You seem very motivated & organized. I would also advise you to study medical terminology. There are some nice self-study packages available... give it a Google.

Best of Luck

LOL......I'm really not that much of a geek. I'm just terrified of failure. :) I'm trying to do everything I can to ensure that won't be a reality.

So I'm not exactly sure what all comprises Pharmacology. I know it has to do with figuring out dosages but what else? I've read about learning about drug classifications, side effects and such?

Thanks for the tip on medical terminology. I might as well tackle that, as well!

Thanks so much for your reply. .....I noticed your username.....are you from Houston? I'm near Austin in Buda.

For pharm I would start looking over drug classes and also review the sympathetic vs. parasympathetic nervous system.

Thank you so much!

Ruddergrl,

I just finished nursing school and passed boards last month, my suggestions are:

1) start and continue a regular stress reduction program (running, walking, yoga, something physical) at least 3 times / week, I jogged 5 - 7 x / week, I am not a jock, I just needed the stress reduction and energy one gets from exercise.

2) go get certified as a CNA. It will give you a bit of insight into the world of patient care, taking nursing tests, taking skills tests, etc and when you walk into a pts room on your first day of clinicals, it won't be the first time to go into a room as a caregiver.

3. get an intro to nursing textbook and read it. Find out what the school you want to get into uses and get that one or I suggest "fundamentals of nursing" by Taylor, used from Amazon for $85. 1856 pages of good info that nurses use on a daily basis.

I would not emphasize any specific science unless you really have an interest in it, most schools cover what you need reasonably well.

just my suggestions

Thank you so much for replying!

Funny you mention running because just in the last couple of month I've started jogging a couple of miles 5 days a week. Also, thanks for the offer on the book. I'll definitely get in touch with you if I got that route.

CNA courses are relatively short, one or two semesters tops. Mine was one semester. It was a great experience, and I am not at all nervous about learning some of the skills, because I've already mastered it. Also, you can get a good idea if this is something you really want to persue. CNA's are worked to the bone, and they do A LOT of pt care. I loved it!

For background info for pharm I would say go over CNS/PNS like someone else said. Also, a big part of pharm is the side affects of drugs, what to do about the side affects, drug-drug interactions, and situations when NOT to take the drug.

Nursing is a second career for me as well. I just applied to nursing school and I'm waiting IMpatiently to find out if I got in. I'm actually taking pharm right now and I would suggest taking a&p and micro for a good foundation before taking pharm. I've heard there are some great abbreviated books of a&p out there. That would really help.