Pharmacology

[ruddergrl]

I am a nursing-school-wanna-be. I'm 37 and have decided that I want to be a nurse. I have a college degree under my belt so I know some of my pre-reqs will transfer but my degree is non-science related. I won't be able to start pre-reqs until the fall so I'm using this "down time" to try and learn everything I can so that life will be easier later on.

I have learned the metric system, memorized metric equivalencies and am now about 1/3 of the way through "Math for Meds". I'm really enjoying this book. It's so helpful and really takes you step-by-step. Like I said before, I want to work anything I can now to help me later on. What else can I read..........what things to focus on............things to memorize/learn/review for pharmacology?

Thanks so much!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

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

[ruddergrl]

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.

[studentNURSEwyo]

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

[ruddergrl]

Thank you so much!

[slacktime]

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

[ruddergrl]

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.

[1969]

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!

[Tarabara]

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.

[trae55]

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.