Question for Current nursing students

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Dec 7, 2007

A strong showing in Chem will look awesome on your transcript and may make the difference between being accepted sooner than later. If they're both required, I'd take the Chem first; since you've finished Pharm, you've already been exposed to some of it.

I think once your nursing classes begin, you'll be exposed to more medical terminology than you dreamed possible!

lulu1224 · Dec 7, 2007

Since I am only getting an ADN I am not required to take either classes, I just want to get myself prepared for anything that comes my way.

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Dec 7, 2007

Well, if neither one is required, I'd still go for the Chemistry. I really enjoyed it. To me, it gave me a good foundation for pharm (which you no longer need), as well as nutrition and pathophysiology (which will come into play during your program). And if you ever do decide to get a BSN, Chemistry will be a requirement then. It was a fun course, and labs were great.

Good luck in school!

RNDreamer · Dec 7, 2007

I would definitely take chemistry...it'll be one less class you have to take should you decide to go for your BSN.

neeniebean · Dec 7, 2007

Honestly, i don't see the point in givng yourself more work. I guess it varies by school, but its not really going to make you stand out or anything- at least not at my school. As far as gaining a background- that depends on the course and teacher, too. I dont think that a general intro to chem class would really provide such a great foundation for nursing, but i did find my Physiological Chem class to be useful because it applied directly to our studies. If you're starting NS school, then you'll have enough on your plate, if you're waiting to start, then enjoy the break while you can. jmho.

neeniebean · Dec 7, 2007

Well, if neither one is required, I'd still go for the Chemistry. I really enjoyed it. To me, it gave me a good foundation for pharm (which you no longer need), as well as nutrition and pathophysiology (which will come into play during your program). And if you ever do decide to get a BSN, Chemistry will be a requirement then. It was a fun course, and labs were great.
Good luck in school!

I know it varies by school, but if s/he already has a B.A and is now going for the ADN, they may be able to just submit a portfolio request and not even have to go for the BSN. At least, that's how it works for the programs that i'm looking into (i also had a BA prior to NS).

NurseJeanB · Dec 7, 2007

Hello, It sounds like you are already accepted into a program and you just want to take a class for your own edification. I think that is a wonderful idea. I know that I am in a BSN program and there are some chemistry principles that come into play in pathophysiology and even in clinicals we do calculations and the conversions are easier with a chemistry background. I think it would be good for the NCLEX as well. However, the chemistry class is one that requires a lot of work and it is important to stay up with the homework. If you are going to be overly stressed taking this course then I would advise against it. You may be a very good student and won't have any problem, in which case I would encourage you to go for it. Education is lifelong process, and I am of the mind that I want to take as many classes as I can.

Take care and best wishes.

O2WSW, ADN · Dec 7, 2007

I graduate from my ADN program on Saturday J

Chemistry was required before we could take our A&P classes. We didn’t see the relevance of chem & nursing while we were studying the periodic table of elements, but it turned out to be a good foundation to the other science courses. I didn’t mind taking it.

I personally would have liked it if we would have been required to take the medical terminology course too. You do learn as you go and I am still learning, but I think it’s easier when you know the roots of the words so you can figure them out. Plus, this is the kind of class you can take online!

Good luck!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2007

only take these courses if they are required pre-requisites to get into the nursing program you are applying to. medical terminology classes are very basic and what you learn in them you could learn on your own with a self-study course. you will be learning more advanced medical terminology in nursing classes and will need a medical dictionary to help you as you read through your nursing textbooks anyway. most nursing programs require some kind of chemistry course anyway. check the college catalog of the nursing program you are applying to in order to make sure you take the right chemistry class.

MB37 · Dec 7, 2007

We were required to take chemistry, but I don't really see how it's relevant to any of my courses. Microbiology is, but chem not so much. If you don't have to take it, don't bother unless it's something you're interested in. If you have no prior exposure to chem, maybe you didn't take it in high school, it might be more helpful, but only the most basic concepts are important in my nursing classes. I agree with Daytonite about med term too - my school just required us to buy the textbook during Fundamentals, and we were tested on med term 3 times this semester (pass/fail). You don't need a class to learn vocabulary. I'd save my money, and only take classes that are required by either the school you're going to be at for your ADN or for BSN completion programs in your area.

futurecnm · Dec 7, 2007

Hi There,
I am currently waiting to get into school, I have all of my prereqs done and I have also taken pharmacology. I have all of my general ed classes done, due to the fact I already have a B.A. Do you suggest taking medical terminology or a chemistry class?
Thanks!!

I wouldn't. If it isn't required, it probably won't be looked at when they are accepting applications. Yes, you may need it later but I would not give yourself more work and spend more money on a class not required for the degree you are going for.