Second Pharmacology Course

[Muiy]

In looking at NCLEX data it seems the students at our nursing program are struggling with pharmacology content. Without much investigation the faculty voted to create a second pharmacology course to be placed in the last semester of the program. In trying to develop the curriculum I am looking for input as to which medication classifications to focus on and types of teaching strategies to use. I have a preliminary list of medication classifications, but would appreciate any feedback offered. Muiy

[buffalo2122, ADN, BSN, MSN]

definitely know your cardiac drugs like the back of your hand (Beta Blockers, Calcium channel blockers, ace-i, cardiac arrest drugs), respiratory drugs, antipsychotics, antidepressants, chemotherapeutic agents (basics!), anticoagulants (Coumadin, Heparin, Lovenox must know!!), thrombolytics (TPA), electrolytes(Ca, Mg, Na, K, and major effects), GI drugs (PPIs, H2 receptors, laxatives). As for teaching strategies, i can't tell you specifically what since everyone learns differently. I'm a visual learner so using pictures with pneumonic on pinterest really helped me also mike liners videos on youtube really simplified everything for me. Seeing these drugs over and over again, trust me you will get them down. Good luck and let me know if you need any help! :)

[caliotter3]

My first program had two semesters of pharm. Perhaps dividing the content into two semesters and covering it at a slower pace would allow for it to sink in.