1st semester at HFCC

[miMOMMYof3]

Well we started last thursday and Ive been busy since day one. Its seems like a whole lot of info, but its doable (thats what I keep reminding myself). Its only week 1 so all this info is the 'intro easy stuff', its just a lot. I couldn't sleep so I thought I sign on and say HI.. So "HI"! I'll post later... Im still so excited! I find out were Ill do my clinicals in the morning. (ever though its not for 7 more weeks) adios for now.

:::Heidi:::c/o:2009:::...:-)

[amybethf]

Hoping you are all doing well in your first semester of NS! It may seem overwhelming at times as you're learning theory and fundamentals but it will begin to click and get easier. Clinicals helps put it all together. Remember to breathe and take it one test at a time! HFCC has an excellent program and the whole dept is very supportive. Can't wait to read about your experiences and progress:nurse:

[phluteloop]

Hello, Heidi!

Every semester will begin with a medication calculation exam. Most dosage calculations are not tricky at all. The ones we had to carefully calculate were DIGOXIN and pediatric dosages. But the DIG and pediatric calculations will come later in the program, so don't worry about it now.

Tell me a little more about the pharmacology exam you are referring to. Is this the one you have to take at that EDGT website? This is the only time you will have to take the pharm test at EDGT (unless HFCC changed the program). Drug questions will then appear in your regular exams for the remainder of the program.

When EOs and instructors introduce drugs, it is important to learn:

generic/Brand names: metoprolol/Lopressor

pharmacology class: beta 1 blocker (~olol endings = b blockers)

therapeutic class: antihypertensive, MI

chemical effect: decreases--contractility, heart rate, myocardial 02 demand, blood pressure, renin release

therapeutic effect: decreases BP/angina; prevents damage to myocardial tissue

side effects: hypotension, bradycardia, wheezing, depression, sexual dysfunction

note on s/e: pay attention to the s/e your instructor points out.

there are too many s/e to remember but read it once through but

memorize the ones your instructor gave.

safe dosage: 50-100 mg by mouth once daily initially, then look at YOUR patient's prescribed dosage. your instructor WILL ask you if this is a safe dosage.

the SN must: take BP before/after administration; take apical pulse for one full minute/if pulse less than 60, withhold and notify MD; etc...

special consideration: monitor as patient taking other antihypertensives.

Hmmm...this looks like your pharmacology sheets you'll be completing for each patient! Your instructors will be asking questions, so even if the pharm sheets take a lot of time, you'll learn about the drug.

Why is your patient on this drug?

Is this a safe dosage?

What time, how often, and by what route is the drug given?

Is the drug given on an empty stomach? with meals? after meals?

Should the medication be given or witheld?

ex: BP 100/75 or apical pulse 58

What do I need to teach this patient about this drug?

Personally, I made pharmacology cards with index cards, punched a hole in one corner, and placed a ring to hold it together. I would include the information I wrote above. Then I would take them from rotation to rotation. Instead of looking it up in the drug book each time, all I had to do was find the drug in my own set of cards.

I probably gave too much information, but soon you will begin clinicals and start passing medications. This IS a good time to start!

When do clinicals start? Who are your instructors?

Enjoy this holiday weekend!

Great info on the pharm. cards, thanks!!

I just finished filling in THREE calenders up till December 9th with my life-schedule. Sorry friends and family, I'm fully booked!

Looking forward to starting clinicals at HFHS! I'm so lucky to have an such an upbeat clinical group, a great instructor (go teamAlex!), and what seems to be a very interesting and challenging unit to learn on. :w00t:

Chandra

[Just_An_Illusion]

Hoping you are all doing well in your first semester of NS! It may seem overwhelming at times as you're learning theory and fundamentals but it will begin to click and get easier. Clinicals helps put it all together. Remember to breathe and take it one test at a time! HFCC has an excellent program and the whole dept is very supportive. Can't wait to read about your experiences and progress:nurse:

Amybeth-

How's it going so far??

[amybethf]

Amybeth-

How's it going so far??

Great! Moving onto 222! How are you?