Registered Nurse — Pharmacology & Medication Administration
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What you'll learn:
Definitions and Basic Principles - **Description:** This day introduces the fundamental concepts of pharmacology. You'll learn what pharmacology is, its different branches, and why it's important for nurses. You'll cover key terms like drug, medication, generic name, brand name, pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion), and pharmacodynamics (mechanism of action, drug-receptor interaction). You'll also learn the steps of the drug journey from manufacturer to patient. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Understanding of basic pharmacology terminology, the importance of pharmacology in nursing, and the basic processes involved in how a drug works in the body.
Personal Notes:
What you'll learn:
- **Description:** Learn about the different drug classifications (e.g., cardiovascular drugs, antibiotics, analgesics). Understand the various drug forms (tablets, capsules, injections, etc.) and their administration routes. This day also covers the different types of medication orders and the nurse's responsibilities, including legal and ethical considerations related to medication administration (e.g., the five rights of medication administration). - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Knowledge of common drug classifications and forms, the ability to interpret medication orders, and understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities of medication administration.
Personal Notes:
What you'll learn:
Basics - **Description:** Focus on the foundational principles of dosage calculations, a crucial skill for safe medication administration. You will learn the basic mathematical concepts such as ratios and proportions, converting units (mg to grams, mL to liters, etc.), and calculating dosages. Start with simple calculations like calculating the dose of a tablet or liquid. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Ability to perform basic dosage calculations using formulas and to convert units of measurement accurately. Confidence in performing simple dosage calculations.
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What you'll learn:
Advanced and Intravenous Calculations - **Description:** Build upon the previous day's knowledge by tackling more complex dosage calculations. This includes calculations related to intravenous (IV) fluids and medication infusions. You’ll learn how to calculate IV flow rates (mL/hr, gtts/min) and calculate drug dosages based on weight. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Ability to perform dosage calculations for IV medications and fluid infusions, including understanding and applying the various units of measurement used for intravenous therapy.
Personal Notes:
What you'll learn:
- **Description:** Begin delving into specific medication categories, focusing on analgesics (pain relievers) and antibiotics. This involves learning about the common medications in each category (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen, morphine, penicillin, cephalosporins), their indications, side effects, nursing considerations, and routes of administration. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Knowledge of common analgesics and antibiotics, including their uses, side effects, and nursing considerations. Enhanced ability to identify potential adverse effects and to safely administer these medications.
Personal Notes:
What you'll learn:
- **Description:** Continue exploring medication categories, focusing on cardiovascular drugs and antihypertensives. Learn about the common medications in each category (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, digoxin), their indications, side effects, nursing considerations, and routes of administration. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Understanding the uses, side effects, and nursing considerations related to cardiovascular drugs and antihypertensives. Ability to provide safe and effective care for patients taking these medications.
Personal Notes:
What you'll learn:
Practice & Review - **Description:** This day focuses on practical application and review. You'll review medication administration techniques, including oral, parenteral (injectable), topical, and inhalation routes. The final part involves patient education. You will learn how to educate patients about their medications, including dosage, administration, potential side effects, and what to do if they miss a dose. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Confidence in medication administration techniques. Ability to educate patients effectively about their medications. Solid understanding of the core concepts of pharmacology and safe medication practices.
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