What Are the Most Difficult Classes in Nursing School?
In nursing school, there are some classes that can be quite challenging. These classes include subjects like pharmacology and pathophysiology. Here, experienced nurses share their insights about what you can expect when you enroll in nursing school.
Question: What are the hardest classes that students have to take in nursing school?
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Answer: Many students who pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree usually spend about four years studying full-time to complete the program.
15 Tips to Succeed in Nursing School Finals
Nursing education involves science courses, lab work, and clinical rotations. This can make earning a BSN degree seem tough. Students often find it difficult because of the complex coursework and advanced scientific concepts. We talked to nursing professionals to get their advice and input on what they consider to be the most challenging courses.
The Most Challenging Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses lay the groundwork for more advanced subjects in nursing education. But just because they’re “prerequisite” doesn’t mean they’re easy.
Every nursing program requires students to complete the following two courses. These classes cover intricate scientific concepts that aspiring nurses need to understand before studying illnesses, prescription drugs, and other nursing-related topics. These courses can even determine if nursing students are prepared for the more demanding classes later on.
1. Anatomy and Physiology (1 & 2)
You might have taken a basic anatomy and physiology class in high school, but nursing school expects you to learn about human anatomy at an advanced level. The curriculum covers things like the skeletal system, muscles, nervous system, and cardiovascular system, among other parts of the human body.
This course often includes a lab component where students do scientific experiments. This might involve dissecting animals or using microscopes to study tissues.
2. Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry deals with natural processes in compounds that contain carbon. Students learn about the effects of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and medications on the human body. Like anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry often involves lab work.
The Most Challenging Nursing School Classes
After passing the prerequisite courses, students move on to more advanced coursework. This requires them to remember what they learned in previous classes about anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry.
These classes usually involve a lot of memorization and writing. Below are some of the most challenging nursing school classes, according to experienced nurses we spoke with.
1. Pathophysiology
In this class, students study how different systems in the body work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems.
“This knowledge is directly related to a patient’s medical condition, the medications they need, and how different illnesses will impact their overall health when combined with other medical issues,” says Alaina Ross, an RN and expert contributor to Test Prep Insight.
2. Pharmacology
The study of medication, or pharmacology, can be overwhelming due to its extensive scope. “It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed,” says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.
Lynch points out that pharmacology is challenging for nursing students but is crucial for patient care.
There are over 20,000 prescription drug products approved by the FDA. The CDC reports that 48.6% of people took at least one prescription medication in the last 30 days, and 24% took three or more.
Students need to learn the names of medications (both brand and generic), their categories, reasons for use, and common side effects.
“Pharmacology is not just about memorizing drug names. It requires learners to think critically about how the drug works within the patient,” explains Lynch.
This class is essential and builds on the basic nursing knowledge that students have. Whether they specialize or not, this knowledge of pharmacology is essential for all nursing students.
3. Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1)
This course covers common health problems and disorders in adults. Students need a solid grasp of specific anatomical concepts.
“This course is considered tough because it’s the first time students need to apply what they’ve learned from previous classes to real disease processes,” says Nicole Beaver, RN and instructor at Hunt School of Nursing at Gardner-Webb University.
Beaver offers several tips. The most important is preparation. Students should compare their lecture slides with the information in the textbook. Pre-lecture questions from the instructor can also guide their reading and study.
If instructors don’t provide pre-lecture questions, students can ask those who have already passed the class for advice. Using study platforms and games might also be helpful.
“Answering practice questions using Kaplan and learning how to use Kaplan as a resource has been helpful for most of my students, once they realize how necessary it is,” Beaver said.
4. Evidence-Based Practice
This class involves examining interdisciplinary healthcare research to establish best-practice standards, according to Laura Fero, Dean of Nursing at St. Catherine University.
“Nursing is based on science, and new evidence is always emerging,” Fero says. “This class teaches students how to analyze this evidence to determine the best treatment for patients.”
The class involves a lot of reading, and students need to write assignments that are both scientific and concise. Because of these demands, some students find this class exceptionally challenging.
Fero offers tips for success in this class. Nursing requires curiosity and adaptability, just as learning and incorporating the content from this class into critical thinking do.
“Students have to be motivated to search, read, synthesize, and apply their new knowledge. It may feel overwhelming at times, but trust what you have learned and be confident in holding the best standards of care for those you serve,” Fero said.
Technology can be overwhelming, and treatment methods are always evolving. Students must be open to growth throughout their education and careers. The knowledge gained in this class will make them better practitioners.
“Don’t hesitate to ask questions and show your willingness to learn. That’s the key to becoming a successful professional,” Fero adds.
Tips for Excelling in Nursing School’s Toughest Classes
10 Tips for Studying Pharmacology
These classes might seem intimidating initially, but with proper study tools and methods, students can succeed.
1. Break It Down
Instead of trying to learn everything at once, take your time. This is especially important for classes that require a lot of memorization. Break the material into smaller parts.
“No one can learn about 100 drugs in two days,” Lynch says. “But they can learn about 10 drugs a day over two weeks.”
Look at your syllabus and divide the curriculum into daily sections. Focus on one small section each day while also reviewing the material from previous days.
2. Create Flashcards
“Make a lot of flashcards and memorize the different systems and processes of the body,” Ross suggests, particularly for pathophysiology. But this advice applies to all classes.
Flashcards help with remembering concepts while studying, and writing out definitions can aid in memorization. Plus, studying with classmates using flashcards can be helpful.
3. Learn Prefixes and Suffixes
“Many medical terms come from Latin, and words with similar meanings often share the same prefixes. This knowledge is useful when memorizing prescription drugs in pharmacology class.”
“You can group different classes of drugs using their common beginnings or endings, like ‘cycline’ or ‘caine,'” Lynch explains. “These drugs are similar and have similar side effects and nursing considerations.”
4. Get Creative
“Make your studying interesting by using drawings, catchy names, or mnemonic devices,” Lynch suggests.
Mnemonic devices are tricks that help you remember concepts through associations. Lynch offers an example: “Motrin (Ibuprofen) helps me painlessly write papers, I-B-proofing.” Another example is using the word ACHES to remember contraception’s side effects:
– Abdominal pain
– Chest pain
– Headaches
– Eye problems
– Severe leg pains
You can also utilize the Picmonic website and app, which use picture mnemonic devices for medical and nursing students.
5. Understand the “Why”
While these tips aid in memorization, it’s also important to comprehend the meaning behind each term, biological process, and anatomical concept.
Classes like pharmacology involve a lot of memorization. “Try to understand the ‘why’ behind how medications work in certain situations and not in others,” Ross suggests. “Having a deeper understanding of the information behind the facts will help you excel in this class.”
6. Prepare Before Class
Beaver suggests reviewing materials before the class begins. Professors often share curriculum plans, so make use of that information. Read ahead, take notes, and come to the lecture with questions.
7. Master Time Management
Effective time management is essential, especially for nursing students juggling school and work.
Lynch emphasizes the concept of “chunking” once again. “Learn to chunk,” she advises. “Chunk drug classes, study time, and the overwhelming amount of material.”
Tips on Mastering Time Management for Chronic Procrastinators in Nursing
If time management is a challenge, Fero encourages students to persevere and remind themselves of their goals. “Students need to be motivated to search, read, synthesize, and apply their new knowledge,” she says. “It may feel overwhelming at times, but trust what you have learned and be confident in holding the best standards of care for those you serve.”
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