Journal Entry for a Pharmacology Student
Nurses, unlike other medical officers, are significantly involved in the administration of drugs to the patients. It is crucial that they possess an excellent understanding of drug uses, dosage, effects, and contradictions to enable them to counter patients’ difficulties professionally (BrainKart, 2020). The knowledge of pharmacology comes in handy for nurse practitioners as it helps them make informed medical decisions. The understanding of pharmacology in Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) would improve my knowledge and skills. The knowledge on the matter would ensure appropriate standards of care are practiced. The paper reflects my journal entry as a nurse practitioner while highlighting the importance of having knowledge of pharmacology.
How knowledge of pharmacology helps a nurse practitioner
The study of the action of drugs is an essential practice for a nurse since crucial knowledge of interrelated sciences such as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is incorporated. A nurse practitioner is expected to possess an excellent understanding of the discipline (Parker & Hill, 2017). More profound knowledge enables one to be flexible enough to deal with any challenge relating to pharmacology principles of nursing, such as drug uses, doses, and side effects. Through pharmacology, a nurse can understand the course of drug intake, assimilation, circulation, metabolism, and removal. Therefore, they will be able to recognize and counter drug interactions, reactions, and effects that can be brought by the drug.
Secondly, a good understanding of pharmacology ensures that minimal errors are recorded in health facilities. Accurate administration of drugs, including the right dosage, right patient, giving the right medicines, are crucial practices that a nurse would observe (BrainKart, 2020). Consequently, a professional assessment of patients would be conducted, and it would lead to accurate nursing diagnosis. Minimal errors among nurses are greatly attributed to proficient knowledge of pharmacology.
Lastly, knowledge of pharmacology enhances the function of a nurse practitioner by preparing one for the changing therapeutic regimes. When a new regime arises, nurses should be flexible enough to comprehend the unique demands associated with the trend (Nurse.com, 2020). For instance, when a new drug for treating particular specific illness is created, a nurse practitioner should be ahead and comfortably identify the usage, dosage, and side effects it may pose to a patient. An understanding of pharmacology would enable such practitioners to adapt and learn the changing regimes and technology quickly.
How the Course Is Significant To My Pharmacology Knowledge
The course has instilled crucial knowledge that adds up to my nursing skills in a positive way. Its close link with pharmacology has enabled me to understand well the study of actions of drugs and the relationship with other disciplines. It reminds me that the value of pharmacological knowledge cannot be overlooked since a nurse is the closest to a patient. The course pays tremendous respect to pharmacology, and it has enabled me to comprehend its principles critically. I envision my proficient understanding of pharmacology throughout the course. I look forward to disseminating my duties excellently in the future thanks to the invaluable knowledge the course has instituted in me.
How I Will Use the Knowledge of Pharmacology Differently As an APRN
With the ever-changing trends in the medical sector, a a more profound understanding of medical disciplines is crucial. Elevating from a registered nurse (RN) to an APRN is an advancedadvanced strategy that would help me in my future career life. I think that I will use the knowledge of pharmacology differently as an advanced practice nurse than as an RN. It increases one’s skill set, assessment abilities, and proficiency to offer diagnoses (Nursing Licence Map, 2020). Due to the higher level of education and expertise, I think the APRNs have greater autonomy in the areas.
The APRNs can manage both physical and labor resources besides ensuring that medical officers working with them are acting professionally within the confines of the law. Additionally, APRNs are eligible for prescriptive authority and can oversee certain levels of controlled substances depending on their states (Nursing Licence Map, 2020). I am confident the knowledge of pharmacology would be more beneficial to me as an advanced practice nurse.
APRNs Role as a Prescriber
Application of APRNs knowledge of pharmacology is crucial, especially to those patients with multiple medications. I expect to display proficient understanding and skills in prescribing through evaluating and defining the patients’ difficulties, determining the therapeutic aim of drug therapy and giving patients the right medication. Moreover, in an advanced practice role, one should be able to consider drug costs while prescribing as accurately as possible (Nurse.com, 2020). With advanced knowledge and skills, I would be able to prescribe software and electronic drug references to minimize prescription errors.
I believe that my role as a prescriber will be significantly influenced by pharmacological knowledge that is effectively acquired through advanced practice. Without doubt, prescribing is increasingly becoming an integral part of the medical system of the country and approved training from the advanced practice of nurses would come in handy. I am expecting proficient discharging of my duties as a prescriber since my APRNs training is compatible with the role.
Standards of Care in the Prescribing Process
Standards of care in the prescribing process are crucial as they are in the medical profession in general. I think standards of care include prescribing drugs and treatment that one has competent knowledge in. Also, providing effective treatment as per the evidence present is essential as well as ensuring compatible treatment is administered to a patient with othersothers. I also think that ensuring the patients are adequately informed of any actions I take is in line with the standards. The prescriber is responsible for the prescriptions he or she signs as well as all actions taken. I believe it is professional to act within the competency and make informed decisions while prescribing. I think it is crucial to observe the standards of care in the process of prescribing.
References
BrainKart. (2020). Importance of Pharmacology for Nurses. BrainKart. Retrieved 15 May 2020, from http://www.brainkart.com/article/Importance-of-Pharmacology-for-Nurses_35540/.
Nurse.com. (2020). Prescribe smarter with advanced practice nurse pharmacology courses. Nurse.com. Retrieved 15 May 2020, from https://www.nurse.com/blog/2019/09/03/prescribe-smarter-advanced-practice-nurse-pharmacology-courses/.
Nursing Licence Map. (2020). Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Nursing Licence Map. Retrieved 15 May 2020, from https://nursinglicensemap.com/advanced-practice-nursing/.
Parker, J., & Hill, M. (2017). A review of advanced practice nursing in the United States, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China. International Journal Of Nursing Sciences, 4(1), 196-204. Retrieved 15 May 2020, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352013216301910.