Course

Pharmacology: Introduction for Nurses

Faculty
Health Sciences
Department
Nursing
Course Code
NURS 2114
Credits
3.00
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
36
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Typically Offered
To be determined

Overview

Course Description
In this course, pharmacological principles and foundational concepts for safe medication administration are introduced. An overview of medication classifications and calculations for medication administration are emphasized. In addition, gerontological considerations in the administration of medication are addressed. Using client care scenarios, students are guided to apply pharmacology knowledge in nursing practice decisions.
Course Content

In this course, safe administration of medications and special considerations for administration of medications for older adults are the foci of discussion. Concepts and essential content that will be addressed relative to these topics are listed below. In addition, the core curriculum concepts are integrated in this course

Pharmacological principles and foundational concepts

  • Medication classifications
  • Medications to treat specific pathologies
  • Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
  • Medications and the scope of nursing practice
  • Nursing implications
  • Patient and family teaching

Safety

  • Standards of safe practice: The “rights” of safe medication administration
  • Prevention of medication errors

Specific population focus

  • Gerontological considerations for medication administration in nursing practice
  • Cultural considerations
  • Client perspectives on medications

Treatment of pain

  • Theories of pain perception and control
  • Analgesia
  • Narcotics
  • Anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal)

Medication administration

  • Nursing practice observations and assessments
  • Nursing practice decision-making
  • Mechanism of action
  • Indications
  • Cautions
  • Contraindications
  • Routes of administration
  • Drug interactions
  • Adverse/toxic effects

Medical dosage calculation

  • Oral
  • Other

Alternative and complimentary therapies

  • Natural medications
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Safety
Learning Activities

It is the intent of faculty to facilitate student learning, promote critical inquiry, reflection and analytical reasoning through a variety of learning processes such as lecture, group discussion, and client care studies.

Means of Assessment

The course evaluation is consistent with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.  A course evaluation schedule and other course evaluation information are provided on the Instructor’s Course Outline which is available to students at the beginning of each semester.  This is a graded course. 

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the successful student will be able to:

 

  • Differentiate the role of the nurse, pharmacist and prescriber as these relate to the use of medications by clients.
  • Apply pharmacological principles and foundational concepts for safe medication administration.
  • Apply knowledge about selected medication classifications as a framework for understanding the therapeutic effects of medications commonly used in nursing care with older adults.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of gerontological considerations in medication administration.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge of pain pathways, perception and management.
  • Apply the principles of safe medication administration for safe nursing practice.
  • Calculate correct dosages for medications administration.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the differences among and the nursing implications related to over-the-counter medications, natural products, and prescribed medications.
Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:

A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided on the Instructor’s Course Outline which is available to students at the beginning of each semester. 

Requisites

Prerequisites

Students in the BSN program are required to maintain a passing grade of 65% (C+) in all courses in order to progress in the program.

Corequisites

NURS 2111 AND NURS 2112 AND NURS 2113 AND NURS 2116

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for NURS 2114
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) KPU NRSG 2266 (3)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU HLSC 2660 (3)

Course Offerings

Winter 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum Seats
32
Currently Enrolled
27
Remaining Seats:
5
On Waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. D
Room
D2024
Times:
Start Time
12:30
-
End Time
16:20
CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum Seats
32
Currently Enrolled
16
Remaining Seats:
16
On Waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. C
Room
C1002
Times:
Start Time
8:30
-
End Time
12:20