Pharmacology can feel like a mountain to climb for nursing students. It’s a vast subject, filled with complex drug mechanisms of action, a seemingly endless list of medications, and the constant worry of confusion or mix-ups.
Many students struggle with drug information, the sheer volume of material to learn, and the potential for serious consequences with medication errors.
We understand your pain. That’s why we’ve conducted extensive research to identify the best resources and study techniques to help you conquer pharmacology and excel on the NCLEX. Let’s get started.
Best Pharmacology Resources to Use for NCLEX
You can’t study pharmacology from just one resource. A combination of videos, textbooks, lectures, and flashcards work best for this subject. Your choice of resources should be based on your learning needs and style.
Our top recommendations for each type of study resource include the following.
Best Video Resource: Picmonic
Picmonic is a study resource designed to make remembering pharmacology information easier. It uses a method called picture based mnemonics, which are basically pictures paired with stories to help you associate the drug with its mechanism of action, side effects, and uses. They even have animations to make things more engaging.
Picmonic claims this method can boost your memory retention by a whopping 331% and help you score higher on the NCLEX.
Best Textbooks: Feuer Nursing Review Comprehensive Study Books Bundle
For aspiring nurses preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam, the Feuer Nursing Review Comprehensive Study Books Bundle stands out as an exceptional textbook resource.
This bundle is specifically designed to align with the latest NCLEX-RN Test Plan and ensures that students are well-prepared for the exam.
The bundle includes seven comprehensive study books covering crucial nursing topics, along with 1300 practice questions to help reinforce learning.
NCLEX test prep materials are designed to be clear, concise, and well-organized, presenting information in a way that’s easy to understand, remember, and apply directly to real-world nursing practice.
The bundle covers the most frequently asked topics from Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology, Maternal-Newborn Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Psychiatric Nursing
This comprehensive resource also includes a 30-day and 60-day study calendar to help students stay organized and focused throughout their preparation.
Best Course: Feuer Nursing Review Pharmacology Course (Live Online and Self-Paced)
For those who prefer a structured learning environment, Feuer Nursing Review’s NCLEX Review Courses are a top choice.
Feuer’s instructors break down complex pharmacology concepts into easy-to-understand bits. They focus on how the body interacts with drugs and the drug effects on the body, rather than just memorizing long lists of facts.
The course integrates NCLEX-style practice questions throughout the material. This familiarizes you with the format and teaches you critical test-taking strategies.
Feuer’s course provides a variety of resources to keep you engaged, including video lectures, handouts, and a question bank.
If you enroll in the live online version, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the pharmacology instructor and ask questions in real-time. This can be a great way to clarify any doubts you may have.
With the self-paced option, you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace. It allows you to rewind, pause, or fast-forward lectures as needed.
Practical Study Techniques for Pharmacology
Here are our top tips for studying pharmacology in the best way possible.
Study Drug Classifications Instead of Individual Drugs
Focus on mastering drug classifications rather than every single drug. The NCLEX will likely ask you about how medications work within a class, not every specific generic name.
Studying drug classification helps you understand the core actions and side effects of a group of drugs.
This way, even if you encounter a medication you aren’t familiar with entirely, you can use your knowledge of the class to make a good prediction about its effects and potential problems.
Practice Flashcards
Flashcards are a powerful tool for memorizing key pharmacology information. They allow you to test yourself on drug names, classifications, mechanisms of action, side effects, and nursing considerations – all in a compact and portable format.
Flashcards are perfect for on-the-go studying. You can quiz yourself while waiting in line, on public transportation, or even during short breaks.
Create flashcards tailored to your learning style and needs. Include text, pictures, or even abbreviations to enhance memorization.
Actively Learn in Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are a fantastic opportunity to take your pharmacology knowledge from textbook to real-world application.
Discuss patient cases with your attending physician or nurse educator.
Focus on the pharmacology aspects – why was a specific drug chosen? What are the potential side effects to monitor for? How does this medication interact with the patient’s other medications?
When encountering unfamiliar medications on the unit, don’t just rely on the medication label. Look them up in a reliable pharmacology resource. This will deepen your understanding and help you connect textbook knowledge to real-world use.
Supercharge Your NCLEX Prep With Feuer Nursing Review
With the right resources and effective study methods, you can transform pharmacology from a daunting subject into a manageable, even enjoyable, part of your NCLEX preparation journey.
A solid foundation in pharmacology is essential for safe and effective nursing practice. By mastering these medications, you’ll not only ace the NCLEX but also gain the confidence to care for your patients with competence.
Feuer Nursing Review’s NCLEX Courses offers live online and self-paced options to fit your learning style and schedule. The expert instructors, engaging resources, and NCLEX-focused approach can help you master this crucial subject. Enrol yourself today.
