2 answers
Savanah
Student
Erie, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
Updated
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Why is chemistry for nursing students for hard?
I have taken chemistry classes over this year in my semesters, going to SI meetings for better understanding and tutoring as well. Any tips for understanding chemistry and organic chemistry.
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2 answers
Cindy Muhonja
Registered Nurse
58
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
It is hard because - picture what you are currently learning. then picture these same processes in the human body. Think about the whole idea of equilibrium, and how it is a balance. One side is too small, one side is too high. Unfortunately, when you translate it to chemical processes in the body, too small or too much translates to disease. As a nurse, you are looking for the sweet spot of equilibrium.
Let us look at an example. Potassium. Too high or too low potassium in the blood causes possible heart attacks. You have to get just the right amount of potassium. At the same time, potassium affects the PH of the body - and as a nurse you have to understand the connection between potassium, acidosis, CO, respiration, bicarbonate and many other processes. Then the next level is how it affects the cell vs how it's levels are important. And ow to fix it if the levels are rong. You are doing this to an actual human body, and your actions could heal or make the situation worse. It is often a judgement call. And this is just one chemical- your have several more to understand. during nursing school, You have a lot of macronutrients and minerals, and body processes have a lot of chemistry. There is osmosis between cells and blood plasma, their is filtration in the kidney, there is metabolism by the liver. if you don't have the basics you will not e able to understand the more complex ideas.
My recommendation - watch Youtube a lot, watch animations. Do that test about how to find out what kind of learner you are. if you don't find the link online, reply and I can look for it. Figure out what helps you remember, then utilize that in your studying. I think an easy Youtube channel is amoeba sisters.
By the way, what is SI meetings? Unfortunately in nursing SI is suicidal ideation. I don't think that was what you meant so I would use the full acronym instead when talking to nurses.
Let us look at an example. Potassium. Too high or too low potassium in the blood causes possible heart attacks. You have to get just the right amount of potassium. At the same time, potassium affects the PH of the body - and as a nurse you have to understand the connection between potassium, acidosis, CO, respiration, bicarbonate and many other processes. Then the next level is how it affects the cell vs how it's levels are important. And ow to fix it if the levels are rong. You are doing this to an actual human body, and your actions could heal or make the situation worse. It is often a judgement call. And this is just one chemical- your have several more to understand. during nursing school, You have a lot of macronutrients and minerals, and body processes have a lot of chemistry. There is osmosis between cells and blood plasma, their is filtration in the kidney, there is metabolism by the liver. if you don't have the basics you will not e able to understand the more complex ideas.
My recommendation - watch Youtube a lot, watch animations. Do that test about how to find out what kind of learner you are. if you don't find the link online, reply and I can look for it. Figure out what helps you remember, then utilize that in your studying. I think an easy Youtube channel is amoeba sisters.
By the way, what is SI meetings? Unfortunately in nursing SI is suicidal ideation. I don't think that was what you meant so I would use the full acronym instead when talking to nurses.
Christine R.
Registered Nurse
47
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Christine’s Answer
I think Cindy gave you some excellent tips, you tube can help you a lot. Chemistry can be a challenge but keep in mind a lot of chemistry is a lot of algebra. Ironically, I would never consider myself all that great at math but Chemistry I understood. However, I struggled with anatomy and physiology because I am not a great memorization learner. For me Chemistry I could translate those scenarios into something practical and that is what helped me learn, I think once you understand the processes especially of balancing chemical reactions that might help make your life a lot easier. Yeah also not clear on what SI means (my only context like Cindy is suicidal ideation). Also take advantage of tutoring resources available through your school as well, in that way you can get more individualized clarification.