2 answers
Makalapua
Student
1
Question
Asked
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how hard is it to remember all the different types of medicine ?
Hi i'm a freshman and i am interested in becoming a nurse.
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2 answers
David Cink
Ophthalmologist
5
Answers
Crescent City, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Makalapua, great question!
As a doctor for over 30 years, I can promise you keeping track of all the medicines we now have available is extremely difficult. I am an eye surgeon, so I really limit the drugs I prescribe to a tiny part of what's out there. But even that tiny part has lots of options - I can pick from almost 50 different eye drops to treat glaucoma. Then there are all the antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatories for other problems, topical meds for external disease. The total number of drugs available to treat just eye problems is hard to keep track of. Just think of how hard it is for a family practice provider to stay informed about hundreds of medications.
But, staying educated about any medicines we use is part of the job. You must understand what each drug is used for, when not to use the drug, possible side effects, possible drug interactions, costs for the patient, etc. The only way to stay on top of all this is to study constantly, read about new drugs, and work to stay current with new developments. It's difficult, but necessary.
Finally, if you think you want to be a nurse, get out there and volunteer to work with real nurses. Do whatever you can to spend time in a local clinic or hospital to see if nursing is the perfect fit for you. It is a great career in many ways. Good luck as you plan your future.
As a doctor for over 30 years, I can promise you keeping track of all the medicines we now have available is extremely difficult. I am an eye surgeon, so I really limit the drugs I prescribe to a tiny part of what's out there. But even that tiny part has lots of options - I can pick from almost 50 different eye drops to treat glaucoma. Then there are all the antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatories for other problems, topical meds for external disease. The total number of drugs available to treat just eye problems is hard to keep track of. Just think of how hard it is for a family practice provider to stay informed about hundreds of medications.
But, staying educated about any medicines we use is part of the job. You must understand what each drug is used for, when not to use the drug, possible side effects, possible drug interactions, costs for the patient, etc. The only way to stay on top of all this is to study constantly, read about new drugs, and work to stay current with new developments. It's difficult, but necessary.
Finally, if you think you want to be a nurse, get out there and volunteer to work with real nurses. Do whatever you can to spend time in a local clinic or hospital to see if nursing is the perfect fit for you. It is a great career in many ways. Good luck as you plan your future.
Hwal Lee
DMSc, MSc (PA-C)
192
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Makalapua,
I'm a family medicine PA, and I take care of individuals of all ages for their acute and chronic illnesses. As you can imagine, the range of medications that I prescribe in daily practice represents every body system, and it's a welcome challenge to maintain my knowledge base and stay up to date on the latest developments and changing guidelines. That's why medicine and lifelong learning go hand in hand, and that's one of the things I love about what I do.
Having said this, it becomes easier (or less challenging) with experience and repetition. Besides, for nursing professionals, depending on the type of nursing you pursue, the range of medications you need to be familiar with will vary, and I wouldn't let that deter you from pursuing a nursing or any other health care career.
Good luck!
Hwal
I'm a family medicine PA, and I take care of individuals of all ages for their acute and chronic illnesses. As you can imagine, the range of medications that I prescribe in daily practice represents every body system, and it's a welcome challenge to maintain my knowledge base and stay up to date on the latest developments and changing guidelines. That's why medicine and lifelong learning go hand in hand, and that's one of the things I love about what I do.
Having said this, it becomes easier (or less challenging) with experience and repetition. Besides, for nursing professionals, depending on the type of nursing you pursue, the range of medications you need to be familiar with will vary, and I wouldn't let that deter you from pursuing a nursing or any other health care career.
Good luck!
Hwal