Anatomy and Physiology is one of the main courses nursing students must complete in order to become licensed nurses in their state. This course outlines the foundation for the work that nurses do each day. Anatomy and Physiology in nursing school is usually the nursing class that determines if nursing is right for an individual. This course is a prerequisite course that students must take before entering any of the core nursing courses required to earn a nursing degree.
What is Anatomy and Physiology?
Anatomy and Physiology is a course that outlines the structure and function of the body. This course is mandatory for anyone who plans to work in the field of medicine. The course provides students with the basic foundation needed to help patients. The course also touches on chemistry and how it relates to life. The courses outline the basic pedagogy and theoretical concepts that are needed to work in the nursing profession.
Anatomy and Physiology courses are outlined by using the various systems of the body. A few of the systems that students study in this class include Integumentary System, Reproductive System, Skeletal System, Cardiovascular, and Lymphatic System. The course focuses on how the human body works together to function properly. Students can also expect to use case studies to enforce the concepts that they learn in these courses.
At the conclusion of the Anatomy and Physiology course, students should have a firm grasp of anatomic terms used in regards to the body, the location of major organs and cavities of the human body, specific anatomy and physiology terms, anatomical functions and locations of cells of the body, and anatomical structures of all systems of the body.
How Nurses Use Anatomy and Physiology on the Job
Nurses need Anatomy and Physiology to understand how to care for their patient. The body must remain in a balanced state to operate. When the body does not maintain balance, nurses must figure out how to restore the body’s equilibrium to help the patient. Nurses must be able to think and act quickly when a patient needs care.
The skills that nurses learn in this class can also help when they are assessing, monitoring, and reporting the condition of patients. When the conditions of patients change, nurses must understand what the underlying cause of their condition is, and they must be able to help these patients regain their good health. In other words, nurses need Anatomy and Physiology classes to understand how the body works when it is in perfect health so that when their patients get sick, nurses can understand why.
Tips on How to Study for Anatomy and Physiology in Nursing School
Studying to become a nurse is so important because nurses never know when they will be expected to pull from the information that they have acquired so that they can help a patient in need. Here are a few tips that can help students that are currently taking Anatomy and Physiology classes ensure that they learn what they need to know to become licensed nurses.
- Nursing students should have excellent study habits. It is important to start off with good study habits and keep these same habits throughout the remaining nursing courses. Approximately 2 hours per day should be set aside to review new information and study old information so that students are ready for their examinations.
- Read over Anatomy and Physiology content before each class. Reading before class helps students gain a deeper understanding when the professor lectures the information in class. If there are any questions or if certain concepts need further explanations, students know just what questions to ask.
- Make good use of the study materials that accompany the Anatomy and Physiology textbook. Nursing students can test their knowledge of the information that they have studied by using these resources. Students can also decide what content needs revisiting based on their knowledge of the study materials.
- Use the resources offered by the nursing institution. Most institutions offer free tutoring to students for the specific areas of need. The tutors are usually professors or students who have already passed the Anatomy and Physiology course. Private tutors should not be ruled out since they may have expertise in the area of Anatomy and Physiology. Private tutors are often expensive, but they are usually well worth the cost.
- Make flash cards. Flash cards are easy to make and they are portable. Students can study their Anatomy and Physiology concepts on the go, and flash cards can help to build their memorization abilities.
Anatomy and Physiology is an extremely complex class but utilizing the proper study habits and techniques will help students pass the course. With help, nursing students can learn the concepts of Anatomy and Physiology with ease.