Brittany Jordan Ferguson, BSN, RN Dr. Dayisi – NR 565 – Nov Week 8 Course Reflection

1. How has you understanding changed about identifying the most commonly prescribed agents in the major drug classes? o Throughout the last 8 weeks, my understanding of the most commonly prescribed medications in the major drug classes has significantly increased. I have learned how each medication is approved by the FDA based on research evidence, and the contraindications of each medication and how they relate to each specific diagnosis. While the contraindications can be different, they are all available for consideration and review when prescribing medications for patients. 2. How confident do you feel about analyzing factors pertinent to making the most effective drug selection for a patient with a specific diagnosis in the primary care setting? What resources are needed, if any, to help you feel more confident? o In my future role as an NP, deciding on the most effective drug for an individual’s specific diagnosis will be critical, as it will impact the patient greatly. Knowing the importance of prescribing has helped me to focus on the details of this course, and I have worked hard to retain as much knowledge as possible. This course has also provided me with information on the many resources available to aid in treating my patients effectively, with the use of evidence-based practices. o While this course and the resources it has taught me have made me feel more prepared in my future role as an NP, to feel more confident in my knowledge and the role I will undertake I plan to join and utilize different organizations created in supporting NPs, such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Joining different organizations will allow me to be able to network with more experienced NPs as well as remain up to date on the newest research, laws, and standards to be able to succeed as a new NP and provide the best possible care for my patients. 3. How has your understanding changed regarding analyzing client indicators of therapeutic, ineffective, adverse responses and side effects to drug therapy? o Throughout this course my perspective of drug therapy from the provider’s point of view has grown. As I have been a bedside nurse for the last 5+ years, I felt as if I had a vast knowledge of the most common drugs prescribed and their classes, but this course has allowed me to understand how the providers came to make the decisions of what to prescribe based on the patient specifics versus making the decision for another drug class. This understanding allows me to evaluate therapeutic, ineffective, adverse responses and side effects to different medications in guiding my clinical decision making toward what medications would more benefit my patients and provide them with the greatest quality of care. o 4. Reflect on your preparedness to write appropriate prescriptions according to evidence-based practice guidelines. What resources are needed, if any, to help you feel more prepared?