This course provided an in-depth exploration of pharmacology, focusing on Canadian legislation regarding drugs and their implications for drug therapy and the nursing process. I learned to describe both federal and provincial laws that govern medication use, which helped me understand their impact on patient care and safety.

I incorporated the competencies outlined in the College of Nurses’ Medication Standard, clarifying the responsibilities nurses hold when administering medications. This included learning how pharmacologic agents induce physiological changes in the body and identifying major classifications of drugs based on their therapeutic uses and effects on various organ systems.

Throughout the course, I anticipated the uses, actions, therapeutic effects, and potential side effects of different medications, which equipped me to apply the nursing process—assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation—specifically in the context of drug therapy for individual patients.

I also focused on essential client education, including expected outcomes and potential reactions to medications, emphasizing the importance of consent and ethical considerations. Recognizing the potential impact of errors in the medication administration process was crucial, as was the ability to accurately calculate drug dosages, ensuring safe and effective patient care.

Overall, this course not only deepened my understanding of pharmacology but also prepared me to integrate this knowledge into my nursing practice, enhancing my ability to provide safe and informed care to patients.