San Diego State University School of
Nursing
N658 Clinical Pharmacology
for Advanced Practice Nursing
Vicki McCalmont, RN, MS, ANP/GNP,
APRN-BC, CNS, CCTC
Fall 2014
Monday 0900 - 1140
Hardy Tower 183
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SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF NURSING
FALL 2014
Course Number:
Nursing 658
Course Title:
Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing
Course Credit/Hours:
3 units, 3 hours lecture/discussion
Schedule:
#22241
Monday, 0900 - 1140
Hardy Tower (HT) 183
San Diego State University (SDSU)
Prerequisites:
Open to School of Nursing graduate students with faculty consent
Open to Open University Students with course faculty consent
The following major is allowed:

NURSING(RN) (12032)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
NURSING (554604)
NURSING ADV PRACT ADULTS & ELDERLY ACUTE CRITICAL CARE
(CNS/NE) (554635)
NURSING ADV PRACT ADULTS & ELDERLY ACUTE CRITICAL CARE (NP/CNS)
(554630)
NURSING ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING OF ADULTS AND THE ELDERLY
(554629)
NURSING COMM HLTH NURS (NURSE MIDWIFE & WOMENS HLTH CARE
PRACT) (554637)
NURSING COMM HLTH NURS (SCHOOL NURSING) (554633)
NURSING COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING (554621)
NURSING COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING (NURSE MIDWIFE) (554636)
NURSING COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING (WOMENS HLTH CARE NURSE
PRACTIONER) (554638)
NURSING NURSING EDUCATION (554641)
NURSING NURSING EDUCATION (ADULT HEALTH) (554642)
NURSING NURSING EDUCATION (MATERNAL/NEWBORN) (554643)
NURSING NURSING EDUCATION (PEDIATRICS) (554646)
NURSING NURSING LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS (554645)
Faculty: Vicki McCalmont, RN, MS, ANP/GNP, APRN-BC, CNS, CCRN, CCTC
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vmccalmont1@cox.net – email is the preferred method for communication and
is checked every evening. Emergency email to vicki.mccalmont@sharp.com
Office HT – 39; Monday’s 12:00 – 2:00 pm by appointment only. 858-357-3358
Catalog Description:
Advanced pharmacologic education and skills needed to manage
drug therapy in various clinical settings. Emphasis on factors affecting
drug selection, parameters to be monitored to determine drug
effectiveness; rationale for continuing, modifying or discontinuing
drug therapy
Welcome to NUR 658 - Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing
My name is Vicki McCalmont, NP and I am pleased to teach your pharmacology course. This
course is designed to teach you how drugs are made, how they work, how to safely
prescribe medications, how to manage drug therapy and evaluated the drug effectiveness.
We will also cover over the counter options, complementary / alternative therapies. Given
the broad scope of this class, each student will learn about special conditions and disease
states where the medications are indicated and special states (pediatrics, pregnancy,
geriatrics) where the medication selection and management requires a titration based
upon the individual client needs.
This course is meant to build upon your current knowledge base of basic pharmacology
and all that you have learned in your personal and professional careers. Some will feel
overwhelmed with the volume of material taught in this class. Let me recommend that you
start by simply opening up your own medication cabinet. What over the counter /
alternative (herbal) / and prescription medications do your find. Next inquire about family
and friends around you, what diseases do they have, which medications do they take, how
do they work, what are the side effects, what monitoring is recommended. Pay attention at
work, which medications are you giving and why? You will be surprised at how much you
already know. For fun, walk down the medication aisles the next time you are at your local
pharmacy and see what medications are available to the general public and what they are
indicated for. Pick up a few of them and read what the active ingredients are (the most
potent ingredients are listed first). The more you learn and understand drug therapy, the
more successful you will be in this class. It is very difficult to memorize pharmacology,
you are best served if you put in time to read the book, attend every lecture and participate
in all learning activities with the goal of learning all aspects of drug therapy so that you can
build on this in your future careers.
Consider the following questions when you look at every medications:
1. What is the diagnosis or problem that requires treatment
2. What is the name of the drug (generic and trade)
3. What is the class of the drug
4. When it comes to narcotics and hypnotics (what schedule are they)
5. How does the drugs work (pharmacokinetics: process of absorption, distribution,
metabolism, and excretion)
6. What are the dosing options / cost
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7. What client teaching should be provided
8. What follow-up and monitoring should be done
Prescribing Drug Considerations:
First consider the client, know their age, weight, medical history, special populations,
finances and allergies. Once you have a diagnosis that require drug therapy, consider
starting a cost-effective drug with the least side effects and/or food/drug interactions.
Consider the dosing and timing of the drugs (daily dosing allows for more compliance than
four times a day dosing). What about precautions (pregnancy, children, prior renal or liver
disease). What are the side effects adverse effects and precautions (will your client be
compliant with the drug therapy). What type of monitoring is indicated (blood testing,
physical examinations, home monitoring …).
Course Outcomes: Upon Completion of N658, the student will be able to:
1. Apply the principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics to common drug
categories that maximize therapeutic effectiveness and minimize adverse drug
reactions/improve safety. Identifies factors that alter the processes of absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
2. Analyze the effect of single and multiple drug regimens on the micro level (cellular) and
the macro level (systems) that result in adaptive and maladaptive physiologic
responses.
3. Describes variables that determine the correct dosages of drugs.
4. Defines half-life and explains the importance of a drug’s half-life in a therapeutic drug
regimen. Describes factors that influence a drug’s half-life.
5. Understands the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of broad categories of
drugs, i.e., antibiotics, antiarrhythmics, antihypertensives contraceptives, etc. used in
specific treatment regimens. Identifies drugs with "narrow therapeutic ranges"
6. Utilize the data base from the health assessment of clients with select disease states to
select appropriate pharmacological drugs/devices, including
complementary/alternative therapy, based on client’s symptomatology, health status,
lifestyle and cost effectiveness.
7. Evaluate client’s motivation and adherence when planning the therapeutic regimen.
8. Identifies factors that influence medication compliance
9. Performs appropriate monitoring before, during, and after specific drug regimens.
10. Monitors efficacy of drug/s evaluates the response and compliance of the client to the
drugs/devices and provides interventions for side effects, and manages adverse events
that may occur
11. Provide comprehensive education about the therapeutic regimen, keeping the client’s
motivation, adherence, and individual variations in mind. (Describes the essential
components of client education re: medications including: name of medication/s
frequency/time of doses, correct dosage/s to take, how to take the medication/s i.e.,
with or without food, what to do if a dose of a medication is missed, side effects to
expect, and adverse event/s to report to the prescriber.)
12. Apply the state and federal legal requirements for advanced practice nurses when
furnishing drugs/devices.
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13. Furnish drugs/devices safely and within the state’s legal parameters, standardized
procedures, ethical standards, and in compliance with health and safety codes for
advanced practice nursing.
14. Defines and verbalizes an understanding of the terminology of advanced pharmacology.
15. Utilizes a current research based approach (review of clinical trials and/or metaanalysis) to guide future evidence based medicine practice patterns.
Schedule II educational objectives: This is a 3 hour lecture dedicated to schedule II
education with the following objectives used below
 Discuss principles of pharmacology that serve as a foundation for the
pharmacotherapeutic management of patient whose illness, injury, or condition
requires evaluation and treatment using schedule II - V controlled substances.
 Apply the principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Schedule II V medications commonly used in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of
health care conditions affecting patients across the life span.
 Discuss standardized procedures or protocols requirements for those patient
illnesses, diseases, or injuries a patient-specific protocol for Schedule II and III
controlled substances.
 Discuss the legal requirements for furnishing controlled substances.
 Identify the relationship of the natural history of illness, disease or injury,
pathophysiology, and symptomatology to pharmacotherapeutic agents
commonly used to treat patients with conditions requiring the use of Schedule
II-V medications related to specialty practice.
 Analyze state laws and federal regulations pertaining to furnishing, dispensing,
and administering Controlled Substances Schedule II through V medication by
nurse practitioner.
 Identify components necessary for proper techniques of prescription writing for
Schedule II through V consistent with Health and Safety Code and Pharmacy law.
 Outline the required components of a furnishing standardized procedure or
protocol for schedule II and III controlled substance medication in a PatientSpecific Protocol in accord with Business and Professions Code, Section 2836.1.
The nurse practitioners’ education, experience, and competence to furnish
controlled substances must be included.
 Describe ethical and legal standards and ramifications of prescribing controlled
substances.
 Furnishing responsibilities for Schedule III, IV, V controlled substances that are
furnished in California require a patient-specific protocol to be in compliance
with the California Health and Safety Code section 11000 for NPs.
 Furnishing responsibilities for Schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substances
that are furnished in California require a patient-specific protocol to be in in
compliance with the California Health and Safety Code 11056 for CNMs.
Methodology: Lecture, case studies and discussion of pharmacology and best practice
(evidence-based medicine), research projects will be used. Students will become familiar
with relevant professional literature and with current research associated with the topics
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discussed. Students are expected to have completed all reading / research weekly and to
share any current events in the field of pharmacology as this class is dynamic and always
evolving as new medications are developed and some medications are removed from the
market due to adverse effects.
Class Attendance:
Class attendance is mandatory. Students should not make outside commitments that
require absence from class. Students should not plan vacations, CE conferences, elective
surgical procedures etc. that conflict with class time. Employment/work schedule conflicts
do NOT justify an excused absence.
If it becomes necessary to miss class, the student must email or leave a voice message for
the course faculty (Prof. Vicki McCalmont, NP: vmccalmont1@cox.net ) before class. For a
class absence to be excused, the student must provide written documentation justifying
the absence (e.g., a note from a healthcare provider, a letter from the court, a time/date
receipt showing automobile breakdown en route to class etc). Written documentation for
the absence should be presented to course faculty or placed in her mailbox (Nursing Office)
before the next scheduled class meeting. Failure to provide timely appropriate
documentation will result in an unexcused absence. Evidence of falsifying documents will
be treated as academic dishonesty and will be subject to University sanctions and may
include dismissal from the University.
If you have any doubt about whether an absence will be excused or what type of
documentation is needed to justify an excused absence, please contact course faculty. One
unexcused absence will result in lowering of your final course grade by one interval. For
example: A to A-, B+ to B, or C to C- etc. Two unexcused absences will result in course
failure. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
Excessive absences (even if excused) may result in course failure. Please contact the course
faculty if you are having problems that affect your attendance in lecture.
Tardiness and Early Departures:
You will be expected to be on time for class and to stay for the entire class. Late arrivals and
early departures are disruptive and discourteous to faculty, guest lecturers, and peers.
Class tardiness and early departures may result in a lowering of the course grade or in
course failure. Tardiness and early departures will result in final grade point deductions as
follows:
5-30 minutes late = 1 point penalty
31-59 minutes late = 2 point penalty
60 minutes or more / early departures = 5 point penalty
Please note: More than 10 penalty points for tardiness and early departures
will result in course failure. Attendance will be taken every class.
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Classroom Etiquette:
Electronic devices (computers, phones, ipads etc.) may only be used to access course
materials. These devices may NOT be used to send/receive/check messages during class
time. Cell phones should be silenced and text messaging is not permitted during class time.
Lectures may NOT be recorded
Students with Disabilities:
Students who need disability accommodations should provide documentation of their
disabilities to Student Disability Services (DSS) (Capulli Center, Suite 3101), and receive
authorization for academic accommodations. After accommodations have been authorized
by DSS, students are responsible for notifying faculty in advance of the need for
accommodations. This can be best accomplished by making an appointment to meet
privately with the faculty member early in the semester, or as soon as possible in the event
that a disability is diagnosed during the course of the semester.
Evaluation: There will be three exams + several quizzes worth 90% of your grade. The
remaining 10% will be based on assignments (these points do not count toward passing the
class). Exams 1 and 2 will consist of multiple choice, matching, short answer, and case study
questions and will not be cumulative. Exam material may come from the text, lectures,
controlled notes, case studies, guest speakers, relevant journal articles, etc. The final exam
will be comprehensive. To successfully complete / PASS the course, students must earn a
grade of “C” of greater from the exams (need 219/300 correct on exams); 233/320 to
pass the class. The scale used for grading is as follows:
93-100% A
90-92% A87-89% B+
83-86% B
80-82% B77-79% C+
73-76% C
70-72% C- (not a passing grade for the cumulative exam totals)
67-69% D
Less than 67% F
Course Grade
Examinations [each total is an approximate number of questions on each test; each test
may vary]. The instructor(s) reserves the right to alter the total course points.
Exam I
Exam II
Final
Homework
Total
...........................................................................……. 100 points
.................................................................................... 100 points
.......................................................................................100 points
....................................................................................... 20 points
.................................................................................... 320 points
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Note: points will be deducted for tardiness and absences as appropriate and specified in
course policies.
Late Assignments: Assignments must be completed by the due date to be acceptable for
credit. NO credit will be given for late assignments, NO exceptions.
Examinations: Exams must be taken on the date / time scheduled. Efforts will be made to
schedule exams to not coincide with exams given in other courses, but this is not
guaranteed. There are no makeup exams available.
Please refer to the SDSU Graduate Bulletin, 2013-2014, regarding course grades. APN, NPCNS; CHN, Midwifery and Women's Health Care NP; CHN, Women's Healthcare NP and
CHN, Midwifery students must successfully complete NURS 610, 501, and 658 to enroll in
NURS 654. APN, CNS-NE and NE-Adult students must successfully complete NURS 610, 501,
658 to enroll in NURS 751 and 753.
NUR 658 - Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing
Required Text:
Poole, V. (2013). Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice: a practical approach. 3rd ed.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN-13: 9781451111972 - Also available in nook electronic
book format.
Gilbert, D. (2014). The Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy, 2014 (Guide to Antimicrobial
Therapy (Sanford); Antimicrobial Therapy; 42 edition (ISBN-14). Also available in electronic
book formats / ipad / iphone formats.
Optional Texts / Online:
Epocrates online PDR. www.epocrates.com
Hamilton, R (2014) Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopeia. ISBN-14:
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Class Schedule: Topics and readings SUBJECT TO CHANGE or may be re-arranged with
advance notice; exam dates will not change.
Week
1
Date
8/25/14
2
9/1/14
3
9/8/14
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
9/15/14
9/22/14
9/29/14
10/6/14
10/13/14
10/20/14
10/27/14
11/3/14
11/10/14
11/17/14
11/24/14
12/1/14
16
17
12/8/14
12/15/14
Date / Topic
Prescriptive Practice &
Pharmacokinetics / Special
Populations
Labor Day, no class
Community Pharmacotherapeutics **
GI
Last day to drop classes
Pulmonary / Smoking
Endocrine
Exam 1
Anti-infectives
Heme
CV
CV
Exam 2
Controlled Substances
Neuro / Psych
EENT / DERM
Mens Health / Bladder
/Musculoskeletal
Women’s Health
FINAL EXAM (comprehensive)
Reading, Notes
Reading assignment Poole: Ch: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6,
59
Reading assignment Poole: Ch: 9, 51
Reading assignment Poole: Ch: 28, - 30
Reading assignment Poole:
Reading assignment Poole:
Chapter 49, 50
Reading assignment Poole:
Reading assignment Poole:
Reading assignment Poole:
Reading assignment Poole:
Ch: 24 – 26, 52
Ch: 45, 46
Reading assignment Poole:
Reading assignment Poole:
Reading assignment Poole:
Reading assignment Poole:
Ch: 7, 36, 37
Ch: 38-44
Ch: 11-18
Ch: 32- 34, 57
Ch: 8,27, 32, 35
Ch: 49, 50
Ch: 19
Ch: 20, -22
Reading assignment Poole: Ch: 35, 55-58
**will be on-line class – Blackboard discussion assignment participation will count as your
attendance
Computer Requirements:
You will be required to have a computer with internet access, a printer and an active email
account. You will be responsible for checking your email daily.
Written assignments will be submitted on-line via Blackboard using “Turn-it-in” – there is a
tutorial assisting your on its’ use, please see me for any questions that are not answered on the
tutorial or you can go to the school learning center.
Please email you power point presentation to me 1 day before your presentation so
that I can upload it the day of class and place it on blackboard for your classmates.
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Student Responsibilities
1. To be in class on time. If you miss a day, then you miss all the handouts,
announcements, and materials for that day. Find someone in class who will be
willing to help you if you miss something due to absence.
2. To turn in all assignments on time. Being absent the day an assignment is due is not
a valid reason for not turning in the assignment on time. No late work will be
accepted.
3. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off! You may use a silent, “vibrate” mode if
the class is not disrupted.
4. All grades will be posted on Blackboard. Please see me for any grading questions
with-in one week your concern so that we can resolve your issues together.
5. To come see the instructor immediately if you are having difficulties. We can work
something out if YOU give yourself enough time. If you have any questions about
policies or instructor expectations, the responsibility is on you to ask and get
clarification.
6. All written work will be legible, reflective of a college level course. Grammar,
spelling, and punctuation should be correct. You will be downgraded if your
assignments are seriously flawed in these regards.
7. Keeping in contact with this instructor when you are going to be absent, late, or
need to leave early is in your best interest and is encouraged.
8. To be knowledgeable of and responsible for the contents of the Nursing Student
Handbook.
9. To have an active email account and check your email daily for any classroom
updates or scheduled changes.
10. To participate in online classes and learning opportunities.
Instructor Responsibilities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To begin and end all classes as scheduled.
To be prepared and endeavor to make class time interesting and worthwhile.
To encourage student participation.
To give appropriate directions and guidance regarding assignments.
To grade and post results of assignments and tests on Blackboard in a timely
manner.
6. To make time available for any student who requests it.
7. To return all messages (email or phone) in a timely manner (email is preferred).
8. To be flexible in policies and scheduling as circumstances demand.
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ASSIGNMENTS Assignment 1 - this can be e-mailed directly to me: vmccalmont1@cox.net
INTRODUCE YOURSELF – requested the first week of class – no points
Send me a “1 page” paper about you. Please include a picture…
What is your previous education?
What is your nursing background?
Where are you working now and in what area?
What Master’s track are you currently in?
Include your email address and contact phone number
Assignment 2
no later than Due: 11/18/13 *No points for LATE work
Pharmaceutical website written review -10 points - Submit via TURN-IT-IN
* example on blackboard
1. Pick a drug you are interested in learning more about and visit the pharmaceutical
company website.
2. Describe the information on the website for the consumer and the medical
professional
3. Did the site offer education? If yes, list 2 concepts you learned for this website.
(websites often have videos and educational articles/research supporting why you
should use their drug)
4. Describe the drug you researched
a. Name
b. Indications
c. Dosing
d. Contraindications
e. Precautions (any black box warnings)
f. Drug / Food interactions
g. Side effects / adverse reactions
h. Patient education
i. Cost
j. Patient assistance for low income
Assignment; Due _________: week of drug selected – instructor approval 2/week
Email: power point 1 day prior to presentation: limit 2-3/week
Pharmaceutical Research Power point lecture -10 points
1. Pick a drug / disease you are interested in learning more about and explore the
research done proving the efficacy of the drug treatment
2. Give a brief description of the drug you chose
a. Name
b. Indications
c. Dosing
d. Contraindications
e. Precautions (any black box warnings)
f. Drug / Food interactions
g. Side effects / adverse reactions
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3. Describe the research trial (summary similar to that contained in the abstract would
be acceptable).
a. Name of the Trial
b. Type of trial (drug versus placebo; drug versus other drug…)
c. Number of people enrolled
d. Length of trial
e. Treatment given
f. Primary endpoints / goal of the trial
g. Results
h. Any miscellaneous comments noted in the study – is this a drug you would
prescribe?
i. Present your findings to the class during the week your drug topic is
presented.
Internet Resources
www.epocrates.com – internet based drug reference site
www.fda.gov – Federal drug agency website for all drug information - **very
comprehensive
http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/hp.asp
http://www.pfizerpro.com/therapyareas_hcp/5mcc - Sign up on this site is FREE. You get
access to Epocrates Premium, 5 minute clinical consult and more.
http://faculty.washington.edu/momus/PB/tableofc.htm - Dr. Rose is a primary care MD
who began the Peripheral Brain in 1992 as a fourth-year medical student by typing in
handwritten notes he used most frequently. Since then, he has added to it, putting in useful
information from textbooks, lectures, journal articles, and any other reliable source of
information on clinical diagnosis and care
http://www.cochrane.org/ - The Cochrane Collaboration is an international, independent,
not-for-profit organization of over 28,000 contributors from more than 100 countries,
dedicated to making up-to-date, accurate information about the effects of health care
readily available worldwide. Extensive on-line herbal formulary.
www.amfoundation.org – Alternative medication & therapies reference
www.prescribersletter.com – month subscription service with up to date information.
www.eMPR.com – free download of latest prescribing reference material
www.rn.ca.gov – California BRN website for review of all current advanced practice
certifications available and the licensing criteria for each.
You will receive additional resources every week with you objectives.
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Compliance with California BRN Recommendations for Pharmacology Class
• ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY ENABLING OBJECTIVES
• Defines and verbalizes an understanding of the terminology of advanced
pharmacology.
(Vocabulary list to be included)
• Identifies sources of drugs and provides examples of drugs from each drug source.
• Describes the ―targets of drugs.
• Describes the pharmacokinetic process of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion.
• Identifies factors that alter the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion.
• Analyzes how the body’s acid base environment affects the pharmacokinetic process
of
absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs.
• Describes variables that determine the correct dosages of drugs.
• Defines half-life and explains the importance of a drug’s half-life in a therapeutic
drug regimen.
• Describes factors that influence a drug’s half-life.
• Analyzes the relationship between drugs and their physiological and
pathophysiological
responses.
• Understands the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of broad categories
of drugs, i.e., antibiotics, antiarrhythmics, antihypertensives contraceptives, etc. used
in specific treatment regimens.
• Uses data obtained during a client’s H&P to identify appropriate drug choice/s and
herbs, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements regimen/s, and recognizes the role of
herbal and natural remedies in the treatment of health and disease States.
Based upon the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, identifies the
indications, rationale, and mechanism of action for drugs and contrasts drugs used to
treat specific conditions.
• Understands the potential interactions between drugs and herbs, vitamins, minerals,
and trace elements.
• Performs appropriate monitoring before, during, and after specific drug regimens.
• Monitors efficacy of drug/s evaluates the response and compliance of the client to the
drugs/devices and provides interventions for side effects, and manages adverse events
that may occur.
• Identifies drugs with narrow therapeutic range.
• Identifies appropriate methods to write and transmit prescriptions.
• Furnishes drugs pursuant to legal requirements, standardized procedures, ethical
standards, and in compliance with health and safety codes.
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• Identifies resources for drug information and uses the resources to maintain clinical
competency for furnishing.
• Describes the essential components of client education re: medications including:
name of medication/s frequency/time of doses, correct dosage/s to take, how to take
the medication/s i.e., with or without food, what to do if a dose of a medication is
missed, side effects to expect, and adverse event/s to report to the prescriber.
• Identifies factors that influence medication compliance.
• Provides comprehensive and appropriate client and family education re: drugs of
choice and alternatives and involves the client and family in the decision making
process re: drug treatments.
• Chooses most appropriate drug for a disease base upon client’s symptomatology,
health status, and lifestyle. http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/regulations/npr-b-45.pdf
NURSE PRACTITIONER ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY COURSE FOR FURNISHING
These revised guidelines are established for Nurse Practitioner programs who offer advanced
pharmacology courses in order to meet Furnishing requirements.
MINIMUM COURSE OFFERINGS • A post-RN licensure advanced pharmacology course based on
the RN’s previous knowledge of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics.
• A three (3) semester units or five (5) quarter units academic course.
KEY POINTS: The advanced pharmacology course must include:
• The mechanism for ongoing communication between the student and course instructor.
• The requirements for approved standardized procedures to be in place prior to beginning practice. • The
requirement to furnish drugs/devices pursuant to a standardized procedure.
• The furnishing responsibility for Schedule II, III, IV, V controlled substances that are to be furnished
with a patient-specific protocol in compliance with Health and Safety Code section 11000 for NPs.
• The furnishing responsibility for Schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substances that are to be furnished
with a patient specific protocol in compliance with Health and Safety Code 11056 for CNMs.
• The Pharmacy Rules and Regulations for NPs and CNMs, Health & Safety Codes and OBRA 1990
Section 483-40, Federal Register.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Uses the data base obtained from the health assessment of the client to identify an appropriate
therapeutic regimen, including drugs and/or devices
2. Uses knowledge of pharmacokinetics when developing a therapeutic regimen that maximizes the
therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing adverse reactions.
3. Uses knowledge of pharmacodynamics to observe the effects of drugs and/or devices on a client; to
predict the client’s response; and to understand the effects of the drugs and/or devices. 4. Evaluates the
response and compliance of the client to the drugs and/or devices and implement appropriate action.
5. Provides appropriate client education regarding the furnished drugs and/or devices.
6. Furnishes drugs and/or devices pursuant to standardized procedures and in conformance with
applicable laws, codes and/or regulations. Includes knowledge of Pharmacy rules and regulations, Health
& Safety Code and Federal Register.
7. Examines appropriate guidelines for the pharmacological management of selected health care
syndromes/diseases commonly encountered with awareness of client’s nutrition, culture, ethnicity and
socioeconomic status.
8. Uses knowledge and awareness of the role of herbal and natural remedies while treating disease states.
Advanced Pharmacology Enabling Objectives have been developed through public input and are available
upon request.
FACULTY QUALIFICATIONS AIl stated qualifications must be met by the faculty, include Directors and
instructors. • Current, valid and clear license to practice in the appropriate discipline. • Demonstrates expertise
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in the theoretical and clinical aspects of pharmacology/pharmacotherapeutics. • Possesses at least two years of
experience in the teaching of advanced pharmacology. • Includes a faculty member who has completed a
doctoral level pharmacology/pharmacotherapeutics degree. • Demonstrates evidence of advanced clinical
practice within the past five years applying the principles of advanced pharmacology.
ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY ENABLING OBJECTIVES
• Defines and verbalizes an understanding of the terminology of advanced pharmacology. (Vocabulary list to
be included)
• Identifies sources of drugs and provides examples of drugs from each drug source.
• Describes the “targets” of drugs.
• Describes the pharmacokinetic process of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
• Identifies factors that alter the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
• Analyzes how the body’s acid base environment affects the pharmacokinetic process of absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs.
• Describes variables that determine the correct dosages of drugs.
• Defines half-life and explains the importance of a drug’s half-life in a therapeutic drug regimen.
• Describes factors that influence a drug’s half-life.
• Analyzes the relationship between drugs and their physiological and pathophysiological responses.
• Understands the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of broad categories of drugs, i.e., antibiotics,
antiarrhythmics, antihypertensives contraceptives, etc. used in specific treatment regimens. • Uses data
obtained during a client’s H&P to identify appropriate drug choice/s and herbs, vitamins, minerals, and trace
elements regimen/s, and recognizes the role of herbal and natural remedies in the treatment of health and
disease states.
• Based upon the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, identifies the indications, rationale,
and mechanism of action for drugs and contrasts drugs used to treat specific conditions.
• Understands the potential interactions between drugs and herbs, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.
• Performs appropriate monitoring before, during, and after specific drug regimens.
• Monitors efficacy of drug/s evaluates the response and compliance of the client to the drugs/devices and
provides interventions for side effects, and manages adverse events that may occur.
• Identifies drugs with narrow therapeutic range.
• Identifies appropriate methods to write and transmit prescriptions. • Furnishes drugs pursuant to legal
requirements, standardized procedures, ethical standards, and in compliance with health and safety codes.
• Identifies resources for drug information and uses the resources to maintain clinical competency for
furnishing.
• Describes the essential components of client education re: medications including: name of medication/s
frequency/time of doses, correct dosage/s to take, how to take the medication/s i.e., with or without food, what
to do if a dose of a medication is missed, side effects to expect, and adverse event/s to report to the prescriber.
• Identifies factors that influence medication compliance.
• Provides comprehensive and appropriate client and family education re: drugs of choice and alternatives and
involves the client and family in the decision making process re: drug treatments.
• Chooses most appropriate drug for a disease base upon client’s symptomatology, health status, and lifestyle.
For applicants who completed a California Board of Registered Nursing approved Nurse
Practitioner (NP) Advanced Pharmacology Course, please provide the following:
• Nurse Practitioner Furnishing Number Application form completed by the applicant and $50.00 application fee.
• Advanced Pharmacology Course Verification form completed by the director of the Nurse Practitioner program.
For applicants who completed a Nurse Practitioner (NP) Advanced Pharmacology course more
than five (5) years preceding the date of submitting the application to the California Board of
Registered Nursing, in addition to the items noted above, you must also provide the following:
• A verification(s) of employment history which contains a minimum of five (5) years experience working as a
Nurse Practitioner and prescribing/furnishing medication.
• A copy of your state license/certificate that allows you to prescribe/furnish medication as a Nurse Practitioner.
• A copy of your Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) pocket identification card.
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• A copy of that State’s rules/regulations regarding prescriptive/furnishing authority for Nurse Practitioners.
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