Consolidated Learning Services

Pharmacology Course

Self Study Module Overview and Objectives

Course Overview:      The purpose of the course is to provide a pharmacology component needed by those wishing to take the LVN exam in California under the ‘experience’ qualification.  The course includes basic principles, techniques and procedures of medication administration in accordance with established guidelines and requirements that direct the limited functions of the vocational nurse.   This course is the didactic portion only available as a self-study module consisting of 80 clock hours of instruction.  Successful completion of this course does not guarantee that the individual will be given permission to take the NCLEX-PN exam by the Board of Vocational Nursing.  The student bears full responsibility for ensuring that his or her qualifications meet with BON standards.   

The course is divided into major sections with a quiz at the end of each subsection.  Quizzes pinpoint areas of weakness prior to the section exam.  Students must email the quiz or section exam to the Course Coordinator prior to receiving the next section.  The computer grades the quiz/exam and notifies the school of a grade, but cannot give partial credit.  All quizzes and exams are reviewed by hand.  Occasionally, a question is not worded clearly, or partial credit is given for matching or multiple answer type questions.  The student’s grade will always go up, not down if adjustments are made.   

At course completion, the student is issued a certificate for completion stating number of theory and/or clinical hours.  All activities are designed to enhance the learning, and prepare the student for properly administering medications as an LVN.  A Master’s  prepared instructor will monitor the course and content.  A Registered Nurse will monitor the student progress.  Assignments are graded and feedback given.   

Textbook purchase is not required.  All material related to the course is provided.  However, due to the high area of liability for the nurse giving medications, it is strongly recommended that a nursing drug book be purchased.   

Students must have access to a computer, an active email account and familiarity with using a PC and word processing.  All information is available for download or to print for the student’s personal use only.   

Course Objectives: 

Upon successful completion of the course, the individual shall demonstrate minimal entry level competency necessary to safely administer medications by: 

1.         Define the role of the vocational nurse as it relates to the health care team.

2.         Identify legal and ethical responsibilities of the nurse.

3.         Demonstrate awareness of legal implications regarding medication administration.

4.         Correctly interpret symbols and abbreviations commonly used in medication administration.

5.         Apply basic knowledge of medications:  purpose, usage, and desired and undesired effects.

6.         Demonstrate knowledge of drug storage. 

7.         Identify correct procedure for automatic stop orders and drug expiration dates.

8.         Demonstrate knowledge of the correct procedure for administering medications.

9.         Demonstrate knowledge of recording medication that was administered, withheld, or refused.    

10.       Correctly state the five rights of medication administration.

11.       Identify basic body structures and anatomical parts as they relate to common illness/conditions. 

12.       Identify the drug’s relationship to the body structures or illness/condition. 

13.       Demonstrate knowledge of growth and development and the aging process.

14.       Identify procedure for reporting side effects or adverse events.