the beast that is pathophysiology

Well hello endless powerpoint slides….

One of the pre-requisites for my second-degree express nursing program at Villanova is Pathophysiology. Since this is a pretty specific class – Villanova’s nursing faculty offer it to all of the accepted students online the semester before we begin the program. Since I was in the boat of not having taken it yet – I’m taking it now.

Whew…if there is one major thing I’m learning in this class – it’s that there is SO MUCH to learn. That and when things go wrong in the body….they sure can go really wrong.

With the help of a course pack (bought at the Villanova bookstore) along with an online dashboard complete with lectures, HW assignments and study materials we are working our way through the different body systems learning what happens when things go wrong.

So far we’ve worked through:

• Cell dynamics
• Cell Injury and Damage
• Effects of Physiologic Aging, Stress and Exercise
• Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
• Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease
• Ischemic Heart Disease/Myocardial Infarctions
• Heart Failure
• Pulmonary Dysfunctions
• Respiratory Failure, Asthma and COPD
• Hematology and Blood Disorders
• Immunology
• Immunodeficiency, HIV and AIDS

…and I’m currently taking a break from listening to a lecture on Renal and Urologic Disorders. The homework assignments (about one every week) have been challenging and definitely make you think about the information. I’ve been taking this class the entire spring semester and with our final only about 2 weeks away – the end is in sight. Its been a long semester balancing 4 prerequisite classes (Developmental Psychology, Nutrition, a theology class and Patho) with working full-time. I’m definitely excited to begin life as a full-time student!

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