Application of pharmacology knowledge in medication management by final year undergraduate nursing students

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore final year undergraduate nursing student's perception of clinical practice situations where they applied, or were not able to apply, their pharmacology knowledge in medication management. Pharmacology knowledge is integrated into practice during medication administration, formulation, dosing and client education. A key finding is that the majority of students do use their pharmacology knowledge in the clinical setting. Despite these encouraging results lack of opportunities and preceptor direction in the clinical context are still barriers to fuller integration and consolidation of pharmacology knowledge. Moreover, students' perception of lack of pharmacology knowledge and the need for more knowledge as it applies to medication management remains an area for concern. Suggestions for improvement include a student workbook that would draw on both clinical and theoretical activities as different aspects of pharmacology knowledge are applied, as well as increasing preceptor involvement.