Keeping up with Pharmacology: Tips for new and practicing NPs

By: Terri Schmitt PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP

Executive Director, NPACE

Pharmacology knowledge is essential for safe practice but continually updating and changing. Of course, attending pharmacology continuing education is helpful, but what are other crucial tools to consider?

• Attending Live Continuing Education: For me, this one makes the top of the list. CE programs offer updated information on important topics. Live teachers, relaxing locations, wellness, professional connection, up-to-date and evidenced-based information are our foundation of in-person CE at NPACE. Check out our 2023 locations here. Join us in beautiful San Diego for an entire conference on pharmacology!
• On Demand Education: Meeting your budget, location, and scheduling needs. NPACE Learning Center can help you find specific education on pharmacology topics you struggle with. Enhance your skills with NPACE Grand Pharmacology Bundle and free CE that can meet your state licensing and recertification needs. 
• Online Resources: There are a variety of good online resources for NPs, such as Epocrates, that offers free updates and information. UpToDate, Lexicomp, Medical Professionals Reference (MPR) and Micromedex also have online versions and resources as well.
• Consult a Pharmacist: Build your professional network. Go into the local pharmacy and introducing yourself or joining a local pharmacists group. Simply calling and talking to a nearby pharmacist to ask questions can be helpful in medication management, dosing, interactions, contraindications and obtaining information on current supply and costs.
• Collaborate with Colleagues: Colleagues can be a valuable resource for pharmacology knowledge. Collaborating with other healthcare providers who may have experiences with a particular set of medications is helpful and a great place to discuss possible treatment options and considerations.
• Stay Current with Guidelines: Knowing when new guidelines are published and taking time to read them is critical for practicing NPs. Regular clinical guidelines are published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others. 
• Take Advantage of Drug Alerts: Many EHRs have routine drug alerts and updates. Take time to read them as they often alert drug interactions, dosages, and possible allergies.
• Stay Informed of Medication Recalls and Shortages: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides updates on medication recalls, warnings, and shortages on their website.

Updating pharmacology knowledge is essential for excellent patient outcomes. Keeping these few common tips in minds and utilizing our resources here at NPACE, you can stay updated on areas critical to your NP practice.