Anatomy and physiology coursework tends to be presupposed as a good prognosticator of success in baccalaureate nursing students. The following are aspects that will prove the above statement:
- Understanding of the body systems: Students who have a good foundation on anatomy and physiology understand what cause different body systems and how they relate with each other. This information is significant when it comes to making clinical decisions, understanding processes that are disease related, and quality care for patients.
- Problem-solving: Studying anatomy and physiology is necessary for the development of the students critical thinking. It will familiarize them with many complex phenomena and processes. This will come in handy ahead in their clinical judgements and problem-solving concerning health care and nursing practice.
- Success in other coursework: Strong performance in course work in anatomy and physiology, may truly reflect that such students have established strong habits of study and learning skills with the translation being success in the coursework in nursing.
- Success with examination of NCLEX: National Council Licensure Examination (NCEX) is a standardized examination, which should be passed by the students of nursing to be licensed as registered nurses. Students having well-established foundation referring to anatomy and physiology better might be seen prepared for an examination passing that needs licensing according to the NCLEX.
- Clinical performance: Excellent performance in the coursework of anatomy and physiology may be an indicator of how well a student will perform at clinical experiences. In this case, a student excellent at understanding anatomy and physiology should be more effective in its transfer to the clinical filed for good clinical judgment as well as helping him communicate to other members of the healthcare team.
While coursework is one predictor of success in baccalaureate nursing students, it is not the area, and anatomy and physiology coursework is no exception. Other critical factors in nursing student success are critical thinking skills, clinical experiences, communication skills, and professionalism.
