REFLECTING FURTHER

Microbiology though seemingly complex at the beginning of the semester have actually become the most fascinating and insightful subject. I learn a lot of new things in Microbiology in class, from my classmates, and through the world around me. One of the most interesting topics I have learnt thus far is on controlling microbial growth in the environment and through antimicrobial drugs. Microorganisms respond to different groups of medication and if treatments are not followed appropriately, pathogens can develop resistance to certain antimicrobials.  This is important to my nursing career as I understand the implication of giving right doses of antimicrobials, their desired effects, side effects, and necessary patient education in order to avoid resistance. The topic on infectious diseases, their transmission, and their epidemiology have been particularly critical as an aspiring nurse especially in the light of nosocomial and iatrogenic infections in the healthcare setting. The information learnt in class reinforces my understanding of Anatomy and physiology especially in topics like genetics and the different types of immunity, all of which have been revisited in both classes. Through microbiology I have discovered different important learning styles like using animations, practice quizzes and concept maps, all of which are still helping me in my educational journey. The most confusing topics this far are microbial genetics and the mechanism of action for specific antimicrobials. My understanding of these topics can be improved by revisiting them in class with the professor and my classmates. As mentioned in my other blog entries, almost everything learnt in microbiology has changed the way I listen to health related information as I always try to make connections with my class knowledge. The subject of disease transmission has impacted my life as I have learned of different vehicles of disease transmission and that any inanimate object can be a potential vehicle of transmission.  

REFERENCE:

Bauman RW. Microbiology with disease by Taxonomy. 3rd ed. San Francisco (CA): Pearson; 2011.