Chemistry and Nursing

Chemistry and Nursing

Chemistry is the academic discipline concerned with the study of the composition, structure, properties, and speed of change of matter. The main building blocks of matter of interest to the chemist are elements, atoms, and molecules. A chemical element is a pure substance comprised only of one type of atom. The atom is the smallest unit of an element and is comprised of subatomic particles called protons (positively charged), neutrons (no charge), and electrons (negatively charged). The neutrons and protons reside in the central core of the atoms called the nucleus, whereas the electrons are smaller and free moving. The number of electrons in a given atom balances the protons, and this number is characteristic of any atom of a given element.

Chemistry is conventionally divided into three sub-disciplines: organic, inorganic, and physical. Organic chemistry studies the reactions of molecules that have a carbon and hydrogen skeleton, with additional atoms of oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, and sulfur. Organic chemistry is so named, as these are the elements that make up life; most of its applications are the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries. Inorganic chemistry deals with the reactions of molecules without a carbon and hydrogen-based skeleton, and has a wide range of applications, from catalysts to nuclear reactors. Physical chemistry is the study of the underlying structure of matter and the mechanisms and speed of chemical changes that underpin the other subdisciplines. Physical chemistry is also concerned with the interaction of radiation and matter. Other important subdivisions include biochemistry (study of organic molecules in cells), analytical chemistry (study of techniques to separate and quantify chemicals), atmospheric chemistry, ocean chemistry, and biogeochemistry.

Chemistry is relevant to nursing in two important ways. First, it helps nurses to identify chemical reactions and secondly, it is directly and indirectly preventing disease and preserve, promote, and protect health for the community. The primary emphasis in public health nursing is on populations that live in the community, as opposed to individuals or families. In public health nursing, problems are defined (assessments/diagnoses) and solutions (interventions) implemented for or within a defined population or subpopulation as opposed to diagnoses, interventions, and treatments carried out at the individual level. In contrast, community-based nursing is setting specific, whereby care is provided for 'sick' individuals and families where they live, work, and attend school. Emphasis is on acute and chronic care and the provision of comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous care. Nurses who work in the community may be generalists or specialists in adult, geriatric, pediatric, maternal-child, or psychiatric mental health nursing. Community health nursing practice focuses on the health of individuals, families, and groups and how their health status affects the community.

A variety of settings and a diversity of perspectives are available to nurses interested in working in public health. Nurses employed at local, state, and federal agencies integrate community involvement and knowledge about populations with a clinical understanding of the health and illness experiences of individuals and families in the population. Nurses work in partnership with other public health staff that ...