What Is the Importance of Physics in the Field of Nursing?

According to Nurses Without Borders, surgical nurses rely on certain aspects of physics to operate equipment and perform calculations regarding the care and safety of a patient. The organization also states that nurses use physics to deal with advanced technology, electrical measurements, sound waves and radiography. Furthermore, nurse anesthetists must learn how the gases they use work and how flow rates affect overall patient outcomes.

Nursing attracts a wide range of people, including those with a curious nature, who often have an interest in science, biology, mathematics and technology. These areas of study are those that a typical nursing program’s coursework involves.

The nursing profession also incorporates concepts in mathematics and sciences besides physics, including biology, chemistry and clinical pharmacology. For instance, nurses take courses in biology, such as microbiology, human anatomy and human physiology, to learn about the parts, functions and systems of the human body. Chemistry courses in organic chemistry and biochemistry help nurses gain an understanding of the physiology of the human body and the chemical activities that take place within it. Clinical pharmacology incorporates chemistry and algebra to teach nurses how to safely keep track of, classify and administer medications as well as to learn how the human system reacts to drugs.