Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club

Discover everything you need to know about continuing education as a nurse practitioner. I explain the different types of CE credits, where to find them, and how to stay organized with your documentation. From online courses to destination conferences (yes, even cruises!), I'll show you how continuing education can be not just a requirement, but an opportunity to grow professionally, explore new i...

Are you preparing for your NP board certification exam and feeling overwhelmed by professional role practice questions? These questions make up a significant portion of the ANCC exam and even appear on the AANP test. So today, I'm breaking down exactly what you need to know about the professional role of nurse practitioners to succeed on your boards and in clinical practice.   Get full show notes,...

As healthcare providers, we never want to imagine being involved in a malpractice suit. However, the reality is that it's a possibility we must be prepared for. Having the right malpractice insurance coverage can provide peace of mind and ensure that you have the support you need if a claim is ever made against you.   I break down the different types of malpractice insurance policies, explain key...

I sit down with my friend Courtney Helm, an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, to discuss her unique experience working in a gastroenterology and hepatology clinic right out of school.   Hear Courtney's insights on the essential skills for success in a specialty setting, the resources she relied on, and her advice for new NPs navigating the transition from school to practice. She e...

I sit down with my good friend and colleague Kaitlyn to discuss her unique experience as a new NP in this fast-paced setting. Kaitlyn shares her journey from working in the ICU to transitioning into a retail health clinic, where she treated a wide variety of conditions and learned to navigate the challenges of working independently.   Discover the ins and outs of working in a retail health clinic,...

We share our top tips for boosting your confidence in clinical rotations and beyond. Whether you're a student just starting out or a new grad finding your footing, these strategies will help you feel more self-assured and capable in your role.   From improving communication skills to building your knowledge base, we cover all the essential elements of developing a strong foundation of confidence....

In this episode, we'll focus specifically on Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) and compare the MSN and DNP educational paths. I break down what each degree entails, how they impact your scope of practice, and the different career opportunities available with each.   By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of the key differences between an MSN and DNP degree for FNPs. I also p...

Anna and I delve into the growing topic of weight loss medications, including drugs like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and Ozempic, which have gained significant attention for their role in chronic weight management. With their increasing popularity and high demand, it's vital for clinicians to understand the science behind these medications, their benefits, and potential risks.   Learn the challenges...

Are you feeling guilty about not studying for your NP exams during holiday break? How can you balance enjoying the festivities with staying on top of your Nurse Practitioner education? In this quick holiday episode, Anna is here to help you make the most of your time off.   Maximize your holiday break with these strategies for fitting in quality study time without sacrificing all the joys of the s...

Anna dives into the most common nurse practitioner specialties, exploring the unique roles and responsibilities of each. From family practice and adult gerontology to pediatrics and psychiatry, we cover the full spectrum of NP career paths.   Let's discuss the key factors to consider when choosing your specialty, including your passions, lifestyle preferences, and long-term career goals. Whether y...

Anna is here this week to dive into the most common NP interview questions and share strategies for answering them effectively. From highlighting your clinical experience to discussing your strengths and weaknesses, she covers all the essential topics to help you put your best foot forward.   Tune in this week to get the tools and confidence you need to shine in your next interview. Anna gives you...

In this episode, Anna sits down with Erica D, the NP Charting Coach, who specializes in helping nurse practitioners improve their charting skills. Erica shares her own journey from burned out RN to efficient NP, and how her passion for helping others overcome charting challenges led her to start the Nurse Practitioner Charting School.   Discover Erica's top tips for creating problem-focused chart...

Have you ever questioned the accuracy and usefulness of BMI as a measure of health? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the history and limitations of the body mass index, exploring why relying solely on BMI can be problematic and misleading.   Tune in this week as we challenge some common assumptions about BMI and its correlation with chronic diseases. We discuss the origins of BMI, th...

Have you heard the buzzword "DEI" thrown around a lot lately? DEI is about so much more than just checking boxes or meeting quotas. It's about seeking out and embracing different viewpoints, valuing the contributions of people from all backgrounds, and creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and respected.    Anna and I explore simple ways you can get involved in making positive chan...

Have you heard the term "trauma-informed care" being used more frequently lately? In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this approach to healthcare has gained significant attention as a way to better support patients who have experienced trauma.   Anna and I dive into the concept of trauma-informed care, exploring its key principles and the steps we can take to create a safe and supportive environ...

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of implicit bias: those unconscious judgments and assumptions we make about others based on characteristics like age, race, gender, and more. As healthcare providers, our implicit biases can have real consequences for our patients' experiences and outcomes.   We explore what implicit bias looks like in healthcare settings, how it can lead us astray in...

Have you ever wondered what causes chest pain in adolescents or how to handle frequent ear infections in under-vaccinated infants? In today's episode, Anna and I dive into some fascinating pediatric case studies that highlight important clinical concepts for nurse practitioners, discussing conditions like precordial catch syndrome, febrile seizures, and celiac disease.   Expand your knowledge of p...

Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between dementia and delirium in older patients? In today's episode, Anna and I dive into two fascinating case studies that highlight the key clinical reasoning skills needed to properly diagnose and treat cognitive changes in the elderly.   Sharpen your clinical acumen and feel more confident the next time you encounter an older patient with signs...

As real-deal Nurse Practitioners, delivering bad news to patients is an inevitable part of the job that we must be prepared for. But how can we have these difficult conversations in a way that provides clarity and compassion to our patients?   Anna and I are here this week to share tips on how to prepare yourself before the conversation, create a supportive environment, explain things clearly, and...

If the legal jargon in your contract leaves you feeling scared and intimidated, you're not alone. Sure, you want to make sure you're being adequately compensated through your salary, but what about work-life balance or the goals you want to achieve in your new position? Having your own back through this process is challenging, and that's why Anna and I are here to share our top tips when it comes...

Anna and I are doing something new this week that we think you'll love. We're taking a slightly different approach to highlighting important clinical practice by sharing two patient vignettes we've encountered in our own clinical practice. We hope these scenarios help you become the best Nurse Practitioner possible.   Join us on this episode as we share two different patient vignettes and explain...

There have been quite a few updates to certain vaccinations over the past several years, so Anna and I are here this week to review these important updates with you. Regardless of the population you care for, these vaccines are ones you'll see in your clinical rotations or in practice, and you'll probably be asked about them by your patients.   Tune in this week to learn the updates in indication,...

In honor of Pride Month this June, Anna is here this week to talk about inclusivity and how to exemplify that for the LGBTQIA+ community in healthcare. The LGBTQIA+ community is twice as likely to report discrimination by a healthcare provider than non-LGBTQIA+ people, among other chronic stressors that lead to stigmatization. As real-deal NPs, you want all patients to feel welcome and safe, and i...

Advanced care planning is about your patients planning for the care they want in advance, just in case they become so seriously ill that they're unable to advocate for themselves. While it's vital for you to have these conversations with your patients, it often feels overwhelming and intimidating, especially if you're getting ready to head out into practice for the first time.   Anna and I walk yo...

Over the past couple of years, weight loss medications like Ozempic have skyrocketed in popularity, having gained the attention of celebrities and social media influencers for their seemingly magical weight loss powers. As a real-deal Nurse Practitioner, you must understand how these medications work in the body and how to safely prescribe them, and Anna and I are here to share everything you need...