Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club

You can probably remember how intimidating and overwhelming it was in your very first job as a new nurse, and starting out in your Nurse Practitioner career is no different. You're learning new skills with a higher level of responsibility and liability, so if you're not yet walking around with the confidence of a seasoned NP, you're not alone.   Anna and I offer our top tips for increasing your co...

This week, Anna is speaking with the founder and CEO of NPHub, Krish Chopra. They are the best in the industry when it comes to finding Nurse Practitioner clinical placements, and they have a quality control process in place that prioritizes the well-being of both students and preceptors. That's why we've launched a partnership with them. Learn how NPHub ensures both students and preceptors get th...

Diagnostic reasoning is an essential skill for Real Deal Nurse Practitioners. A misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments, delayed treatment, and ultimately cause undue harm and stress to our patients. A major part of our role as NPs is diagnosing conditions, so we need to ensure our diagnoses are accurate.   Tune in this week for a vital overview of diagnostic reasoning. We're providing you...

If you're currently a future real-deal Registered Nurse, this is a must-listen episode. After studying, going through courses, clinical work, and approaching graduation, prepping for the NCLEX can often feel like you're starting right back at the beginning. That's why feeling supported throughout your journey is essential, and we're here to share how we can help.   Anna and I share the tweaks and...

I'm Sarah Michelle, a host of the Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club and I'm on a mission to get more nurse practitioners licensed and practicing in the field than ever before. We created this podcast for students and new nurse practitioners who have struggled with the pressure and the anxiety, preparing for their board exams and then entering into the workforce as a brand new real deal nurse pract...

For those of you who aren't familiar, my daughter Meadow was born with a severe congenital heart defect last year. Being an advocate for congenital heart disease feels like the most special and important thing I can do as a Heart Mom, and sharing more about this is exactly what I felt called to do this Heart Month.   I share some statistics on congenital heart disease that may shock you, and why I...

There are many unique and amazing opportunities out there for Nurse Practitioners when it comes to global health. The great news is that because global health is a top priority, there are several resources available for exploration. Anna and I are here this week to guide you through the ins and outs of your global health journey.   Hear how Nurse Practitioners can fill the gap in global health ini...

Transitioning from nurse to Nurse Practitioner is a big deal. It's truly a whole new career. You've passed your boards, graduated from school, and now, you're a real-deal NP. However, you're not alone if self-doubt and fear are coming up for you. That's why Anna and I are here this week to share our top tips on how to succeed on your first day as a new Nurse Practitioner.   We dive into how to set...

No matter what kind of Nurse Practitioner you are, you likely work alongside hospitalists, nurses, case managers, social workers, specialists, and ancillary staff. The unifying thread between all of you is to create a positive patient experience and to provide excellent care. How can we, as real-deal Nurse Practitioners, contribute to the ever-evolving dynamic of interdisciplinary care and teamwor...

Ensuring you excel in Nurse Practitioner school while also making time for the things you enjoy, that recharge you and that give you energy for other areas of your life, is easier said than done. That's why Anna is taking over the show this week to share her top tips.   Tune in this week to hear Anna's tangible tips for striking a balance between Nurse Practitioner school and life outside of schoo...

If you want to balance seeing your loved ones with this busy period at work during the Holidays, you're in the perfect place. The holiday season is a jam-packed time when all Nurse Practitioners want to give their full attention to patients as well as friends and family. But how do we do that without being completely stretched thin?   Tune in to discover Anna's holiday hacks for saving time and ma...

You've graduated, passed your boards, and the next critical step is licensing and credentialing. This can feel like a huge time-consuming hurdle you have to overcome on your journey to becoming a real-deal Nurse Practitioner. Although it seems complicated, NP certification and licensure are essential.   Join us on this episode as Anna and I review the Nurse Practitioner licensing and credentialing...

If you're ready to look forward to going to clinical instead of dreading it, you're in the right place. Anna and I are here today to share some of our own personal experiences of navigating clinical rotations and to show you how to take control of your clinical experience so it sets you up for future career opportunities.   Learn the importance of fostering a positive relationship with your precep...

The most common and widely accepted format of clinical documentation is the SOAP note. It addresses the legal aspect of documenting the care you provide, but it also allows for consistency across providers, which is essential in healthcare. With all providers using the same format, it allows anyone reading it to follow along with your patient's diagnosis and management plan. So how do you use it e...

This week, Anna and I are here to discuss a topic that is near and dear to our hearts: mental health and self-care for Nurse Practitioners. If you've taken any of our classes, you'll know that we focus on stress and anxiety management as you prepare for boards, but prioritizing your mental health is vital throughout your career as a healthcare provider.   Discover why the role of Nurse Practitione...

What is telemedicine, what are its benefits, and what are the factors that lead to success in the telemedicine field? There are some common challenges, legal considerations, and best practices for Nurse Practitioners moving into the virtual realm, and we're discussing all of them on today's show.   Join me and Anna today to discover everything you need to know about the world of telemedicine. We'r...

Anna and I are talking about a topic that is at the very heart of nursing practice this week: physical assessment and examination skills. These skills are the cornerstone of effective patient care, diagnosis, decision making, and all the important things we do as Nurse Practitioners.   Learn how to get proficient in the physical assessment and examination of your patients. We're sharing the differ...

The role of Nurse Practitioners have grown, both in complexity and in significance within the healthcare system. As a result, there has been a growing need for more formalized training programs that bridge the gap between your education at school and preparing for actual practice. This is where NP residency programs can be a great first step in your career.   Anna and I explore what Nurse Practiti...

Staying up to date with evidence-based practice becomes way easier when you have a deep passion for learning and knowledge. To learn why you need continuing education and how to choose what CEs are right for you, listen up.   Anna walks us through her favorite ways to get continuing education as a healthcare provider. She's sharing how to stay up to date with the latest research, guidelines, and b...

I'm sharing my thoughts on making the leap from a registered nurse to a student Nurse Practitioner to a real-deal NP. You're not alone if you're having a tough time adjusting to the mentality of a Nurse Practitioner, and this week, I'm showing you how to make it a little easier.   I offer my insights into shifting your mindset from the role of a nurse to that of a provider. Hear why making this tr...

Medical billing and coding are two core factors that impact how you get paid as a Nurse Practitioner, which means understanding the "why" and "how" of them is vital.   Join Anna and me in this episode as we share the basics when it comes to medical billing and coding as a Nurse Practitioner. We're exploring what to consider regarding billing and coding, some of the codes that are frequently used,...

One question that we receive all the time in our community and on every platform with which we engage with our students is, "What should I be doing and when?" This question tends to come up no matter what phase of the Nurse Practitioner journey someone is in.   Anna and I highlight all the ways we can support you, no matter where you are on your Nurse Practitioner journey. Hear why what you should...

Anna and I have just returned from this year's AANP National Conference in New Orleans, and we can't wait to share our thoughts on it. Whether you work remotely or in a clinic setting, being able to network is an opportunity you never want to miss, and this conference provided a great avenue to connect with genuine NPs, students, and faculty.   We're sharing the key takeaways from our time there,...

Anna joins me again to discuss everything we wish we had known before starting Nurse Practitioner school.   We look back on our paths to becoming NPs and shed light on some of the biggest lessons we have learned from pursuing Nurse Practitioner school. If you currently feel lost, you are definitely not alone, and we hope our insights help you feel confident as you embark on your own NP journey.  ...

One of my favorite instructors, Anna, joins me in sharing our experience in our clinical sites. From preceptors not knowing our names to not knowing what to bring, we reflect on the joys and intimidating moments of starting out.   We discuss all we wished we had known before we started our clinicals. We share common practices, our experiences, and our mistakes. Remember, this is a journey that wil...