Straight A Nursing: Study for nursing school exams & NCLEX

You’ve survived nursing school, passed the NCLEX, and landed your first job, but being a new grad nurse comes with its own unique set of challenges. In this encore episode, I’m joined by my nurse bestie and incredible educator, Stephanie Griffeth, to talk about the number one mistake new grad nurses make — and what to do instead. (Spoiler alert: It’s not about charting, IVs, or time management.) I...

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about three big red flags you never want to miss in a post-op patient. These are quick, easy to remember, and could save your patient’s life. Grab your earbuds and dive in. ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then...

In this Encore episode, I'm talking about something that can rattle even the most experienced nurses. Your heart races, adrenaline spikes, and every second counts. In this episode, we’re walking through a mock code blue from start to finish so you can better understand the flow, roles, and rapid decisions that happen in those critical moments. And if you want to take your confidence even further,...

On mobile? Listen with your favorite podcast player here. Every other week I’m republishing one of my most popular or impactful episodes and adding an update, new insight, or context that will help you benefit from it even more. This week I’m highlighting Episode 277 which is all about what I call the "doorway assessment". As the nurse, one of your key responsibilities is to notice changes in pati...

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about hemoglobin and why a low value doesn’t always mean your patient is bleeding. ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing sc...

If you’ve ever wondered what to do when a patient refuses treatment, when your personal values don’t match your patient’s decisions, or when you're stretched thin and trying to give equal care to everyone, this episode is for you. In today’s lesson, we’re breaking down the five core principles of nursing ethics: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and fidelity.  Hit play on this episod...

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about common reversal agents and antidotes for high-impact medications. If you want to dive deeper on this topic, I've got you covered in episode 72. ___________________ ⁠FREE CLASS⁠ - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class!...

Every other week I'm republishing one of my most popular or impactful episodes and adding an update, new insight, or context that will help you benefit from it even more. This week I'm highlighting Episode 175, which is a cardiac pharmacology PodQuiz. Think of it as flashcards for your ears! Hit play on this episode to review cardiac meds. If you love this podquiz, you'll LOVE my private podcast S...

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about how to help keep your patients who are at risk for hypoglycemia safe while they're on beta blockers. ___________________ ⁠FREE CLASS⁠ - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I d...

Chemo. Just the word alone can feel a little intimidating, right? But don’t worry. This episode breaks it all the way down so you can walk into the hospital (or your next exam) feeling calm, confident, and prepared. In this episode, we’re covering the essential nursing care for patients undergoing chemotherapy, including: What chemo is and how it works The nurse’s role before, during, and after ad...

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about key tests that may be ordered if your patient is suspected of having a DVT. This is a common condition that definitely shows up in the clinical setting and on exams! ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then y...

Every other week I'm republishing one of my most popular or impactful episodes and adding an update, new insight, or context that will help you benefit from it even more. This week I'm highlighting Episode 191, which is about hypoglycemia. Though a common condition, it’s important to understand how incredibly dangerous it can be. Hit play so you know what to watch for! Full Transcript – Read the a...

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about the expected rise in hemoglobin after blood products are administered, and the best time to draw that lab. ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where...

This episode dives into two of the most common cardiac labs you’ll see in both clinical and classroom settings: BNP and troponin. Hit play on this episode and you’ll learn: What BNP and troponin measure How to recognize normal vs abnormal values What it means when they’re elevated Clinical examples of how nurses use these labs to guide care Whether you’re prepping for your med-surg exam, starting...

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about two common beta blockers. Hit play to learn how they're different and why it's important to use them in the correct way. ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand...

Every other week I'm republishing one of my most popular or impactful episodes and adding an update, new insight, or context that will help you benefit from it even more. This week I'm highlighting Episode 152, which is all about sinus rhythms. So, if ECG interpretation makes you nervous, hit play on this episode! Full Transcript – Read the article and view references FREE CLASS – If all you’ve he...

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about renal patient veins. Have you ever wondered why it's difficult to obtain IV access on a renal patient? Find out in this episode! ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this o...

If you're gearing up for a perioperative clinical, prepping for an exam, or transitioning into surgical or PACU nursing, this episode is for you. Today, we’re diving into the anesthetic gases. Hit play on this episode and you’ll learn: High-level overview of how inhaled anesthetics work in the body The difference between volatile and non-volatile gases Common agents such as isoflurane, sevoflurane...

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about the differences between PTT and aPTT. These are two very common lab tests you'll see ordered for your patients. ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session...

Every other week I'm republishing one of my most popular or impactful episodes and adding an update, new insight, or context that will help you benefit from it even more. This week I'm highlighting Episode 82 which covers how to perform a thorough head-to-toe assessment. Good luck on your skills check-off! Full Transcript – Read the article and view references FREE CLASS – If all you’ve heard are...

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm sharing my best tips to help you fill out your medication info for your care plans. Understanding pharmacology will help you feel way more confident in clinical. ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class...

Feeling overwhelmed when it’s time to write a narrative note? You’re not alone! I’ve coached many students through this process and I’m sharing my best tips for you in this episode. Whether you’re a student just starting out or someone who wants to tighten up their documentation game, this episode will give you the confidence (and framework) to write notes like a pro. ___________________ Full Tran...

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking atrial fibrillation and blood pressure You don't want to this miss this episode! ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing scho...

Every other week I'm republishing one of my most popular or impactful episodes and adding an update, new insight, or context that will help you benefit from it even more. This week I'm highlighting Episode 88, which provides some key tips for taking vital signs like a pro. This is a basic but very important nursing skill and I’ve included some additional tips about taking blood pressures accuratel...

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about Allen Tests. This is an important test conducted before an arterial puncture. Hit play to find out why! ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I...