Straight A Nursing

Something you’ll learn quickly (if you haven’t already) is that the medical field is full of terms named after people…Beck’s triad, Kernig’s sign, McBurney’s point and Ortolani maneuver are just a few! Unfortunately, you just need to memorize what these are, so I’ve pulled together some common ones to know in this episode.  Hit play on this episode and soon you’ll be “talking the talk” just like a pro! There's a podquiz at the end so you can test yourself! ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references 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 school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study

Your first few clinical shifts in nursing school can feel really overwhelming, especially if you’re heading in without a lot of background knowledge. But, something as simple as understanding some key lab tests will help you interpret your patient’s result and understand important components of their plan of care.  In this episode I’m breaking down eight key labs to know before your first clinical day in nursing school:  Hemoglobin Hematocrit WBCs Platelets Sodium Potassium Creatinine Glucose So hit play on this episode and start clinicals with more confidence and the knowledge you need to create an effective plan of care. If you found it helpful, spread the love and share with a classmate or colleague…we’re all in this together! ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references 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 school myths and show you that YES...yo

Did you know that more than 60% of adverse events in the clinical setting have been attributed to poor communication? To help ensure patient safety, SBAR is utilized as a standardized communication format but it can be difficult to know how to use it effectively when you’re a new nurse or nursing student.  I’m breaking down SBAR for you in this episode so you can finally have a clear understanding of how all the components fit together and use it with confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why SBAR is utilized What the different components of SBAR mean Situations in which you would use SBAR How to get the MD’s attention so they take your concerns seriously Examples of SBAR communication Pro tips for calling the MD How to use SBAR for handoff report ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references 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 school myths and

In this bonus episode, I’m re-releasing one of my most popular episodes just in case you missed it the first time around! Hit play on this episode to learn the key things you should do to get prepared for nursing school (Yes, they’re easy and yes, you can still enjoy your time off!).  ___________________ Get the New Nursing Student Checklist - Get all these tips in a convenient checklist so you can stay organized while you prepare for nursing school! 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 school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Confident Calculations - Learn a foolproof method for performing dosage calculations so you can pass your nursing school math exams on the first try!  Crucial Concepts Bootcamp - Start nursing school ahead of the game, or reset after a difficult first semester with my nursing school prep course, Crucial

Semaglutide, which is sold under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, has become increasingly popular and is a medication you are likely to encounter in the clinical setting and when reviewing your patient’s medical histories. In this article, you’ll learn the key things to know about semaglutide using the Straight A Nursing DRRUGS framework. In this episode, you'll learn: The principles of the GLP-1 agonist drug class, including their main mechanism of action The two routes of administration The regular dose range for these medications What semaglutides are used to treat and why they work Key guidelines including administration, safety considerations, assessments, and drug-to-drug interactions The potential side effects, including a description of "Ozempic face" and what patients can do to lesson symptoms ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-d

If all you’re hearing is how overwhelming, impossible, or miserable nursing school is, I want you to know that this does NOT have to be your story. But the only way you’re going to have a different experience is if you take active steps to have a different experience. Walking into nursing school cold or without doing any prep is about as smart as running a marathon without training…it would be a disaster.  In this episode I’m sharing the three pillars of nursing school success - organization, foundation work and review. I’ll talk you through how you can dive into each pillar and set yourself up for success without totally sacrificing your last few weeks of free time before classes start!  ___________________ 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 school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Crucial Concepts Bootcamp - Start nursing

When it comes to job hunting, whether you're a new grad nurse or an experienced RN, you always want to showcase your best self. A great way to do that is with an up-to-date nursing portfolio. Another reason to create and maintain a nursing portfolio as it creates a history of your career. As you apply for jobs now, and in the future, your portfolio is a wonderful resource for highlighting your accomplishments in resumes and cover letters. In this episode, we'll cover: What is a nursing portfolio? Key benefits of maintaining a nursing portfolio Formats to utilize, both hard copy and digital What to include Tips for building a new-grad resume ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references 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 school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over yo

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complication that can occur after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. It is a syndrome that involves multiple organs and occurs when transplanted immune cells identify the recipient cells as foreign invaders. The result is that the transplanted (graft) cells attack the recipient (host) cells. In this episode, you'll learn: Who is most at risk for developing GVHD The basics of HLA typing Signs and symptoms of GVHD Important assessments for a patient with GVHD Tests utilized to diagnose and evaluate a patient with GVHD Treatments for GVHD, including prophylaxis Key education components for this complex condition ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references 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 school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Crucial Con

RSI is rapid sequence intubation, a procedure performed to emergently intubate a patient with an intact gag reflex in cases of acute respiratory failure and/or cardiovascular collapse. As a nurse working in the emergency department or ICU, you will be obtaining and may be administering the medications used to perform a rapid sequence intubation. Please be aware of your scope of practice and facility protocol regarding the administration of these medications. In some cases, the medications can only be administered by a physician.  Which combination of medications the physician chooses will vary depending on a variety of factors including the patient’s condition and physician preference. A common combination is a sedative with a short-acting paralytic, though analgesics may also be utilized. This episode provides an overview of the medications commonly utilized for RSI: Propofol Succinylcholine Rocuronium Vecuronium Etomidate Ketamine Fentanyl Midazolam ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the ar

In this episode, Nurse Mo is joined by Dr. Sehgal, a board-certified urologist and founder of the YouTube channel UroCoach where he teaches urology concepts in an easy-to-understand way. In this episode, Dr. Sehgal shares some great tips for troubleshooting Foley catheters and managing them like a pro. Hit the play button and you'll learn: Tips for when your Foley insertion doesn't go as planned How to tell if the catheter not in the bladder and where it could be instead How to ensure you get the catheter inserted past the balloon What a coudé catheter is utilized for and tips for insertion How to manage continuous bladder irrigation Tips for successful bladder scanning What to do if a suprapubic catheter becomes dislodged Managing a nephrostomy tube ___________________ UroCoach YouTube Channel - Learn more about urology concepts from Dr. Sehgal in easy-to-understand videos covering a wide range of topics FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! J

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated chronic condition of the central nervous system. It is characterized by the destruction of myelin, which is the protective sheath that covers nerve axons in the brain and spinal cord. When this protective layer is damaged, lesions (plaques) develop throughout the nervous system and nerve impulses slow down.  In this episode, you’ll learn the key things a nurse needs to know about multiple sclerosis, including:  Risk factors for MS The four main types of MS Common signs and symptoms of MS Key nursing assessments for a patient with MS The tests utilized to diagnose and evaluate a patient with MS The main treatment options for MS How the many and varied symptoms are managed Important patient/family education Be sure to stay to the end for my brief summary that highlights the most important things you need to know (and, if you are a student, likely to be tested on!). ____________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If

Epidermal necrolysis refers to severe cutaneous reactions that cause extensive necrosis of tissue and detachment of the epidermis. It encompasses three conditions which are on a continuum of severity and how much of the body’s surface area is affected: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS): Less than 10% of BSA is detached Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) - More than 30% of BSA is detached SJS/TEN overlap: Between 10 and 30% of BSA is detached In this episode you’ll learn:  Epidermal necrolysis pathophysiology and risk factors High risk medications that can cause SJS/TEN Complications of SJS/TEN Signs and symptoms in the prodromal and acute phase Important assessment for a patient with SJS/TEN Key tests utilized to diagnose and evaluate a patient with epidermal necrolysis Treatments for SJS/TEN, including medications Vital education components for patients and families ________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references Factor - Support our sponsor and get 50% off ready-to-eat meals with cod

Two terms you’ve probably heard mentioned are STEMI and NSTEMI, and you may be wondering what the difference between these two cardiac events is. In this episode you’ll learn:  The key differences between STEMI and NSTEMI How to recognize a STEMI on the ECG What “contiguous leads” actually means Signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction Tests utilize to diagnose and evaluate an MI How STEMI and NSTEMI are treated _________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references 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 school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Crucial Concepts Bootcamp - Start nursing school ahead of the game, or reset after a difficult first semester with my nursing school prep course, Crucial Concepts Bootcamp. Learn key foundation concepts, organization and time management, dosage calculations, and so mu

Gestational diabetes is a complication of pregnancy in which individuals with no history of diabetes have persistently elevated glucose levels.  In this episode you’ll learn:  Normal physiology of glucose maintenance during pregnancy Who is most at risk for gestational diabetes Complications of gestational diabetes (both maternal and newborn) Signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes Key assessments for a patient with gestational diabetes Screening and ongoing tests, including the glucose tolerance test Treatments for gestational diabetes Important things to teach your patient __________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references. 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 school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio format

In this episode of the Straight A Nursing podcast, we’re breaking down the key things a nurse needs to know about peripheral neuropathy. This is a condition in which the distal nerves of the hands and feet are damaged and unable to transmit messages correctly. The result is numbness, tingling, weakness and pain (often quite severe pain!). In this episode you’ll learn:  The many different causes of peripheral neuropathy and which one is most common Complications of the condition Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy Important nursing assessments Tests utilized to diagnose or evaluate peripheral neuropathy Treatments including pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies Key elements to include in your education plan __________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references. 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 school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive

In this episode, Nurse Mo delves into neural tube defects, with a focus on spina bifida and anencephaly. In addition to learning about the key characteristics of these conditions, you’ll also learn:  How neural tubes are formed early in embryonic development Who is most at risk for having a child with a neural tube defect How neural tube defects can be prevented Key assessments for an infant and child with spina bifida Common tests used to diagnose a neural tube defect Treatments for spina bifida, including surgery Important family education Listen now and you’ll be more prepared for OB exams and, if you’re a nurse, better equipped to care for these patients at the bedside. ______________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references 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 school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your lif

In this episode, we’re exploring the key things a nurse needs to know about pulmonary hypertension (PH). This condition affects the blood vessels in the lungs and can have serious implications on cardiac function. In this episode, we'll explore: Different subgroups of pulmonary hypertension Underlying causes of PH Signs and symptoms associated with PH Key diagnostic tests utilized to diagnose and evaluate a patient with PH Treatments and lifestyle modifications  Important patient education components Whether you're a nursing student or an experienced healthcare professional, this episode will provide you with valuable insights into understanding and caring for patients with pulmonary hypertension. So hit play and let’s dive into pulmonary hypertension together! __________  Full Transcript - Read the article and view references. 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 school myths an

Welcome to another exciting episode of Straight A Nursing! I'm your host, Nurse Mo, and today we'll be diving into a fascinating topic: the relationship between congestive heart failure (CHF) and anemia. Have you ever wondered why so many patients with CHF also have anemia? Well, I certainly have, and today we're going to explore the pathophysiology behind this intriguing connection. So, let's get started and unravel the complexities of CHF and anemia together. In this episode you’ll learn why iron deficiency, decreased erythropoietin levels, chronic inflammation, and activation of the RAAS pathway are all possible causes of anemia in CHF. Plus, we'll also explore the consequences of anemia in heart failure and the treatment options available. Get ready for a knowledge-packed episode that will empower you as a nursing professional. Press play to jump right in! ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you

Postpartum depression (PPD) has been called “the thief that steals motherhood” and is defined as a temporary episode of major depression associated with childbirth. It is one of the most common childbirth-related conditions, affecting 13 to 19% of childbearing women.  In this episode you’ll learn: The complications of postpartum depression for both the mother and the infant Factors that contribute to postpartum depression Which individuals are most at risk  Brief overview of postpartum anxiety, postpartum PTSD, and postpartum psychosis Common signs and symptoms of postpartum depression Important assessments for a new mother and those experiencing postpartum depression Therapies for PPD including pharmacology and psychotherapy Lifestyle modifications that can help manage the symptoms of postpartum depression Important patient education Press play to gain a deeper understanding of this important mental health topic.  ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLA

Welcome back to the Straight A Nursing podcast with Nurse Mo, where we dive into all things nursing school and the bedside. In today's episode, we're tackling ICU clinicals, a topic that can be both exciting and intimidating for nursing students. Nurse Mo shares her experiences and tips to help you approach your ICU rotation with confidence and joy. We'll explore the differences between ICU and MedSurg, the high-tech equipment you'll encounter, and the unique challenges of patient care in the ICU. Nurse Mo also provides valuable safety tips for students working with advanced equipment. So if you're gearing up for your ICU clinicals, this episode is a must-listen. Let's dive in! ________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references Clinical Debrief Template - One of the best ways to fast-track your clinical learning is to debrief after each clinical day so you can apply what you learned to future scenarios. FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class!