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 confidence in clinical rotations. Learn why improving your communication skills is the best place to start, our advice when it comes to asking for help, and how to seek out the mentors you need for support along the way. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/boost-confidence-clinical-rotations/

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 the best experience possible, and how a collaboration between our platforms is going to help so many real-deal Nurse Practitioners graduate with confidence. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/nphub-krish-chopra/

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 with key terms you need to understand regarding diagnosing your patients as a Nurse Practitioner, showing you how to avoid errors in diagnostic reasoning, and you’ll learn the three core steps of the diagnostic reasoning process. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/better-diagnostic-reasoning/

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 changes that have been implemented in the NCLEX, why we believe anxiety reduction and stress management must be top priorities, and what we offer in terms of helping students prep for and pass the NCLEX on their first try. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/nclex-anxiety/

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 practitioner. If this sounds like you, you're absolutely in the right place. Each week, my co-host, Anna, and I will discuss tips and strategies on how to pass that nurse practitioner exam as well as how to handle that transition into real clinical practice and so much more. If you are ready to become the confident real deal nurse practitioner that your future patients need you to be, then this is the show for you. Be sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode. And remember too, you're never alone in this journey because you have me and Anna right here beside you and we are here to help.

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’m so invested in giving Heart Babies the very best chance we possibly can. Hear what my daughter’s life will look like living with a congenital heart defect, and a poem I wrote about my experience as a Heart Mom. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/heart-month-congenital-disease-mom/

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 initiatives, important considerations to keep in mind, and why NPs in all specialties can play an essential role in improving health worldwide. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/global-nursing-positive-impact/

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 yourself up for success on day one of your journey as a real-deal Nurse Practitioner. Anna and I are discussing our favorite strategies for making your first day as stress-free as possible, how to mentally prepare yourself, and our tips for boosting your confidence. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/succeed-first-day-new-np/

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 teamwork? Discover what interdisciplinary even means, why acknowledging teamwork matters, even if you can work independently, and my tips for being an effective part of an interdisciplinary team. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/why-interdisciplinary-teamwork-matters/

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 school, the importance of prioritizing self-care, and how to meet academic demands while fulfilling your personal needs. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/time-management-school-life-balance/

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 maintaining your sanity as the year comes to a close. She's offering her top tips for optimizing your time so you don't burn out and can actually unwind and enjoy the Holiday season. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/save-time-new-nurse-practitioner/

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 requirements and offer you a step-by-step guide through that process. Hear important considerations to keep in mind as they relate to your state, common mistakes to avoid, and additional tasks you may need to complete before you become a real-deal NP. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/guide-credentialing-process/

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 preceptor and our top tips for making a great impression. Hear how to negotiate your clinical experience, how to request feedback on your performance, and ways you can use the student-preceptor relationship for career networking. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/clinical-experience-dread-excitement/

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 effectively? Listen in this week to hear our top do’s and don’ts as they relate to using SOAP notes for clinical documentation. Anna and I are discussing what the SOAP note entails, what to include and avoid in your documentation, and our advice for how to keep refining your clinical documentation skills. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/dos-donts-clinical-documentation/

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 Practitioner comes with unique challenges and why addressing this topic is crucial for the sustainability of the NP profession as a whole. We’re clarifying what self-care really means, why it’s a necessary part of being an effective healthcare provider, and practical self-care strategies you can begin implementing now. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/mental-health-new-np/

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’re discussing how telemedicine has grown even since the pandemic, what virtual care really entails, and we’re offering our tips for Nurse Practitioners who want to provide the best remote healthcare possible. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/telemedicine/

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 difference between head-to-toe versus focused assessments, how to tailor your assessments to your patients, why documentation is crucial for communication, and how to be effective in your charting practices. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/physical-assessment-examination-skills/

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 Practitioner residency programs are, what they include, how to find them, our top tips for applying for them, and what to expect after you complete a residency. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/residency-programs/

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 best practices, as well as engaging in personal development so you can provide high-quality, evidence-based care to your patients as a nurse or nurse practitioner. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/continuing-education-staying-current/

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 transition can often feel like navigating uncharted territory, the factors that influence how you perceive yourself as a real-deal Nurse Practitioner, and my top pieces of advice regarding clinical decision-making. Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/shift-your-mindset/