Straight A Nursing

If there’s one thing that gets nursing students and new nurses REALLY nervous (like voice shaking, sweat-on-the-forehead nervous), it’s calling the MD with a concern about your patient. You might be thinking, “What if I don’t know what to say?” or “What if they ask me a question I don't know the answer to?” or even “What if they yell at me, tell me to stop wasting their time, and hang up on me?”  Don’t worry, my friends! As usual, I have got your back :-) In this episode, we’ll be talking all about SBAR, a concise communication format used extensively in the clinical setting.  First, we’ll go over SBAR...what do all those letters represent? I’ll give you my best tips for what to do BEFORE you use SBAR And, we’ll see how it works in action with some SBAR scenarios ___________________ 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 my

One of the first things you’ll learn in your OB class is what’s expected in a normal, uncomplicated, low-risk labor and delivery. Once you’ve got that down, it’s much easier to conceptualize the high-risk complex L&D issues (and yes, they do get complicated!) Today we’re talking about:  The signs an individual is in labor Differentiating between true labor and false labor Physiological changes during labor (both parent and baby) The 6 Ps of labor The stages of labor Want more Nurse Mo in your life? Get extra tips, cat pics and get to know me personally when you follow me on Instagram! @straightanurse SHOW UPDATE: Please note that since recording this podcast I have learned that not all pregnant individuals are women and that by using terms like "mom" or "mother" I have left many of you out of the conversation, and for that I apologize. I have realized I have a knowledge gap in this area and am actively seeking to learn more so my language can be inclusive to all pregnant individuals. If this episode le

Today we’re taking a deep dive into angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (otherwise known as ACE inhibitors). In this podcast episode you will learn:  * The RAAS pathway (understanding this is crucial to understanding how and why ACE inhibitors work!) * How to easily spot an ACE inhibitor * What conditions ACE inhibitors are used to treat * Adverse effects of ACE inhibitors...including one that can be life threatening! Are you as obsessed about patient safety as I am? Learn how to BULLETPROOF your medication administration here Are you looking for an awesome community to support you on your nursing school journey? Join my Facebook group, Thriving Nursing Students and instantly have more than 16K new friends :-) https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingnursingstudents ___________________ 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 schoo

Nursing school is challenging, intense and even really frustrating at times. In this week’s podcast episode we’re talking about nursing school burnout, my friends: * All the reasons a nursing student might experience burnout...trust me, it’s not just you!  * How to recognize when you are on your way to burnout (and hopefully catch it before it gets too bad!) * Tips to help you avoid it or even combat it once it hits. Need a little extra encouragement? Visit www.futureme.org and write a letter to your future self to be delivered at a time when you anticipate needing a pep talk or reminder of why you are on this journey :-)  Starting nursing school soon? Get my FREE 20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students guide here: https://straightanursing.ck.page/4d90f769dc ___________________ 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

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction that occurs immediately (or shortly after) exposure to an antigen. Because it can quickly be fatal, it’s crucial that you understand how to recognize it and intervene immediately. In this podcast episode we’ll talk through: What happens in anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock Why it is potentially fatal The signs/symptoms of anaphylaxis Nursing interventions for anaphylaxis, including medications How to monitor the 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! ⁠Med Surg Solution⁠ - Are you looking for a more effective way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics and out-of-this-world st

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be a highly effective treatment for depression and bipolar disorder, though it is shrouded in suspicion as one of the most stigmatized therapies currently in use. In this podcast episode we’ll talk about ECT, why and how it is used and nursing interventions for patients undergoing this therapy. ___________________ 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! Med Surg Solution - Are you looking for a more effective way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics and out-of-this-world study guides. Straight A Nursing App - Study on-the-go with the Straight A Nursing app! Review more than 5,000 flashcards covering a wide range of subjects including Fundamentals, Pediatric

Even though most nursing students LOVE clinical, there’s still often a lot of worry and uncertainty surrounding the experience. In this episode we’ll talk about some of the most common worries students have about clinicals and dispel them one by one. Looking for your new BFFs? Join the Thriving Nursing Students Facebook group! Want to see what Nurse Mo is up to in between podcast episodes? Follow me on Instagram @straightanurse Links mentioned in this episode: Nursing diagnoses: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/nursing-diagnosis/ Dealing with bullies: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/dealing-with-nurse-jerks-and-bullies/ ___________________ 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

In this special bonus episode we’re exploring what it’s like to pursue a career as a CRNA. Join me as I interview Jenny Finnell, creator of the CRNA School Prep Academy (https://crnaschoolprepacademy.com). In this episode Jenny shares her expertise in navigating the complex journey of becoming a CRNA, including: What students can start doing NOW to prepare What the application process is like Where a nurse should work prior to applying to CRNA programs What CRNA school is like Financial considerations for CRNA school Where CRNAs work and what she loves most about her career! Not ready to join the academy but want to explore the world of CRNA nursing? Then check out her Facebook group called I.C.U Dreaming About Anesthesia. See you there! ___________________ 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

If I had to name the top three things that make me nervous at the bedside, pediatric respiratory distress would be at the top of that list. And for very good reason.  In this podcast episode I’ll talk you through all the reasons that pediatric respiratory distress is of special concern and what you (as the awesome nurse that you are) are going to do about it. Have you subscribed to the podcast, but still want more? Then follow me on Instagram @straightanurse  ___________________ 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!

In this week’s episode I’m talking you through a potent medication used in the critical care setting to treat severe hypotension that has not responded to fluids. And that, my friends, is norepinephrine (brand name Levophed). Using the Straight A Nursing DRRUGS framework, we’ll dive into the need-to-know info so you can feel confident in clinical, on the job, or on your exams. ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references. There are also some dosage calculations to practice at the end of this article. 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! Dosage Calculations Guide - Kick math anxiety to the curb and learn the basics of how to set up and perform dosage calculations using dimensional analysis. Includes 10 free practice questions! Pharmacology Success Pac

In nursing school we learned the standard ECG measurements...the PR interval, the QRS, ST elevations, the rate...and that was about it! It wasn’t until I started working in the ICU that I learned about the QT interval and why it is probably one of the MOST important ECG measurements I can monitor. In this podcast episode, I’ll talk you through what the QT interval represents, how to measure it, some common causes for prolongation and...of course, what you are going to do about it.  The QTc calculator mentioned in this episode can be found here: http://www.medcalc.com/qtc.html Looking for more of Nurse Mo in between episodes? Follow me on Instagram @straightanurse  ___________________ 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!

In this special bonus episode I interview Michael Smith from the Real Talk School of Nursing podcast. Michael is a wonderful student advocate who provides nursing students with a real-world perspective on nursing school through his podcast and hilarious Instagram memes (seriously, go check them out!)   In addition to mentoring students, Michael also works in the emergency room of a L1 trauma center. If you’re at all interested in ER nursing, then you’ll want to hear Michael’s advice for students and new nurses in that high-acuity and intense environment. He believes in you and so do I!  Enjoy! ___________________ 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!

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most severe form of lung injury and happens to be prevalent as of late due to Covid-19. In this podcast episode we’ll talk about the pathophysiology of ARDS and then dive into the key need-to-know information using the Straight A Nursing LATTE method.  If you find this podcast helpful, we’d love for you to take the time to subscribe, rate and review! I read every single one of your comments and appreciate your feedback and support more than you know.  Looking for more of Nurse Mo in between episodes? Follow me on Instagram @straightanurse  Links mentioned in episode: Chest X-ray showing ARDS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_respiratory_distress_syndrome#/media/File:ARDSSevere.png End-tidal CO2: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/capnography-etco2/ Brief tutorial on the P/F ratio: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/whats-a-pf-ratio-and-why-should-you-care/)  What is ECMO? https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/ecmo/)  Prone positioning: https://

Students, even those who do well in other classes, often struggle with mental health nursing. Many times these students have no idea why they’re struggling, they just know this class can be especially difficult. But guess what? When you understand WHY you could find a class challenging, you can go in there armed with appropriate tools to meet these challenges (and possibly even thrive despite them!). Whew! ___________________ 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! Straight A Nursing App - Study on-the-go with the Straight A Nursing app! Review more than 5,000 flashcards covering a wide range of subjects including Fundamentals, Pediatrics, Med Surg, Mental Health, Maternal Newborn, and more! Available for free in the Apple App Store

Follow along with a neuro case study featuring a fictional patient who suffers a CVA. We’ll talk through his medical history and key assessment findings then implement a plan of care that unfolds as you listen.  Imagine walking into the first day of class already understanding things like nursing diagnoses, care plans and dosage calculations. Talk about starting off strong! ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references 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 much more.

I know so many nursing students have questions about L&D nursing, what it’s like and how to get into such an exciting (and popular) field. So today I have a special treat for you! I’m interviewing Hannah, an RN who recently landed her dream job at a large hospital’s labor and delivery unit. We’ll talk through what she loves about the job, the different roles of the L&D nurse, and the path she took to get there. Here’s a hint...it only took about two years and she never had a position she didn’t love!  ___________________ 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 manage

In celebration of reaching ONE MILLION DOWNLOADS a few months ago, I invited my podcast listeners and nurse colleagues to call in with their best advice for new nurses and nursing students. I am so excited to share these inspiring and encouraging messages with you in this bonus episode! To everyone who recorded a message, thank you SO MUCH! It takes all of us to grow and nurture our future colleagues and I can't begin to express the impact your words had on me. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. If you left a recording but it is not included, please know I did everything I could to get all the recordings included. Unfortunately a handful had technical issues that could not be overcome. You are all amazing and I appreciate your support and words of wisdom so very much! ___________________ 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

In this episode, I’m revealing the core subjects you should review to prepare for pharmacology. After all, it’s one of the most challenging subjects for nursing students to master because it introduces a vast amount of new material.However, the good news is, a lot of this material stems from foundation knowledge you already possess. A systematic review of some key concepts you learned in A&P can set you up for pharmacology success. So, pop in those earbuds and let’s see which subjects you should review to prepare for pharmacology.  ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references Pharmacology Success Pack - Want to get a head start on pharmacology? Download the FREE Pharmacology Success Pack 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 much more. Fast Pharmacology -

To all who have received acceptance letters and are starting nursing school soon...CONGRATULATIONS! I am so very excited and happy for you as you take this next big step on your journey to become a nurse.  In this episode I’ll talk you through some of the key things you can do before school even starts to get ready for nursing school, including which A&P topics to review.  ___________________ 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 much more. Study Sesh - Change the way you

Today we’re talking about one of my favorite topics….shopping for nursing school supplies! With the holidays coming up, it’s the perfect time to add some must-have items to your wish list.  It includes some bigger ticket items and things that fit beautifully in a stocking. Happy shopping! ------------ Full Transcript - Get the links to all my favorite nursing school supplies 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 Sesh!  Med Surg Solution - Are you looking for a more effective way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics and out-o