Mastering Lab Values for Nursing: Key Labs for Med-Surg and Clinical Practice

In this episode, we dive into the essential laboratory values every nursing student should know, especially for Med-Surg and other clinical areas. We break down fundamental lab values, including their normal ranges, clinical significance, and what they reveal about patient health. Covering topics like CBC, BMP, CMP, coagulation tests, ABGs, lipid profiles, and more, we help you understand how these values inform clinical decisions, treatment monitoring, and patient assessments. This episode is packed with tips and mnemonics to help you master lab values for your nursing exams and clinical practice.

Let’s get started on enhancing your understanding of lab values and their importance in nursing care!

All information in this podcast is sourced from ATI and the 2023 edition of Fundamentals of Nursing by Taylor.

🩺 For Anyone About to Start Core – Stuff That Actually Helped Me

Starting core can be overwhelming, so I wanted to share a list of things I got that I’ve actually used throughout the program. None of this is required.

Clinical Essentials

Hand sanitizer (always keep one on you) https://amzn.to/4rgy62X

Penlight (neuro checks, pupil assessments) https://amzn.to/4qzr0GE

Badge Setup

Student nurse badge (vertical) https://amzn.to/4qBMLFL

Badge reference cards (vertical) https://amzn.to/4qF5wbl

Student nurse badge (horizontal) https://amzn.to/4jZFIV2

Badge reference cards (horizontal) https://amzn.to/4sWxcdk

Clinical Tools

Foldable clipboard (absolute must for clinicals) https://amzn.to/4jUwvNy

Pen/pencil combo https://amzn.to/4k4ZcaY

Clinical report notepad https://amzn.to/3ZxaET2

Mini sharpies https://amzn.to/4bXP5Cq

Mini highlighters https://amzn.to/4pUp9LD

Stethoscope

Littmann stethoscope (used every semester) https://amzn.to/4reKtMR

Study Help

Level Up RN flashcards set (great for quick reviews)

https://amzn.to/4qJ3CXo

Everyone has different preferences, but these items stayed useful for me from the start of core through the program. Hope this helps make the transition a little smoother. Good luck, you’ve got this 💙🩺

Fundamentals Proctor Prep: Mastering the Core Principles of Nursing Practice

In this episode, we help you prepare for the Fundamentals Proctor assessment, covering the essential principles of nursing practice. We begin by exploring the foundations of nursing practice, including healthcare delivery, critical thinking strategies, effective communication, professional standards, and legal and ethical responsibilities throughout the lifespan.

Next, we move into basic nursing care topics, focusing on admission, transfer, discharge processes, medication administration, error prevention, and safety. We’ll also cover ergonomic principles, infection control, wound care, and ensuring patient comfort and basic needs.

Additionally, we support your understanding of psychosocial needs, discussing therapeutic communication, family and cultural health, coping strategies, spiritual health, and end-of-life care. We then focus on physiologic needs, diving into topics such as oxygenation, circulation, fluid and electrolyte balance, neurosensory and mobility challenges, and elimination processes.

Lastly, we’ll cover the fundamentals of health assessment, reviewing vital signs, system-specific assessments, and risk reduction strategies. Whether you’re a student or a professional preparing for this critical exam, this episode is packed with the key knowledge needed for success.

All information in this podcast is sourced from ATI and the 2023 edition of Fundamentals of Nursing by Taylor.

🩺 For Anyone About to Start Core – Stuff That Actually Helped Me

Starting core can be overwhelming, so I wanted to share a list of things I got that I’ve actually used throughout the program. None of this is required.

Clinical Essentials

Hand sanitizer (always keep one on you) https://amzn.to/4rgy62X

Penlight (neuro checks, pupil assessments) https://amzn.to/4qzr0GE

Badge Setup

Student nurse badge (vertical) https://amzn.to/4qBMLFL

Badge reference cards (vertical) https://amzn.to/4qF5wbl

Student nurse badge (horizontal) https://amzn.to/4jZFIV2

Badge reference cards (horizontal) https://amzn.to/4sWxcdk

Clinical Tools

Foldable clipboard (absolute must for clinicals) https://amzn.to/4jUwvNy

Pen/pencil combo https://amzn.to/4k4ZcaY

Clinical report notepad https://amzn.to/3ZxaET2

Mini sharpies https://amzn.to/4bXP5Cq

Mini highlighters https://amzn.to/4pUp9LD

Stethoscope

Littmann stethoscope (used every semester) https://amzn.to/4reKtMR

Study Help

Level Up RN flashcards set (great for quick reviews)

https://amzn.to/4qJ3CXo

Everyone has different preferences, but these items stayed useful for me from the start of core through the program. Hope this helps make the transition a little smoother. Good luck, you’ve got this 💙🩺

Compassionate Care: Managing Grief, Loss, and End-of-Life in Nursing

In this episode, we explore the profound role of nurses in supporting patients and families through grief, loss, and end-of-life care. We begin by discussing how cultural assessments help nurses identify the significant values, beliefs, and practices of patients experiencing death, grief, and loss. You’ll also learn about the concept of “family as patient” and how this affects nursing practice.

We delve into the influence of spiritual practices on health and the nursing interventions that promote spiritual well-being. Additionally, we highlight individual coping strategies for managing stress, as well as the nurse’s role in helping patients navigate grief, loss, and dying.

The episode also covers key interventions for symptom management at the end of life, the differences between palliative and hospice care, and how nurses can care for the body after death. Finally, we examine how nurses manage their own grief and emphasize the importance of self-care when caring for dying patients.

This episode offers valuable insights for those committed to providing compassionate and holistic care during one of the most challenging aspects of nursing practice.

All information in this podcast is sourced from ATI and the 2023 edition of Fundamentals of Nursing by Taylor.

🩺 For Anyone About to Start Core – Stuff That Actually Helped Me

Starting core can be overwhelming, so I wanted to share a list of things I got that I’ve actually used throughout the program. None of this is required.

Clinical Essentials

Hand sanitizer (always keep one on you) https://amzn.to/4rgy62X

Penlight (neuro checks, pupil assessments) https://amzn.to/4qzr0GE

Badge Setup

Student nurse badge (vertical) https://amzn.to/4qBMLFL

Badge reference cards (vertical) https://amzn.to/4qF5wbl

Student nurse badge (horizontal) https://amzn.to/4jZFIV2

Badge reference cards (horizontal) https://amzn.to/4sWxcdk

Clinical Tools

Foldable clipboard (absolute must for clinicals) https://amzn.to/4jUwvNy

Pen/pencil combo https://amzn.to/4k4ZcaY

Clinical report notepad https://amzn.to/3ZxaET2

Mini sharpies https://amzn.to/4bXP5Cq

Mini highlighters https://amzn.to/4pUp9LD

Stethoscope

Littmann stethoscope (used every semester) https://amzn.to/4reKtMR

Study Help

Level Up RN flashcards set (great for quick reviews)

https://amzn.to/4qJ3CXo

Everyone has different preferences, but these items stayed useful for me from the start of core through the program. Hope this helps make the transition a little smoother. Good luck, you’ve got this 💙🩺

Ethics in Nursing: Standards, Advocacy, and Patient Rights

In this episode, we delve into the ethical foundations of nursing practice, starting with the significance of the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses. We outline the key items found in the Patient’s Bill of Rights and explore how ethical standards are closely linked to a nurse’s commitment to patients, personal excellence, and the profession as a whole.

We further examine the roles of values and ethics in addressing contemporary ethical issues in patient care. You’ll gain insights into common ethical dilemmas faced by nurses, the process of ethical decision-making, and how to effectively advocate for your patients within the scope of nursing practice.

This episode is essential for nurses and nursing students who wish to strengthen their understanding of ethical principles, patient advocacy, and their role in providing compassionate and ethical care.

All information in this podcast is sourced from ATI and the 2023 edition of Fundamentals of Nursing by Taylor.

Nursing Ethics and Legal Responsibilities: Understanding Scope, HIPAA, and Patient Rights

In this episode, we cover critical legal and ethical aspects of nursing practice. Starting with the significance of the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) Nurse Practice Act, we outline the legal scope of practice for registered nurses. You’ll learn the key legal concepts of malpractice, negligence, and the standard of care, along with the nurse’s role in mandatory reporting and legal expectations for documentation.

We also explore the importance of HIPAA, particularly as it relates to electronic health records (EHR), and identify behaviors that can lead to HIPAA violations. Further, we discuss how nurses play a pivotal role in patient safety events, informed consent, refusal of treatment, and AMA (Against Medical Advice). To wrap up, we explain the role of advanced directives in patient care and the nurse’s responsibilities related to these legal processes.

This episode is essential for understanding the legal framework within which nurses operate and the importance of protecting patient rights while ensuring compliance with healthcare laws.

All information in this podcast is sourced from ATI and the 2023 edition of Fundamentals of Nursing by Taylor.

In this episode, we explore essential strategies for educating individuals with varying literacy levels and abilities. We begin by identifying practical approaches for teaching low-literacy patients, followed by a discussion of cultural considerations and how they impact learning. Discover tailored teaching strategies for patients with disabilities and special conditions.

We also cover how to select instructional methods and materials that meet the diverse needs of learners, while explaining the key differences between evaluation and assessment. Finally, we walk through how to develop an individualized teaching plan to ensure effective learning outcomes. This episode provides valuable tools for nurses and educators looking to enhance their teaching skills and improve patient education across all learning styles and abilities.

All information in this podcast is sourced from ATI and the 2023 edition of Fundamentals of Nursing by Taylor.

In this episode, we focus on effective methods for assessing learners in the nursing field. We begin by discussing how to identify cues of readiness to learn and how developmental stages influence learning processes. You’ll gain insights into the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial factors that shape learning and explore the role of motivation and how to assess it.

We also differentiate between the three learning domains—cognitive, affective, and psychomotor—and demonstrate how to write measurable, behavioral objectives for each domain. Whether you’re a nursing educator or a student, this episode equips you with practical strategies to enhance learning outcomes in nursing education.

All information in this podcast is sourced from ATI and the 2023 edition of Fundamentals of Nursing by Taylor.

In this episode, we break down the essential skill of critical thinking in nursing and its vital role in decision-making, delegation, and care planning. We explore the nursing process (AAPIE) and how it aligns with critical judgment to provide the best patient outcomes. You’ll learn about the cyclical nature of the nursing process and how patients play an integral role in care plan development.

We also cover how to differentiate between subjective and objective assessment data, analyze and interpret information, and write effective outcome statements. Understand the differences between nurse-initiated, physician-initiated, and collaborative interventions, and how to effectively consult with other disciplines for comprehensive patient care.

In addition, this episode dives into principles of prioritization, delegation, and care assignment, while outlining the steps to evaluate, revise, or discontinue care plans. We also explain how the evaluation process ties into quality improvement efforts and discuss the various leadership styles in nursing. Whether you’re a nursing student or a practicing nurse, this episode provides a deep dive into critical thinking for better patient care and professional growth.

All information in this podcast is sourced from ATI and the 2023 edition of Fundamentals of Nursing by Taylor.

In this episode, we explore the rich history of nursing and its development into the profession it is today. We’ll compare and contrast various nursing theories and conceptual models, giving you insight into the foundational frameworks that guide modern nursing practice.

Next, we dive into the different healthcare settings and the vital roles nurses play within them. We also discuss the development of key nursing organizations, their purposes, and how they have shaped the profession.

For nursing students, we outline the professional behaviors expected in practice and education, and we review the AACN’s nine essentials of baccalaureate nursing education. We also touch on conflict management strategies, recognizing their impact on fostering positive outcomes in the healthcare environment.

Finally, we examine the components of therapeutic communication, the dangers of uncivil behavior on patient safety, and the influence of implicit bias on patient care and professional interactions. This episode offers valuable knowledge for both students and professionals dedicated to advancing in the nursing field.

All information in this podcast is sourced from ATI and the 2023 edition of Fundamentals of Nursing by Taylor.

Dive into the critical aspects of oxygenation and perfusion in this episode of our nursing series. We start by outlining the structure and function of the cardiopulmonary system, explaining key physiological processes like ventilation, respiration, and perfusion. Understand the consequences of conditions such as hyperventilation, hypoventilation, hypoxemia, and altered cardiac output on clinical outcomes.

We further explore how a patient’s level of health, age, lifestyle, and environmental factors influence oxygenation and perfusion. This episode also provides a comprehensive look at appropriate nursing diagnoses for patients experiencing impaired oxygenation or perfusion.

Lastly, discover effective nursing care interventions designed to promote oxygenation across different care settings—from primary and acute care to restorative and continuing care environments. Whether you’re a student learning the fundamentals or a healthcare professional seeking to enhance patient care, this episode offers essential insights into managing and improving patient oxygenation.

All information in this podcast is sourced from ATI and the 2023 edition of Fundamentals of Nursing by Taylor.

🩺 For Anyone About to Start Core – Stuff That Actually Helped Me

Starting core can be overwhelming, so I wanted to share a list of things I got that I’ve actually used throughout the program. None of this is required.

Clinical Essentials

Hand sanitizer (always keep one on you) https://amzn.to/4rgy62X

Penlight (neuro checks, pupil assessments) https://amzn.to/4qzr0GE

Badge Setup

Student nurse badge (vertical) https://amzn.to/4qBMLFL

Badge reference cards (vertical) https://amzn.to/4qF5wbl

Student nurse badge (horizontal) https://amzn.to/4jZFIV2

Badge reference cards (horizontal) https://amzn.to/4sWxcdk

Clinical Tools

Foldable clipboard (absolute must for clinicals) https://amzn.to/4jUwvNy

Pen/pencil combo https://amzn.to/4k4ZcaY

Clinical report notepad https://amzn.to/3ZxaET2

Mini sharpies https://amzn.to/4bXP5Cq

Mini highlighters https://amzn.to/4pUp9LD

Stethoscope

Littmann stethoscope (used every semester) https://amzn.to/4reKtMR

Study Help

Level Up RN flashcards set (great for quick reviews)

https://amzn.to/4qJ3CXo

Everyone has different preferences, but these items stayed useful for me from the start of core through the program. Hope this helps make the transition a little smoother. Good luck, you’ve got this 💙🩺