Learn Nursing 101

In this Pediatrics episode, we walk through Chapter 1, which introduces the foundations of pediatric nursing and the unique principles that guide care for children and their families. We’ll review key concepts such as family-centered care, atraumatic care, health promotion, disease prevention, and the nurse’s role in advocacy and ethical decision-making. You’ll also hear how developmental stages, social factors, and health disparities shape pediatric care, along with how nurses support physical, emotional, and psychosocial well-being across childhood. It’s a clear, focused introduction to pediatric nursing that helps build a strong foundation for future chapters and clinical practice. 

Source: All information in this podcast is based on Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing

This Week 5 review covers a wide range of complications that can arise during pregnancy, with a focus on assessment, medical and nursing management, and discharge teaching. Guided by Professor Ureno’s materials, we’ll review high-risk concerns like preterm labor, PROM, chorioamnionitis, incompetent cervix, and multiple gestations. You’ll also get an overview of complex conditions such as hyperemesis gravidarum, cholestasis, hypertensive disorders (including preeclampsia and HELLP), diabetes, placenta abnormalities, and infections like STIs, TORCH, and Group B Strep. Medications like magnesium sulfate, corticosteroids, and insulin are discussed alongside nursing priorities and client education. This is your one-stop review for managing maternal complications and ensuring safe outcomes for both patient and baby.

🩺 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 💙🩺

In this episode, we review how to assess fetal well-being during labor using both noninvasive and invasive methods. Starting with Leopold maneuvers to determine fetal position, we then break down intermittent auscultation and continuous electronic fetal monitoring—including when to use each and how to interpret what you see and hear. You’ll learn how to classify fetal heart rate patterns, evaluate uterine contractions, and apply the right interventions for both reassuring and nonreassuring signs. We also cover internal fetal monitoring, including its benefits, risks, and nursing responsibilities. This episode is essential for anyone prepping for clinical decision-making in labor and delivery.

This episode focuses on pain management strategies during labor, based on ATI Chapter 12. We break down the different types of pain experienced in each stage of labor—from visceral and somatic pain to tissue trauma—and how anxiety and fear can affect labor progression. You’ll learn how to assess pain effectively using both verbal reports and nonverbal cues, and how to support patients with non-pharmacological methods like breathing, massage, positioning, and imagery. We also cover pharmacological options, including sedatives, opioids, epidurals, and spinal anesthesia—highlighting indications, side effects, and the nursing responsibilities that come with each. This is a critical review for keeping labor safe, supportive, and patient-centered.

This episode breaks down the essentials of early onset labor, including preterm labor and prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM), with a close look at preterm PROM. You’ll learn how to identify risk factors, assess symptoms, and interpret key diagnostics like fetal fibronectin and cervical length. We also review core nursing interventions—such as activity restriction, hydration, and infection control—and go over medications like tocolytics (nifedipine, magnesium sulfate, terbutaline) and corticosteroids like betamethasone to help prepare fetal lungs. You’ll also get tips on client teaching and monitoring for complications. This is a must-listen for understanding the nursing role in managing premature labor and protecting maternal-fetal outcomes.

In this episode, we explore key medical conditions that can develop during pregnancy, as outlined in ATI Chapter 9. You’ll learn how to recognize and manage cervical insufficiency, including risk factors, ultrasound diagnosis, and cerclage procedures. We’ll also cover hyperemesis gravidarum—its impact on fetal well-being, lab findings, and nursing interventions. The review continues with iron-deficiency anemia, focusing on assessment and treatment with diet and iron supplements, followed by an in-depth look at gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension. From diagnostics to medications and client education, this episode provides the clinical insight needed to deliver safe, responsive nursing care.

In this episode, we review the key maternal infections that can occur during pregnancy, focusing on prevention, early detection, and appropriate treatment to protect both mother and fetus. Based on ATI Chapter 8, we’ll cover screening recommendations and clinical management for infections like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis, and Group B strep, as well as TORCH infections, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and COVID-19. We break down risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnostic testing, and treatment options—emphasizing which medications are safe during pregnancy. This is a critical review for exam prep, clinical safety, and patient education.

In this episode, we focus on bleeding complications during pregnancy, broken down by trimester. You’ll learn about spontaneous abortion—including its types, risk factors, and clinical signs—as well as ectopic pregnancy, with emphasis on diagnosis and emergency management. We also explore gestational trophoblastic disease and its nursing care, plus critical third-trimester complications like placenta previa, abruptio placentae, and vasa previa. This episode highlights maternal and fetal risks, expected findings, and how to respond quickly with appropriate interventions. If you’re preparing for exams or need a solid clinical review, this is a must-listen for recognizing and managing high-risk pregnancy scenarios.

In this episode, we cover Chapter 7: infections that can impact pregnancy, labor, and fetal development. You’ll learn about key pathogens—such as TORCH infections, Group B Streptococcus, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and more—and how they affect maternal and neonatal outcomes. We’ll review signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, recommended treatments, and nursing interventions for each infection. This episode also emphasizes the importance of prevention, patient education, and routine prenatal screening. Whether you’re studying for your next exam or preparing for OB clinicals, this chapter review will help you recognize red flags and prioritize safe, evidence-based nursing care.

This Week 4 review dives into the fundamentals of neonatal care and nutrition. We cover the newborn’s transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life, reviewing the physiological changes in systems like respiratory, circulatory, metabolic, and immune. You’ll learn how to recognize and respond to issues like respiratory distress, cold stress, and jaundice, and reinforce your understanding of newborn assessments, vital signs, and nursing interventions. The episode also touches on newborn procedures such as immunizations and circumcision, as well as key lab screenings. We wrap up with education strategies for families on safe sleep, breastfeeding, formula feeding, and overall care at home. This is your go-to review for mastering the first week of life.