NP in Progress

What began as a heart failure lecture during orientation week ended up shifting my entire perspective on patient care. In this episode, Dr. Haunnah Rheault returns-not just to a closed group of students, but back into my life, and now into yours-for anyone to experience the inspiring and knowledgeable human she is.

She also shares openly about a clinical error, showing the kind of vulnerability and reflection that turns a mistake into meaningful growth. We break down heart failure red flags, diagnostic blind spots, and her unforgettable approach to teaching students to “get into the ventricle” to truly understand disease. This conversation goes beyond the textbook-covering clinical reasoning, mentorship, NP-led care models, and the kind of learning that stays with you long after the podcast ends.

Websites discussed in episode:

In this episode, Dr. Sahan Bandara discusses his journey into respiratory medicine, emphasising the unique blend of acute and chronic care within the specialty. He shares his take on clinical reasoning, the importance of history taking, and differentiating between various respiratory conditions. The discussion also covers diagnostic tools, management strategies, and emerging trends in asthma treatment, highlighting the evolving landscape of respiratory care

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Michelle Cooper shares her unique journey from nursing to becoming a general surgeon, emphasising the importance of clinical reasoning and the holistic care approach. The discussion delves into the critical differences of the clinical features between acute and chronic abdominal pain, effective clinical assessment techniques, and the role of diagnostic tests in surgical practice. Michelle provides valuable information into abdominal pain and highlights the importance of clinical examination over imaging in many cases. The conversation concludes with practical clinical pearls for NP students.

In this conversation, I interviewed Ben Leamont, an emergency nurse practitioner specialising in toxicology. We discuss Ben's journey from a registered nurse to a nurse practitioner, the intricacies of toxicology, and the importance of risk assessment and physical examination in managing poisoned patients. Ben shares insights into his daily responsibilities, the supportive environment at his workplace, and the significance of mentorship in his career development. In this conversation, Ben discusses various aspects of toxicology, including the management of anticholinergic delirium and methamphetamine intoxication. He emphasises the importance of clinical reasoning in navigating complex cases and highlights the value of mentorship in his learning journey. Ben shares memorable cases that shaped his understanding of toxicology and offers advice for aspiring nurse practitioners, encouraging them to pursue their goals without delay.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2812429

In this episode, Amy Bowen shares her journey from registered nurse to nurse practitioner, offering her perspective of the challenges and rewards of working in aged care. She explores the importance of hospital avoidance, for patients in residential age care facilities and continuity of care. We also discuss the critical role of teaching and mentoring for nurse practitioner students. Amy delves into the complexities of dementia care, the nuances of family palliative care communication, and the delicate nature of end-of-life discussions. With a strong emphasis on empathy, understanding, and effective documentation, she also highlights the necessity of upskilling nursing staff within aged care to enhance patient-centred care. This conversation underscores the vital role of healthcare professionals in advocating for their patient's dignity, wishes, and overall well-being.

Dr. Nicola Cooper author of ABC of Clinical Reasoning joins NP in Progress to explore clinical reasoning, medical education, and diagnostic decision-making. They discuss the role of deliberate practice, illness scripts, and the differences between forward and backward reasoning. The conversation delves into cognitive biases, diagnostic errors, and the limitations of tests, highlighting the importance of precise language in problem representation. They also examine effective teaching strategies, including microlearning, checklists, and positive reinforcement, while advocating for compassionate leadership and systematic approaches to clinical reasoning to improve patient care.

Creme website: https://www.creme.org.uk

Case studies:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10281853/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9979919/

Join me as Sarah Hall takes us through her journey from RN to paediatric nurse practitioner, sharing the lessons learned in critical care and chronic disease management. She delves into the art of clinical reasoning, the value of mentorship, and the role of gut instincts in diagnosing complex cases. From assessing what normal is to persistent fevers and finally recognising unusual symptoms, Sarah breaks down key paediatric diagnostic principles, including the three I’s—infection, inflammation, and injury. Whether you’re an aspiring NP or an experienced clinician, this episode offers valuable insights into career growth, patient advocacy, and the evolving role of technology in healthcare.

This conversation explores the significance of effective communication in healthcare, the evolution of medical education, and the role of simulation training in developing clinical skills. Doctor Victoria Brazil explores the importance and concept of clinical reasoning, the need for feedback in clinical practice, and the potential for reimagining medical training to better prepare healthcare professionals for real-world challenges. This conversation delves into the critical aspects of patient follow-up, the role of simulation in medical training, and the integration of learning with practice. It emphasises the importance of understanding clinical biases and learning from both mistakes and successes in clinical reasoning. The discussion also highlights strategies for healthcare professionals to enhance their learning and improve patient outcomes. This episode is not to be missed

In this conversation, Lynne Willis shares her extensive journey as a nurse practitioner, detailing her experiences from training in the UK to working in Australia. She discusses the challenges she faced in transitioning to a new healthcare system, the importance of cultural competence in Indigenous healthcare, and the evolution of her clinical reasoning skills. Lynne emphasises the significance of mentorship, reflection, and continuous learning in nursing, while also sharing real-life clinical scenarios that tested her skills and decision-making processes. In this conversation, Yasmine and Lynne discuss the importance of continuous learning and experience in the medical field, particularly for nurse practitioners. They explore the challenges of effective problem representation in clinical settings, the significance of learning from past mistakes, and Lynne provides some valuable advice for aspiring nurse practitioners. The discussion emphasises the need for clear communication, thorough patient assessment, and the importance of seeking help when needed.

In this episode, Yasmine Sherriff sits down with Kate Dale, a nurse practitioner with a specialty in trauma care. Kate takes us through her inspiring journey, from her roots in emergency nursing to the creation of a unique role as a trauma nurse practitioner. She shares insights into the critical importance of trauma follow-up care, the structured approach to trauma assessment, and the complexities of balancing responsibilities in both emergency and trauma settings. Kate also reflects on impactful clinical experiences and offers invaluable advice for aspiring nurse practitioners, highlighting the importance of practice, patience, and lifelong learning in the nursing profession.