Have you had that "wait… I'm the provider now" moment yet? The first year as an NP is one of the biggest professional shifts you'll ever make, and it can feel both empowering and overwhelming at the same time.

In this episode, Courtney and I break down what transitioning from student to practicing NP really looks like, from orientation expectations and charting struggles to imposter syndrome and building clinical confidence. We share what's normal, what to advocate for, and how to survive that steep learning curve with safety and structure at the center.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/first-year-as-an-NP

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

TSH questions on your NP boards aren't meant to trick you, but they do test whether you understand the pattern behind thyroid labs. In this minisode, I review the normal TSH range, explain the inverse relationship between TSH and free T3 and T4, and walk through how to identify hypo versus hyperthyroidism so you can confidently interpret thyroid questions on exam day.

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

Have you ever thought, "Why didn't anyone tell me this sooner?" That feeling is incredibly common as you move from NP school into real practice.

In this episode, Courtney and I share the lessons we wish we had known earlier, including what boards actually prepare you for, how to handle imposter syndrome, and why asking questions makes you a safer clinician, not a weaker one.

This conversation is here to reassure you that learning on the job is normal, growth takes time, and you don't have to have everything figured out to be a great nurse practitioner.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/lessons-from-experienced-nps

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

Hemoglobin A1c is one of the most high-yield lab values you'll see on NP boards and in real life. In this minisode, I review its alternate names, the key A1c cutoff and goal values, and how boards expect you to use trends to decide when treatment needs to be adjusted.

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

When you're preparing for NP boards, screening guidelines can seem a little dry, but these recommendations show up consistently on exams and form the foundation of primary care practice.

In this episode, Courtney and I run through an overview of the adult screening recommendations you'll need to know for primary care NP boards, leaning heavily on USPSTF recommendations.

Discover how to think through screening questions without getting lost in the nitty gritty detail.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/primary-care-screening-guidelines-pass-np-boards

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

It's winter, which means full-blown sick season is here. In this minisode, Kaitlyn and Courtney break down three simple ways to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections and teach how to explain your clinical reasoning to patients in a way that helps them feel heard.

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

Hypertension is one of the most heavily tested topics on NP board exams, but recent guideline updates can make it hard to know what you actually need to focus on.

In this episode, I walk you through how to think about hypertension guidelines when you're preparing for boards, including what's still being tested and what's changing in real-world practice.

Learn how to study with clarity and avoid confusion around guideline updates.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/hypertension-guidelines-np-boards-matters-exam-vs-practice Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

Studying during the holidays can feel overwhelming. In this minisode, I share practical study hacks to help you stay consistent without burning out, including how to use micro-study sessions and create a realistic study schedule.

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

As the holidays arrive, it can feel hard to slow down when NP school, board prep, or work is still weighing on your mind.

In this short episode, I share why rest isn't just okay during the holidays; it's actually part of the process. And as we look ahead to a new year, this episode invites you to reset your mindset and refocus on what really matters.

You'll walk away encouraged to set realistic goals - and reconnect with why you started this journey in the first place.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/rest-reset-refocus-holiday-mindset-nurse-practitioners Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

When you're gearing up for your board exam, practice questions are one of the most powerful tools you can use - but only if you're using them the right way. In this minisode, Courtney and I answer common questions about practice questions, like how many to do each day and what scores you should be aiming for in practice exams.

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial