Have you ever wondered what causes chest pain in adolescents or how to handle frequent ear infections in under-vaccinated infants? In today's episode, Anna and I dive into some fascinating pediatric case studies that highlight important clinical concepts for nurse practitioners, discussing conditions like precordial catch syndrome, febrile seizures, and celiac disease.

Expand your knowledge of pediatric care and feel more confident the next time you encounter one of these challenging clinical scenarios in your practice. We explore the key signs and symptoms to look out for, along with the most appropriate diagnostic tests and management strategies.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/3-pediatric-case-studies/

Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between dementia and delirium in older patients? In today's episode, Anna and I dive into two fascinating case studies that highlight the key clinical reasoning skills needed to properly diagnose and treat cognitive changes in the elderly.

Sharpen your clinical acumen and feel more confident the next time you encounter an older patient with signs of cognitive impairment. We walk you through the step-by-step process of evaluating and conducting diagnostic workups for cognitive changes and key considerations to keep in mind to avoid misdiagnosis.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/approach-cognitive-changes-elderly/

As real-deal Nurse Practitioners, delivering bad news to patients is an inevitable part of the job that we must be prepared for. But how can we have these difficult conversations in a way that provides clarity and compassion to our patients?

Anna and I are here this week to share tips on how to prepare yourself before the conversation, create a supportive environment, explain things clearly, and help your patient process the news. Learn our top tips for navigating one of the most challenging aspects of being a healthcare provider with grace and empathy, so you feel equipped to support your patients through life-altering diagnoses and prognoses.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/empathy-clarity-supporting-patients-tough-times/

If the legal jargon in your contract leaves you feeling scared and intimidated, you're not alone. Sure, you want to make sure you're being adequately compensated through your salary, but what about work-life balance or the goals you want to achieve in your new position? Having your own back through this process is challenging, and that's why Anna and I are here to share our top tips when it comes to navigating your employment contract.

Join us on this episode to discover what you must consider regarding your employment contract. Hear some of the most important questions Anna and I recommend asking before you sign to ensure you have the real-deal Nurse Practitioner experience you're looking for.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/employment-contract/

Anna and I are doing something new this week that we think you'll love. We're taking a slightly different approach to highlighting important clinical practice by sharing two patient vignettes we've encountered in our own clinical practice. We hope these scenarios help you become the best Nurse Practitioner possible.

Join us on this episode as we share two different patient vignettes and explain why we believe cases like these are invaluable learning tools. Hear why there can sometimes be a gap between what you studied and real-life practice, how you can better serve your patients, and our top lessons learned from these two cases.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/patient-vignettes-hidden-challenges/

There have been quite a few updates to certain vaccinations over the past several years, so Anna and I are here this week to review these important updates with you. Regardless of the population you care for, these vaccines are ones you'll see in your clinical rotations or in practice, and you'll probably be asked about them by your patients.

Tune in this week to learn the updates in indication, administration schedule, and important patient education guidance concerning RSV, COVID, pneumococcal, and meningococcal vaccinations.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/vaccination-updates-covid/

In honor of Pride Month this June, Anna is here this week to talk about inclusivity and how to exemplify that for the LGBTQIA+ community in healthcare. The LGBTQIA+ community is twice as likely to report discrimination by a healthcare provider than non-LGBTQIA+ people, among other chronic stressors that lead to stigmatization. As real-deal NPs, you want all patients to feel welcome and safe, and in this episode, Anna is offering ideas for how you can create an inclusive healthcare environment.

Learn the main pillars of LGBTQIA+ healthcare and some important terms and distinctions in terminology. Anna is sharing some of the disparities the LGBTQIA+ community faces in healthcare, and her top tips for becoming a more inclusive clinician.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/lgbtqia-principles-healthcare/

Advanced care planning is about your patients planning for the care they want in advance, just in case they become so seriously ill that they're unable to advocate for themselves. While it's vital for you to have these conversations with your patients, it often feels overwhelming and intimidating, especially if you're getting ready to head out into practice for the first time.

Anna and I walk you through everything you need to know about advanced care planning. We're giving you a better understanding of what it is and the considerations you must be aware of, and we're also sharing some useful resources that will help you navigate difficult conversations.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/advanced-care-planning/

Over the past couple of years, weight loss medications like Ozempic have skyrocketed in popularity, having gained the attention of celebrities and social media influencers for their seemingly magical weight loss powers. As a real-deal Nurse Practitioner, you must understand how these medications work in the body and how to safely prescribe them, and Anna and I are here to share everything you need to know.

Learn what GLP-1 agonists do, the benefits of medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, and the side effects you must educate your patients on. We're exploring some of the predicaments that come from its high demand and popularity right now, and how to be a safe prescriber in practice and stay up-to-date with changing guidelines.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/clinicians-guide-weight-loss-medications/

You can probably remember how intimidating and overwhelming it was in your very first job as a new nurse, and starting out in your Nurse Practitioner career is no different. You're learning new skills with a higher level of responsibility and liability, so if you're not yet walking around with the confidence of a seasoned NP, you're not alone.

Anna and I offer our top tips for increasing your confidence in clinical rotations. Learn why improving your communication skills is the best place to start, our advice when it comes to asking for help, and how to seek out the mentors you need for support along the way.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/boost-confidence-clinical-rotations/