NP Pulse: The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner (AANP)

128. 2024 AANP Practice and Compensation Reports Oct 23, 2024

On this episode of NP Pulse, our guests are the American Association of Nurse Practitioner’s® (AANP) Vice President of Research Kate Bradley and research analyst Mitch Sellers, who join host Sophia Thomas to discuss AANP’s recently released compensation and practice reports. Together, they explore what kind of information is available in both reports; detail some of the most important findings regarding compensation; and explain why it’s important for all nurse practitioners (NPs) to access and use this data.

Download the 2024 AANP Practice and Compensation Reports here.

127. Medicare Part D: Big Changes Coming in 2025 Oct 09, 2024

As we approach Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, NP Pulse welcomes AANP’s president elect Valerie Fuller to discuss the big changes that have happened — and will happen starting Jan. 1 of 2025— to Medicare Part D. Learn how seniors can opt in to the program and what changes will be taking place with regard to costs for medications, vaccines and more.

This podcast is made possible by PhRMA.

126. Unlocking Hypertension Control: The Role of Renal Denervation (CE) Sep 25, 2024

Hypertension (HTN) is a leading cause of death and disability in nearly half of all Americans. Alarmingly, almost 50% of individuals with HTN are unaware of their condition, and only about 20% have it under proper medical control. Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a crucial role in managing HTN, particularly in patient communication, shared decision-making and clinical expertise. On today’s episode, Dr. Leslie Davis and Maria Bonanni explore how renal denervation (RDN) reduces hypertension, and discuss clinical trials, patient selection and recent regulatory approvals. They also highlight the NP’s role in screening and educating patients about RDN through shared decision-making.

A participation code will be given at the END of the podcast - make sure to write this code down. Once you've listened to the podcast and have the participation code, return to this activity in the CE Center. Click on the "Next Steps" button of the activity and

Enter the participation code that was provided
Complete the post-test
Complete the activity evaluation.
This will award your CE credit and certificate of completion.1.0 CE, through 09/30/25.

This activity is supported by an independent medical educational grant from Medtronic

125. Neurodivergence: An Autistic NP's Lived Experience Sep 11, 2024

Recorded live at the 2024 AANP National Conference, this episode of NP Pulse features a conversation with North Carolina-based nurse practitioner (NP), Meriah Ward, DNP, FNP-BC. Ward was diagnosed with autism in their thirties, and they are now sharing what they’ve learned as both a patient and provider to help inform other NPs as to how they can best treat individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

124. COPD: Mining New Guidelines for Clinical Gold (CE) Sep 06, 2024

More than 19 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Yet, due to the underdiagnosis and underreporting of symptoms which should be red-flag indicators of risk and the need for further investigation by health care providers, the prevalence of COPD is known to be much higher. Nurse practitioners (NPs) must be familiar with recent changes in diagnostic and treatment guidelines to impact the high burden of COPD and the significant amount of preventable complications which contribute to more than one-half million hospitalizations, 1.3 million emergency department visits and over 49.9 billion in annual health care costs in the U.S..

This accredited podcast and accompanying clinical resource tool is intended to help NPs:

Recognize the diagnosis, assessment and treatment recommendations as delineated in the latest COPD guidelines, including the major changes introduced in the 2024 GOLD report.
Differentiate the different treatment modalities for COPD and know when to use each treatment depending on patient group.
Compare the emerging treatment modalities currently under investigation for the management of COPD.

A participation code will be given at the END of the podcast - make sure to write this code down. Once you've listened to the podcast and have the participation code, return to this activity in the CE Center. Click on the "Next Steps" button of the activity and

Enter the participation code that was provided
Complete the post-test
Complete the activity evaluation.

This will award your CE credit and certificate of completion.1.0 CE, 0.5 RX, through 9/3/25.

Click here to register for this activity.

This program is supported in part by an independent medical educational grant from Mylan Specialty L.P., a Viatris Company.

123. Don't Miss the Signs: Early Recognition and Management of Tardive Dyskinesia (CE) Aug 28, 2024

Don’t miss the Signs: Early Recognition and Management of Tardive Dyskinesia

In this episode, Amber Hoberg and Dr. Jennifer Sampang bring us an engaging discussion on the complexities of tardive dyskinesia, the significance of early detection and treatment, and the considerable burden it has on patients. As they unwind the mysteries of TD, we get a better understanding of the importance of being vigilant and proactive in detecting it and keeping our patients informed and involved in their treatment plans. Together, through early recognition, informed discussions, and shared decision-making, we can mitigate the impact of TD and improve the lives of those affected. Additionally, a Tardive Dyskinesia Point-of-Care tool will be available on AANP’s Tools and Resources page.

To earn 1.0 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credit, you will need the participation code provided at the end of the podcast. To claim your CE credit, log in and register for the activity within the AANP CE Center log in and register for the activity within the AANP CE Center, then enter the participation code and complete the posttest and evaluation. CE credit is available for this podcast through August 2025.

This educational activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

122. Don’t be Rash: Mastering Penicillin Allergies Aug 21, 2024

NP Pulse returns this week with guest Alexander Wrynn, whose presentation at the 2024 AANP National Conference was entitled “Don’t be Rash: Mastering Penicillin Allergies.” With host Sophia Thomas, Wrynn discusses classifying and managing penicillin allergies, and walks us through what he has learned in his practice about self-reported allergies to this antibiotic.

121. The Sunday Scaries: Evaluating & Treating Anxiety Aug 07, 2024

Mississippi-based nurse practitioner (NP) Shonda Phelon first encountered the term "Sunday Scaries" from her daughter, who expressed a dread at the weekend ending and the the approaching workweek. Phelon, an expert on anxiety, further explores and discusses how older millennials and Generation Z experience anxiety differently than other generations, and details several ways anxiety can be screened, understood and managed.

120. Ticked Off: Myths, Truths and Realities of Tick- Borne Disease Jul 24, 2024

Returning guest Vanessa Pomarico-Denino joins host Sophia Thomas to discuss tick-borne illnesses on this episode of NP Pulse, recorded live at the 2024 AANP National Conference. As to why she’s brining awareness to the topic of tick-borne diseases, Pomarico-Denino says: “When you become a consumer of an infection, you then become an expert.” Pomarico-Denino was hospitalized for 28 days with a tick infection and is now committed to sharing what all of us need to know about ticks, and the illnesses — which include but are not limited to Lyme disease — that these tiny parasites spread. She also explores some of the symptoms of tick-borne disease, like body aches, nausea and malaise, and shares tips on repelling and even removing ticks that have found their way into the skin.

119. Your Reno Highlight: Lifesaving Training For All NPs Jul 10, 2024

On this episode of NP Pulse, Sophia talks with Dr. John Russell, who has dedicated his career to helping advance the NP role by offering a variety of skill-enhancing courses through his company Skills on Point. One of the exciting courses offered by Russell’s company is the upcoming Hospital and Emergency Procedure Course taking place on Sept. 18 in Reno, Nevada — one day before the official start of the 2024 AANP Fall Conference. The course includes training for the inpatient, emergency and transport settings, and could be a game changer for the NP looking to advance their career. Life learners with all experience levels will appreciate John's hands-on approach to learning — and the excellent value presented in this all-day, immersive course.

118. Hepatitis A&B Prevention by Vaccines: Strategies for Overcoming Barriers to Care (CE) Jul 03, 2024

Hepatitis A and B combined cause chronic disease leading to the deaths of more than 1.3 million people across the globe. Despite widely available and effective vaccines, the vaccine rates for eligible adults are insufficient to achieve the U.S. goal of reducing new infections by 2030. In this edition of NP Pulse, nurse practitioners (NPs) Audrey Stevenson and Jessica Crimaldi review adult and child vaccination programs, the eligibility status of adults, which populations are most at risk for infection, the NP’s role in promoting vaccines and solutions for vaccines during outbreaks. Finally, NPs will be called upon as vaccine champions in their communities.

*This is an accredited podcast*

Learners desiring CE credit should listen for the participation code at the end of this podcast. In order to access this course, please visit the AANP CE Center.

Additional materials (Provider tool and Patient tool) may be found at:
NP Tool
Patient Tool

Funder statement: This educational activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from GSK.

117. Meningococcal Vaccine: Prevention of Meningococcal Disease in Adolescents and Young Adults (CE) Jun 26, 2024

On this episode of NP Pulse: The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, Drs. Mary Koslap-Petraco and Ruth Carrico will discuss meningococcal disease, the maze of meningococcal vaccines, ACIP recommendations and the use of shared clinical decision-making. Meningococcal disease — a life-threatening infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis — demands our attention. It strikes swiftly, leaving devastation in its wake. Still, we have powerful tools at our disposal: MenACWY and MenB vaccines, and a new, game-changing pentavalent vaccine that covers serogroups A, B, C, W and Y. Additionally, a meningitis point-of-care tool will be available on AANP’s Tools and Resources page.

To earn 1.0 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credit, you will need the participation code provided at the end of the podcast. To claim your CE credit, log in and register for the activity within the AANP CE Center, then enter the participation code and complete the post-test and evaluation. CE credit is available for this podcast through June 2025.

This educational activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from GSK.

116. AANP Goes Worldwide: Talking International Memberships Jun 12, 2024

Earlier this year, AANP announced the opening of international memberships — the culmination of years of work to extend the benefits of our membership to NPs and APNs living outside of the U.S. To speak with us today about the creation of international memberships, the benefits of joining AANP as an international member and some of the goals of the international membership program is Liz Messner, Vice President of Membership at AANP.

115. Prioritizing Women’s Health: Testing and Treatment Updates for NPs (CE) May 29, 2024

Nurse practitioners (NPs) in a wide variety of settings are key to the identification and treatment of numerous conditions affecting women of all ages. As guidelines change — and occasionally seem to conflict — NPs must be able to individualize guidance for screening, testing and treatment using the most current recommendations and a shared approach to decision making.

In this second of a two-part series, women’s health expert faculty Kahlil Demonbreun, Lisa Chism and Nancy Berman discuss key updates in women’s health, including guidelines related to sexual desire disorders, vasomotor symptoms of menopause, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, overactive bladder and abnormal uterine bleeding (including anemia).

Today’s podcast is intended as a broad overview of the most recent changes.

To earn 1.0 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credit, you will need the participation code provided at the end of the podcast. To claim your CE credit, log in and register for the activity within the AANP CE Center, then enter the participation code and complete the post-test and evaluation. CE credit is available for this podcast through May 2025.

114. Prioritizing Women’s Health: Screening Recommendation Updates for NPs (CE) May 15, 2024

Nurse practitioners (NPs) in a wide variety of settings are key to the identification and treatment of numerous conditions affecting women of all ages. As guidelines change — and occasionally seem to conflict — NPs must be able to individualize guidance to screening, testing and treatment using the most current recommendations and a shared approach to decision making.

In the first of a two-part series, women’s health expert faculty Kahlil Demonbreun, Lisa Chism and Nancy Berman discuss key updates in women’s health, including guidelines related to cervical cancer screening and testing, osteoporosis and breast health. Today’s podcast is intended as a broad overview of the most recent changes.

To earn 1.25 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credit, you will need the participation code provided at the end of the podcast. To claim your CE credit, log in and register for the activity within the AANP CE Center, then enter the participation code and complete the post-test and evaluation. CE credit is available for this podcast through May 2025.

113. Plan Ahead for Hypoglycemia May 08, 2024

In this podcast, diabetes experts Debbie Hinnen and Dr. Shannon Idzik provide an overview of hypoglycemia, its treatments and the critical importance of having a plan in place for your patients to manage hypoglycemia when it occurs. They discuss the use of an educational tool that you can use to provide education about hypoglycemia with your patients and to establish an individualized, written plan for them to prepare for and manage hypoglycemia. Print this hypoglycemia resource tool, listen in and follow along as diabetes experts Hinnen and Idzik prepare you to ensure that all of your patients at risk have a hypoglycemia plan in place. To earn 1.0 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credit, you will need the participation code provided at the end of the podcast. To claim your CE credit, log in and register for the activity within the AANP CE Center, then enter the participation code and complete the post-test and evaluation. CE credit is available for this podcast through May 2025. This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

112. Ovarian Cancer: What Not To Miss And How To Identify Those At High Risk (CE) May 01, 2024

Speakers, Sarah Rossi, NP, and Lauren Mahon, NP, review identification of ovarian cancer and initial work up for patients suspected to have ovarian cancer in this dynamic and informative podcast.

To earn 0.5 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credit, you will need the participation code provided at the end of the podcast. To claim your CE credit, log in and register for the activity within the AANP CE Center, then enter the participation code, and complete the post test and evaluation. CE credit is available for this podcast through May 2025.

This podcast developed and funded by AANP.

111. A Rumble in the Tummy: Identifying Patients with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Apr 24, 2024

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is a condition caused by damage to the pancreas that results in reduced capability to produce or deliver digestive enzymes which break down fats, carbohydrates or proteins — or to a decrease in the enzyme activity in the small intestine. EPI is most commonly associated with chronic pancreatitis (in adults), cystic fibrosis (in children), diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) and other etiologies such as acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer or resection, celiac and Crohn’s disease. Consequently, individuals with EPI may suffer malnutrition and fat-soluble vitamin deficiency; loss of bone mass; growth and immune deficiencies; and may experience poorer outcomes such as longer hospital stays and lower survival rates of underlying medical conditions secondary to malnutrition.

Listen to guests Kimberly Kearns MS, APRN, ANP-BC and Amy Stewart FNP-C discuss EPI on this episode of the official podcast of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP), NP Pulse: The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®

Additionally, two new tools are also available on AANP’s Tools and Resources page in both the Gastroenterology and in the Pulmonology and Respiratory therapeutic areas:

Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) – Patient Guide to diet and lifestyle modifications, and to the self-administration of PERTs to help reduce symptoms including gas, bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea caused by undigested food in the gut.

Diagnosing and Managing Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) – Provider Resource including evaluation of symptoms and common high-risk conditions, diagnostic testing and management goals combining diet, lifestyle and therapies to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Your voice counts here: EPI Podcast Follow Up Survey (surveymonkey.com)

**This podcast is unaccredited.

110. Tackling Military Health In And Beyond The VA Apr 10, 2024

To speak about the environmental and occupational health of veterans from an NP’s perspective, NP Pulse is proud to welcome Lt. Cashmere “Cash” Miller, a U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officer working in the Atlanta VA Health Care System. With host Sophia Thomas, Miller discusses toxic substances, from burn pit particles to Agent Orange, that veterans may have been exposed to while serving. Miller also shares what the PACT Act — an expansion of VA health care for veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military — means to affected patients and their NPs. Finally, Thomas and Miller talk about the importance of whole-person care, and why NPs are crucial to providing the best health care possible to veterans.

109. Modern Weight Loss: The Individualized Journey Mar 27, 2024

Many of us have questions after we step on a scale and see how much we weigh. How closely does that number correlate to our overall health? What is the best way, as nurse practitioners, to talk about weight with patients by emphasizing the positives of exercise and diet without reinforcing obesity bias?

Today’s guest on NP Pulse, AANP’s new Vice President of Professional Practice Dr. Johnnie Sue Wijewardane, walks us through her personal weight loss journey and discusses the pros and cons of surgery, the very topical GLP-1s and even a fascinating aside into yo-yo trends like the “cabbage diet.” With her combination of expert analysis and trademark openness, Wijewardane guides us through the minefield of weight loss over-information into useful takeaways for both nurse practitioners and patients.

For more resources on treating obesity and talking with patients about weight loss, visit aanp.org to find newsfeed articles and CE courses related to the topic.

108. Best Practices for Prescribing and Deprescribing in the Geriatric Population (CE) Mar 13, 2024

Prescribing and deprescribing for the geriatric population can be complex. In this podcast, NP experts Drs. Shantha Franks and Audrey Stevenson will review the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of aging, discuss inappropriate prescribing and the American Geriatrics Society Beer's Criteria, and walk you through the process of deprescribing with use of a case study.

To earn 0.9 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credit, all of which is Rx credit, you will need the participation code provided at the end of the podcast. To claim your CE credit, log in and register for the activity within the AANP CE Center, then enter the participation code and complete the post-test and evaluation. CE credit is available for this podcast through March 2025.

Resources

https://deprescribing.org/resources/

https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/deprescribing-patient-safety-strategy

107. Rare Diseases and the NP (CE) Feb 28, 2024

Rare Disease Day is observed on the last day of February every year. Did you know that there are over 7,000 rare diseases affecting more than 30 million people in the United States? Every nurse practitioner will encounter patients and families affected by rare disease in their practices. On today’s podcast we are joined by NP experts Dr. Stephanie Hosley and Alicia Turner who will discuss the burden and impact of rare disease and provide resources for the NP to provide best care for patients/families affected by rare disease.

To earn 0.9 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credit, you will need the participation code provided at the end of the podcast. To claim your CE credit, log in and register for the activity within the AANP CE Center, then enter the participation code and complete the post-test and evaluation. CE credit is available for this podcast through February 2025.

Resources

NIH Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center

NORD Patient Assistance Programs

Rare Diseases at FDA

Clinical Trials Look-up

106. Four Pillars of Medication for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (CE) Feb 14, 2024

In this episode, Drs. Midge Bowers and Leslie Davis review the four pillars of therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. They outline the role of the NP in reducing the high morbidity and mortality rates by ensuring their patients with HFeRF are offered the latest guideline-recommended treatments.

To claim 1.0 contact hours of CE with 1.0 RX for this activity go to: Four Pillars of Medications for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFeRF) (inreachce.com), enter the participation code provided at the end of the podcast and complete the posttest and evaluation.

Additional Downloadable Resources:

Heart_Failure_Provider_Resource.pdf (aanp.org)

Download this episode's transcript here.

105. Reducing the Burden of AMD: What Primary Care NPs Can Do (CE) Jan 31, 2024

Nurse Practitioners Dr. Tulay Cakiner-Egilmez and Dr. Audrey Stevenson discuss the recognition of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in primary care and the role of the NP along with the recommended treatments and tips to engage patients in the management of their AMD. Go here to claim CE credit for this activity: Reducing the Burden of AMD: What Primary Care NPs Can Do (inreachce.com) Use this link Optimizing Care of Patients with AMD: From Recognition to Treatment (inreachce.com) to take a 1.25 hour CE with 0.5 Rx audiovisual with interactive case studies activity to further your knowledge of AMD recognition and treatment. Download this episode's transcript here.

104. Men's Health with NP Nick Cannone Jan 17, 2024

How can health care providers like nurse practitioners help their male patients feel comfortable coming in for visits and discussing their most intimate issues — including but not limited to erectile dysfunction, low testosterone and more? Joining host Dr. Sophia Thomas on this episode of NP Pulse are Nick Cannone, associate medical director at Maze Men’s Sexual and Reproductive Health, and AANP president Stephen Ferrara. Together, they talk all about men’s health — and make a great case as to why men should be talking about their health, too.

103. Bringing Back Joy: Dealing with Burnout Jan 03, 2024

NPs may already know Dr. Bernadette Melnyk from her numerous appearances in media; her work as a published author and advocate for evidence-based practice; and as a member of the United States Preventive Services Task Force. In this wide-ranging discussion with host Dr. Sophia Thomas on NP Pulse, listeners will get to know Melnyk more personally through her stories of resilience in the face of trauma and her passion for the NP role. If emotions are contagious, as Dr. Melynk believes, be prepared to catch joy and feel grateful along with our guest.

And if you haven't watched already, click here to see Bern on PBS NewsHour on the topic of NP burnout.

102. NP PULSE: Winter Wellness for the Mind and Body Dec 20, 2023

Staying well during the winter season means taking care of the body and the mind. On this episode of NP Pulse, we feature conversations with NPs who can speak to both specialties: Dr. Ruth Carrico is an infectious disease expert, and Dr. Tari Dilks’s focus is on psychiatric and mental health. Together, they discuss breakthroughs in disease prevention; how to combat both airborne and mental illness during the often-stressful holiday season; and what they do to combat stress and remain healthy and happy all year long.

101. Caring For Our Veterans Dec 06, 2023

Drs. Rita F. D’Aoust and Alicia Gill Rossiter, two nurse practitioners and authors on veteran care join NP Pulse to highlight the needs of those that have served our country and the needs of their families. Listen as they discuss the enormous insights a health care provider can gain by simply asking a patient: “Have you ever served?”

Thank you to all our veterans and families of veterans that have served. And a special thank you to the co-founder of the NP role, Dr. Loretta Ford who served in the US Army Air Force. Visit AANP’s news feed to read about Dr. Loretta Ford being honored at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, and visit AANP’s CE Center for activities related to veteran care.

100. Celebrating 100 Episodes Nov 29, 2023

Thanks to all of our dedicated listeners, NP Pulse: The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner® has reached our 100th episode!

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® empowers all nurse practitioners through practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership, also known as P.E.A.R.L. NP Pulse prioritizes this mission by focusing on these values in every conversation featured on the podcast. On this special episode, host Dr. Sophia Thomas is joined by AANP president Dr. Stephen Ferrara to revisit topics and guests beginning with our first episode released in September 2020. Listen to the selected clips showcasing NP leadership, the importance of NP advocacy, sexual health and so much more. In 2024, NP Pulse will continue to produce meaningful content that is important to you and your patients.

Attend the 2024 AANP Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 28 - Jan. 30. Participants make congressional visits, learn from industry experts and earn approximately 16.5 contact hours of continuing education credit.

99.9 NP WEEK: Bringing Joy Nov 18, 2023

Happy NP Week from AANP!

This year the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® is recognizing heroes in health care during National NP Week, and the NP Pulse podcast has devoted the entire week to mini-episodes featuring nurse practitioners (NPs) sharing their stories. In this final NP Week episode, you’ll hear from NP Joy Uduehi who shares her unique journey on becoming a nurse practitioner and her valuable perspective on staying positive throughout the challenges she has faced. Listen and be reminded why nurse practitioners are deserving of all the recognition they receive and more.

Thank you to every Nurse Practitioner listening. Health care and the communities that you serve all greatly benefit from your dedication and expertise and AANP is proud to support and celebrate you.