Straight A Nursing: Study for nursing school exams & NCLEX

Latest Episodes:

#436: MMM - Hemoglobin Levels After Blood Transfusion Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about the expected rise in hemoglobin after blood products are administered, and the best time to draw that lab.

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FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life!

20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide!

All Straight A Nursing Resources - Check out everything Straight A Nursing has to offer, including free resources and online courses to help you succeed!

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The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educational purposes only. No content on this podcast is intended to guide nursing practice and does not supersede any individual healthcare provider's scope of practice or any nursing school curriculum. Additionally, no content on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network.

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#435: Two Cardiac Labs - BNP and Troponin Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

This episode dives into two of the most common cardiac labs you’ll see in both clinical and classroom settings: BNP and troponin.

Hit play on this episode and you’ll learn:

What BNP and troponin measure
How to recognize normal vs abnormal values
What it means when they’re elevated
Clinical examples of how nurses use these labs to guide care

Whether you’re prepping for your med-surg exam, starting clinicals, or just trying to give better SBAR, this episode will help you confidently interpret these two essential cardiac labs.

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Full Transcript- Read the article and view references

Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats including podquizzes, case studies and drills that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh!

Med Surg Solution - Are you looking for a more effective way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics and out-of-this-world study guides.

Crucial Concepts Bootcamp - Start nursing school ahead of the game, or reset after a difficult first semester with my nursing school prep course, Crucial Concepts Bootcamp. Learn key foundation concepts, organization and time management, dosage calculations, and so much more.

Dosage Calculations Guide - Kick math anxiety to the curb and learn the basics of how to set up and perform dosage calculations using dimensional analysis with this FREE guide. Includes 10 free practice questions!

Straight A Nursing App - Study on-the-go with the Straight A Nursing app! Review more than 5,000 flashcards covering a wide range of subjects including Fundamentals, Pediatrics, Med Surg, Mental Health, Maternal Newborn, and more! Available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Pharmacology Success Pack - Want to get a head start on pharmacology? Download the FREE Pharmacology Success Pack.

Clinical Success Pack - One of the best ways to fast-track your clinical learning is having the right tools. This FREE pack includes report sheets, sheets to help you plan your day, a clinical debrief form, and a patient safety cheat sheet.

20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide!

New Nursing Student Checklist - Get prepped and ready for your nursing school program with this free checklist!

💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!

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Straight A Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#434: MMM - Demystify the Two Types of Beta Blockers Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about two common beta blockers. Hit play to learn how they're different and why it's important to use them in the correct way.

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20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide!

All Straight A Nursing Resources - Check out everything Straight A Nursing has to offer, including free resources and online courses to help you succeed!

💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!

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Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ENCORE! #152: Introduction to Sinus Rhythms Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Every other week I'm republishing one of my most popular or impactful episodes and adding an update, new insight, or context that will help you benefit from it even more. This week I'm highlighting Episode 152, which is all about sinus rhythms. So, if ECG interpretation makes you nervous, hit play on this episode!

Full Transcript – Read the article and view references

FREE CLASS – If all you’ve heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES…you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life!

Med Surg Solution - Are you looking for a more effective way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics and out-of-this-world study guides.

Study Sesh – If you loved the podquiz in this episode, you'll love Study Sesh! Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats (like podquizzes!) that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh!

Straight A Nursing App – Study on-the-go with the Straight A Nursing app! Review more than 5,000 flashcards covering a wide range of subjects including Fundamentals, Pediatrics, Med Surg, Mental Health, Maternal Newborn, and more! Available for FREE in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!

___________________

Straight A Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#433: MMM - Why Renal Patients are a Hard Stick Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about renal patient veins. Have you ever wondered why it's difficult to obtain IV access on a renal patient? Find out in this episode!

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20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide!

All Straight A Nursing Resources - Check out everything Straight A Nursing has to offer, including free resources and online courses to help you succeed!

💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!

___________________

Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#432: Intro to Anesthetic Gases Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

If you're gearing up for a perioperative clinical, prepping for an exam, or transitioning into surgical or PACU nursing, this episode is for you. Today, we’re diving into the anesthetic gases.

Hit play on this episode and you’ll learn:

High-level overview of how inhaled anesthetics work in the body
The difference between volatile and non-volatile gases
Common agents such as isoflurane, sevoflurane, and nitrous oxide
Key complications to watch for
What to look out for in the post-anesthesia period (hello, hypotension 👋 and PONV)

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Full Transcript- Read the article and view references

Med Surg Solution - Are you looking for a more effective way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics and out-of-this-world study guides.

Fast Pharmacology - Learn pharmacology concepts in 5 minutes or less in this audio based program. Perfect for on-the-go review!

20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide!

New Nursing Student Checklist - Get prepped and ready for your nursing school program with this free checklist!

💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!

___________________

Straight A Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#431: MMM - Review the Differences Between PTT and aPTT Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about the differences between PTT and aPTT. These are two very common lab tests you'll see ordered for your patients.

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20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide!

All Straight A Nursing Resources - Check out everything Straight A Nursing has to offer, including free resources and online courses to help you succeed!

💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!

___________________

Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ENCORE! #82: Mastering the Head-to-Toe Assessment Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Every other week I'm republishing one of my most popular or impactful episodes and adding an update, new insight, or context that will help you benefit from it even more. This week I'm highlighting Episode 82 which covers how to perform a thorough head-to-toe assessment.

Good luck on your skills check-off!

Full Transcript– Read the article and view references

Crucial Concepts Bootcamp – Start nursing school ahead of the game, or reset after a difficult first semester with my nursing school prep course, Crucial Concepts Bootcamp. Learn key foundation concepts, organization and time management, dosage calculations, and so much more.

Clinical Success Pack – One of the best ways to fast-track your clinical learning is having the right tools. This pack includes report sheets, sheets to help you plan your day, a clinical debrief form, and a patient safety cheat sheet.

💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!

___________________

Straight A Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#430: MMM - Tips for How to Fill Out a Med Sheet For Your Care Plan Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm sharing my best tips to help you fill out your medication info for your care plans. Understanding pharmacology will help you feel way more confident in clinical.

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20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide!

All Straight A Nursing Resources - Check out everything Straight A Nursing has to offer, including free resources and online courses to help you succeed!

💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!

___________________

Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#429: Tips to Master Narrative Notes Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Feeling overwhelmed when it’s time to write a narrative note? You’re not alone! I’ve coached many students through this process and I’m sharing my best tips for you in this episode. Whether you’re a student just starting out or someone who wants to tighten up their documentation game, this episode will give you the confidence (and framework) to write notes like a pro.

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Full Transcript - Read the article and view references

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Confident Calculations - Learn a foolproof method for performing dosage calculations so you can pass your nursing school math exams on the first try!

20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide!

Conquering Case Studies - Learn how to approach case studies so they feel less overwhelming while honing your clinical judgment skills in the process with this FREE download.

New Nursing Student Checklist - Get prepped and ready for your nursing school program with this free checklist!

💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!

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Straight A Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices