Straight A Nursing: Study for nursing school exams & NCLEX

Latest Episodes:

#328: SBAR Communication Demystified Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

Did you know that more than 60% of adverse events in the clinical setting have been attributed to poor communication? To help ensure patient safety, SBAR is utilized as a standardized communication format but it can be difficult to know how to use it effectively when you’re a new nurse or nursing student.

I’m breaking down SBAR for you in this episode so you can finally have a clear understanding of how all the components fit together and use it with confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why SBAR is utilized
What the different components of SBAR mean
Situations in which you would use SBAR
How to get the MD’s attention so they take your concerns seriously
Examples of SBAR communication
Pro tips for calling the MD
How to use SBAR for handoff report

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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!

FREE Report Sheets - Use SBAR for end-of-shift report so you always convey the most important information about your patient.

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 Debrief Template - One of the best ways to fast-track your clinical learning is to debrief after each clinical day so you can apply what you learned to future scenarios.

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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.

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#327: Your Pre-Nursing School Checklist (Revisited) Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

In this bonus episode, I’m re-releasing one of my most popular episodes just in case you missed it the first time around! Hit play on this episode to learn the key things you should do to get prepared for nursing school (Yes, they’re easy and yes, you can still enjoy your time off!).

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Get the New Nursing Student Checklist- Get all these tips in a convenient checklist so you can stay organized while you prepare for nursing school!

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

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#326: Ozempic and Other Semaglutide Medications Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

Semaglutide, which is sold under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, has become increasingly popular and is a medication you are likely to encounter in the clinical setting and when reviewing your patient’s medical histories. In this article, you’ll learn the key things to know about semaglutide using the Straight A Nursing DRRUGS framework.

In this episode, you'll learn:

The principles of the GLP-1 agonist drug class, including their main mechanism of action
The two routes of administration
The regular dose range for these medications
What semaglutides are used to treat and why they work
Key guidelines including administration, safety considerations, assessments, and drug-to-drug interactions
The potential side effects, including a description of "Ozempic face" and what patients can do to lesson symptoms

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Full Transcript- Read the article and view references

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

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

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#325: The Three Pillars of Nursing School Success Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

If all you’re hearing is how overwhelming, impossible, or miserable nursing school is, I want you to know that this does NOT have to be your story. But the only way you’re going to have a different experience is if you take active steps to have a different experience. Walking into nursing school cold or without doing any prep is about as smart as running a marathon without training…it would be a disaster.

In this episode I’m sharing the three pillars of nursing school success - organization, foundation work and review. I’ll talk you through how you can dive into each pillar and set yourself up for success without totally sacrificing your last few weeks of free time before classes start!

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#324: Why You Need a Nursing Portfolio Jan 04, 2024

Show notes

When it comes to job hunting, whether you're a new grad nurse or an experienced RN, you always want to showcase your best self. A great way to do that is with an up-to-date nursing portfolio. Another reason to create and maintain a nursing portfolio as it creates a history of your career. As you apply for jobs now, and in the future, your portfolio is a wonderful resource for highlighting your accomplishments in resumes and cover letters.

In this episode, we'll cover:

What is a nursing portfolio?
Key benefits of maintaining a nursing portfolio
Formats to utilize, both hard copy and digital
What to include
Tips for building a new-grad resume

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Full Transcript- Read the article and view references

Study Sesh - Change the way you study for exams and NCLEX with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh!

Nurse Resume Template Bundle - Save 20% using promo code STRAIGHTA at The Resume Rx (affiliate link)

Resume Makeover Pro - Learn from Amanda at the Resume Rx in an online program designed to get you more callbacks from hiring managers than ever before! (affiliate link)

Episode 275 - Get tips on navigating job offers in this episode featuring Amanda from The Resume Rx

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#323: Caring for Patients with GVHD Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complication that can occur after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. It is a syndrome that involves multiple organs and occurs when transplanted immune cells identify the recipient cells as foreign invaders. The result is that the transplanted (graft) cells attack the recipient (host) cells.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Who is most at risk for developing GVHD
The basics of HLA typing
Signs and symptoms of GVHD
Important assessments for a patient with GVHD
Tests utilized to diagnose and evaluate a patient with GVHD
Treatments for GVHD, including prophylaxis
Key education components for this complex condition

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Full Transcript- Read the article and view references

LATTE Method Template - Download the free LATTE Method Template so you can streamline how you study and focus on what a nurse needs to know.

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#322: Meds Used in Rapid Sequence Intubation Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

RSI is rapid sequence intubation, a procedure performed to emergently intubate a patient with an intact gag reflex in cases of acute respiratory failure and/or cardiovascular collapse. As a nurse working in the emergency department or ICU, you will be obtaining and may be administering the medications used to perform a rapid sequence intubation. Please be aware of your scope of practice and facility protocol regarding the administration of these medications. In some cases, the medications can only be administered by a physician.

Which combination of medications the physician chooses will vary depending on a variety of factors including the patient’s condition and physician preference. A common combination is a sedative with a short-acting paralytic, though analgesics may also be utilized. This episode provides an overview of the medications commonly utilized for RSI:

Propofol
Succinylcholine
Rocuronium
Vecuronium
Etomidate
Ketamine
Fentanyl
Midazolam

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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 that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh!

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

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

💕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

#321: Expert Foley Tips with Dr. Sehgal Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Nurse Mo is joined by Dr. Sehgal, a board-certified urologist and founder of the YouTube channel UroCoach where he teaches urology concepts in an easy-to-understand way. In this episode, Dr. Sehgal shares some great tips for troubleshooting Foley catheters and managing them like a pro. Hit the play button and you'll learn:

Tips for when your Foley insertion doesn't go as planned
How to tell if the catheter not in the bladder and where it could be instead
How to ensure you get the catheter inserted past the balloon
What a coudé catheter is utilized for and tips for insertion
How to manage continuous bladder irrigation
Tips for successful bladder scanning
What to do if a suprapubic catheter becomes dislodged
Managing a nephrostomy tube

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UroCoach YouTube Channel - Learn more about urology concepts from Dr. Sehgal in easy-to-understand videos covering a wide range of topics

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#320: Multiple Sclerosis Basics Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated chronic condition of the central nervous system. It is characterized by the destruction of myelin, which is the protective sheath that covers nerve axons in the brain and spinal cord. When this protective layer is damaged, lesions (plaques) develop throughout the nervous system and nerve impulses slow down.

In this episode, you’ll learn the key things a nurse needs to know about multiple sclerosis, including:

Risk factors for MS
The four main types of MS
Common signs and symptoms of MS
Key nursing assessments for a patient with MS
The tests utilized to diagnose and evaluate a patient with MS
The main treatment options for MS
How the many and varied symptoms are managed
Important patient/family education

Be sure to stay to the end for my brief summary that highlights the most important things you need to know (and, if you are a student, likely to be tested on!).

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Full Transcript- Read the article and view references

LATTE Method Template - Download the free LATTE Method Template so you can streamline how you study and focus on what a nurse needs to know.

Neuropathic Pain - Learn more about neuropathy in Episode 316

Patient Health Questionnaire- Access this free depression screening tool for use in your practice

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#319: What is Epidermal Necrolysis? Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

Epidermal necrolysis refers to severe cutaneous reactions that cause extensive necrosis of tissue and detachment of the epidermis. It encompasses three conditions which are on a continuum of severity and how much of the body’s surface area is affected:

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS): Less than 10% of BSA is detached
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) - More than 30% of BSA is detached
SJS/TEN overlap: Between 10 and 30% of BSA is detached

In this episode you’ll learn:

Epidermal necrolysis pathophysiology and risk factors
High risk medications that can cause SJS/TEN
Complications of SJS/TEN
Signs and symptoms in the prodromal and acute phase
Important assessment for a patient with SJS/TEN
Key tests utilized to diagnose and evaluate a patient with epidermal necrolysis
Treatments for SJS/TEN, including medications
Vital education components for patients and families

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Full Transcript - Read the article and view references

Factor - Support our sponsor and get 50% off ready-to-eat meals with code nursemo50

DIC - Learn more about disseminated intravascular coagulation in this episode!

Nursing School with a Chronic Illness - Hear more from Christina Brown, RN and how she managed nursing school with a chronic illness.

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.

LATTE Method Template - Download the free LATTE Method Template so you can streamline how you study and focus on what a nurse needs to know.

💕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