Straight A Nursing: Study for nursing school exams & NCLEX

Latest Episodes:

#239: Your Guide to POTS Aug 25, 2022

Show notes

This week on the podcast, we’re tackling postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). It’s a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that has a wide range of symptoms. You’ll learn:

* POTS pathophysiology

* The physiological causes of POTS

* Signs and symptoms of POTS

* Key assessments

* Tests utilized to diagnose the condition

* Treatments for POTS, including pharmacology and lifestyle modifications

* POTS education (there is a lot!)

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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!

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!

All Straight A Nursing Resources - Check out everything Straight A Nursing has to offer, including more FREE resources and online courses to help you succeed throughout nursing school!

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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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#238: Day in the Life of a PACU Nurse Aug 18, 2022

Show notes

A few years ago I made the big leap from ICU to PACU and I haven’t looked back since. Sure, I loved the ICU where I worked, but I made the decision to step away from that so I could step even more into this…podcasting and teaching online.

And I have to say, though I first was drawn to PACU for the flexible schedule it allowed me, I’ve really loved working in this environment. In this week’s episode, I’m taking you to work with me and talking through a typical day in the post anesthesia care unit. I’m so excited!!!

So if you’ve ever wondered…

* What does Nurse Mo do when she’s not working on the podcast?

* What’s PACU nursing like?

* Can PACU be a career option for me?

Then this episode is FOR YOU! I had a lot of fun making this episode and I hope it inspires you to consider post anesthesia nursing. It’s fast-paced, highly variable, and yes…the schedule is pretty great!

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Going from ICU to PACU⁠: There are so many differences in these two dynamic environments, and I share them with you here!

The Ultimate Nursing School Thrive Guide - Nursing school is hard, but you don’t have to do it the hard way. Get the guide that shows you how to thrive in nursing school, with insider tips from a former 4.0 student and seasoned nurse educator.

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 more FREE resources and online courses to help you succeed throughout nursing school!

💕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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#237: Conducting a Respiratory Assessment Aug 11, 2022

Show notes

I worked in the MICU for about eight years and most of my patients had some kind of respiratory involvement. For some it was pneumonia, for others it was ARDS, and some were simply on a ventilator because of a neurological impairment. Needless to say, I got really good at respiratory assessments.

In this episode I’m sharing my best tips for conducting a respiratory assessment step-by-step.

Want to maximize your learning by reading this information, too? Check out the article and references.

Study Sesh: Get the podcast that truly changes the way you study!

RATE, REVIEW AND FOLLOW!

If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps others find the podcast, which helps me help even more people :-)

Click here, scroll to the bottom, then simply tap to rate with 5 stars and select, "write a review." I'd love to hear how the podcast has helped you!

If you're not following yet, what are you waiting for? It takes just a quick moment and the episodes show up like magic every Thursday. And, when I release a bonus episode, those show up, too! You'll never miss a thing! In Apple Podcasts, just click on the three little dots in the upper right corner here.

Know someone who would also love to study with me? Share the show or share specific episodes with your classmates...when we all work together, we all succeed! On Apple Podcasts, the SHARE link is in the same drop-down as the follow link. Spread the love!

Thanks for studying with me!

Nurse Mo

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

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#236: Medical Terms You Don’t (Yet) Know Aug 04, 2022

Show notes

When I was a student (and new nurse) I remember hearing medical terms all the time that would make me think, “I should probably know what that means, but I’m too embarrassed to ask.” And I hated how that made me feel… lost, incompetent, out of the loop, and unsure of myself.

You can imagine what feeling this way did to my confidence level. Yep…pretty low sometimes.

In this episode I’m diving into some common medical terms that students (and even experienced nurses) often feel a little unsure about…terms like:

Sensitivity vs specificity
Hypoxia vs hypoxemia
Crystalloid vs colloid
And let’s not forget medical slang like “the gap,” “rainbows,” and “Christmas trees”

After listening to this episode, you’ll be absolutely fascinating at your next cocktail party and probably feel a lot more confident at the bedside, too!

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.

Kali Dayton Interview: Learn about ICU delirium and the dangers of oversedation in this compelling interview.

Purewick: This is an external catheter that’s gaining quickly in popularity (you know, if there were a popularity contest amongst urine collection devices).

Episode 89: Explore oxygenation (especially if the concept of hypoxemia vs hypoxia is new to you!).

Episode 64: Learn more about atelectasis (spoiler alert…it’s so much more than “crackles!”)

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

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#235: BONUS! So You Want to be a Nurse Practitioner? Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses that fulfill a variety of roles in the healthcare setting. Having an NP license enables a nurse to write orders, prescribe medications, diagnose health conditions and, in some states, can even operate independently without physician oversight.

I had the great pleasure of interviewing Latrina Walden, CEO and founder of Latrina Walden Exam Solutions. I hope this inspires you to pursue your dream of becoming an NP!

You can learn more about Latrina and her programs at www.latrinawaldenexamsolutions.com

Read the transcript from this interview here.

RATE, REVIEW AND FOLLOW!

If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps others find the podcast, which helps me help even more people :-)

Click here, scroll to the bottom, then simply tap to rate with 5 stars and select, "write a review." I'd love to hear how the podcast has helped you!

Thanks for studying with me!

Nurse Mo

__________

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

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

#234: Get Confident With Neuro Assessments Jul 28, 2022

Show notes

Of all the assessments you learn in nursing school, neuro assessment can easily be the most challenging (not to mention the most lengthy!).

In this episode I’m taking you through the key types of neuro assessments and some basic tips for practicing them with confidence. You’ll learn:

* How and when to use the Glasgow Coma Scale

* The difference between somnolent and obtunded (and the other levels of consciousness, too!).

* Tips for cranial nerve assessment (spoiler alert…I still use a cheat sheet at the bedside!)

* The key components of a general neurological assessment for all of your patients

* An overview of the NIH Stroke Scale (yet another type of neuro assessment!)

* My pro tips for performing a neurological assessment

* And, which patients might be at higher risk for a neuro status change

So pop in those earbuds, lace up those walking shoes and let’s talk neuro!

Want to maximize your learning by reading this information, too? Check out the article and references.

Nursing School Thrive Guide: Get the book that’s like having your nursing school bestie by your side every step of the way.

RATE, REVIEW AND FOLLOW!

If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps others find the podcast, which helps me help even more people :-)

Click here, scroll to the bottom, then simply tap to rate with 5 stars and select, "write a review." I'd love to hear how the podcast has helped you!

Thanks for studying with me!

Nurse Mo

__________

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

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

#233: Isoniazid NCLEX Review Jul 21, 2022

Show notes

I mentioned isoniazid in episode 218 when we talked about tuberculosis, so if you’re interested in some exponential learning, make sure you go back and listen to that episode as well.

In this episode you’ll learn:

* How isoniazid works

* Why it’s especially useful in tuberculosis meningitis

* How isoniazid is administered and in what forms

* The most important factor when it comes to taking isoniazid

* Dietary considerations

* Signs of serious adverse effects and what to watch for

* And so much more!

Want to maximize your learning by reading this information, too? Check out the article and references here.

Learn dosage calculations basics and kick math anxiety to the curb! Download the FREE guide including 10 practice questions right here.

Get Organized for Nursing School! Don’t get overwhelmed….get organized in this self-paced 5-day challenge.

Get a head start on pharmacology with the Pharmacology Success Pack

Does learning pharmacology just make you more confused? Review key pharmacology concepts and drug classes on-the-go with Fast Pharmacology. Learn more here!

RATE, REVIEW AND FOLLOW!

If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps others find the podcast, which helps me help even more people :-)

Click here, scroll to the bottom, then simply tap to rate with 5 stars and select, "write a review." I'd love to hear how the podcast has helped you!

Thanks for studying with me!

Nurse Mo

__________

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

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

#232: BONUS! Let’s Bust Some Nursing School Myths Jul 18, 2022

Show notes

If you’re thinking about nursing school or about to start, chances are you’ve heard a lot of weird, ugly or just downright wrong rumors floating around. Let’s see if we can dispel some of the most common myths about nursing school Straight A style!

In this bonus episode we’re talking myths about your instructors, failing out of school, the exams, your social life, your GPA and how hard certain classes are…so pop in those earbuds and let’s chat!

Prep for nursing school with Crucial Concepts Bootcamp: Whether you’re starting nursing school or heading in to your second semester, CCB teaches you the strategies and foundation concepts you need to succeed.

Boost productivity: Get more done in less time when you try my favorite productivity tool.

Nursing school planner: Get the planner that has nursing students raving!

Test anxiety: A little anxiety can be a good thing because it makes you more alert. But when it’s too much, your performance can definitely suffer. Learn how to combat test anxiety so you can be at your best.

RATE, REVIEW AND FOLLOW!

If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps others find the podcast, which helps me help even more people :-)

Click here, scroll to the bottom, then simply tap to rate with 5 stars and select, "write a review." I'd love to hear how the podcast has helped you!

Thanks for studying with me!

Nurse Mo

__________

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

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

#231: BONUS! My First Two Weeks of Nursing School Jul 17, 2022

Show notes

If we haven’t met yet, “Hi, I’m Nurse Mo and I am that weirdo that saves every planner and calendar for years and years. Nice to meet you!”

Ok, maybe that doesn’t make me a weirdo but it does make me a bit of a planner hoarder and every now and then I look back at those first few weeks of nursing school to remind myself of what you are going through as you start out on this journey.

And today in a special bonus episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and talking through exactly what my first two weeks were like!

Study groups: Find out why I decided study groups were a waste of time and how I studied with others in an effective and efficient way.

Nursing school planner: Get the planner that has nursing students raving!

“This planner is SO WONDERFUL! Cute covers to choose from and absolutely the most helpful planner I have ever had. This is my second year using this planner and I don’t know what I would do without it. I couldn’t wait to order my second one, and I seriously ordered it the first day it was released! Nurse Mo thought of everything a nursing student would need in a planner and much more! I love the extra study tips and pearls of wisdom throughout the pages. Shipping was quicker than estimated as well! Thank you!!” -Jessica

“This planner is PERFECT!!! I love everything about it. I can’t wait to order the tablet version for my ipad!” -Tiarra

“Love this planner so much already. It’s only the beginning of July and I already feel so much more organized! Can’t wait to fill it up completely! I love that there’s nursing tips on every page and some cheat sheets in the back! Loveeee!” -Danielle

RATE, REVIEW AND FOLLOW!

If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps others find the podcast, which helps me help even more people :-)

Click here, scroll to the bottom, then simply tap to rate with 5 stars and select, "write a review." I'd love to hear how the podcast has helped you!

Thanks for studying with me!

Nurse Mo

__________

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

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

#230: BONUS! Grades Aren’t Everything Jul 16, 2022

Show notes

Yes - the name of the pod is Straight A Nursing - but guess what? You don’t have to get straight As to be an awesome student or an awesome nurse.

In this bonus episode we’re breaking down the belief that grades are the end-all, be-all in nursing school. Sure, they’re important (have you seen those grading scales?) but they’re not the only way to measure your academic success.

RATE, REVIEW AND FOLLOW!

If this episode helped you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! This helps others find the podcast, which helps me help even more people :-)

Click here, scroll to the bottom, then simply tap to rate with 5 stars and select, "write a review." I'd love to hear how the podcast has helped you!

Thanks for studying with me!

Nurse Mo

__________

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

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