Straight A Nursing

In this podcast episode, we’ll talk about some interesting disease conditions that can often be recognized by the very distinct odors they produce. In addition, we’ll also talk through some tried-and-true strategies for dealing with foul odors in the clinical setting so you keep your patients (and yourself) comfortable. Our nursing student planners are available as printable PDF or digitally for your iPad/tablet. Grab yours here ___________________ 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 that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh!

Making the transition from nursing student to new grad nurse is one of the most intense, nerve-wracking and amazing experiences you’ll ever have. Even though you’re excited, you’re likely also a little bit nervous (maybe even scared!). These tips for new grad nurses will help you ease into your new role like a pro. Ready to gear up for your new job? What supplies do you really need? https://straightanursingstudent.com/new-nurse-supplies/ Interested in creating a nursing portfolio? See my how-to here: https://straightanursingstudent.com/the-nursing-portfolio/ Got an interview coming up? Master these 20 questions and wow everyone on your interview panel: https://straightanursingstudent.com/interview-questions-for-your-first-nursing-job/ Brain sheets are key to keeping you organized and efficient throughout your shift. Grab some free brain sheets here: https://straightanursingstudent.com/resources/brain-sheets/ ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've

Let’s talk about hydroxychloroquine...what it’s actually used for and the nursing assessments and safety guidelines surrounding this medication. We’ll use the Straight A Nursing pharmacology framework, DRRUGS to make things nice and organized (and hopefully, easy to remember!) Craving a way to get uber-organized for nursing school? Our nursing student planners are right here and they are gorgeous! www.etsy.com/shop/straightanursing ___________________ 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 that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh! Pharmacology Succes

Today we’re going there...talking about how to deal with difficult patients and families. While most people you encounter as a nurse are a pleasure to work with, there’s always going to be challenging interactions. With the right attitude and a commitment to setting boundaries and expectations, you can help shield yourself from taking it personally or getting emotionally wounded. If you are a new nurse or a nursing student, this one is especially for you! Shout out to Alwin who left such a great review about the planners! Just ordered my second planner from Nurse Mo! Looking forward to another organized year!! This planner is really the best for nursing students! So motivating to be able to check those little to-do lists! Love it! -Alwin Looking for the planner that Alwin is so in love with? It’s right here: (www.etsy.com/shop/straightanursing). ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this clas

In this podcast episode, Nurse Mo talks you through first, second and third-degree heart blocks so you can recognize them quickly in the clinical setting or on your exams. Together, we’ll cover: -key ECG elements of each heart block-the many names for the second-degree blocks (why are there so many???)-causes of heart blocks-nursing assessments and interventions-an easy way to keep it all straight ___________________ 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 that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh! Nursing School Thrive Guide - Get the book that many n

Taking care of patients after a thyroidectomy involves very specific assessments and interventions if complications arise. In this podcast episode, we’re using the Straight A Nursing LATTE method to go through signs/symptoms after thyroidectomy, how you should assess the patient, what tests and treatments will be administered, and how you’ll educate the patient.  Ready to get organized for nursing school? Our planners are available in printable PDF format and digital format for your tablet. Both are available here. Hungry for more thyroid learning? Check out Episode 61 on hypothyroidism (https://straightanursingstudent.com/hyperthyroidism-when-your-thyroid-just-wont-stop-episode-61/), and Episode 58 for hypothyroidism (https://straightanursingstudent.com/hypothyroidism-when-your-thyroid-just-cant-anymore/)  ___________________ 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 wh

Providing end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity is one of the most challenging yet rewarding things we can do for our patients. In this podcast episode, I talk you through what to expect as your patient (or the patient’s family) prepares for death, what nursing interventions will be needed, and how you can provide everyone involved with care that is as competent as it is compassionate. Looking for the Straight A Nursing planners? Grab yours here ___________________ 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 that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study S

Probably one of the elements of a head-to-toe assessment that is subject to the most uncertainty is the patient’s level of consciousness. Knowing the difference between each level of consciousness will help you chart accurately and communicate your patient’s condition with precision.  So, if you’ve ever wondered what the differences are between obtunded and stuporous, or lethargic and somnolent...pop your earbuds in and take a listen! Looking for the Straight A Nursing planners? Grab yours here. ___________________ 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 that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go.

Albuterol is one of those medications you’ll see used so frequently that it almost seems like everyone gets a dose of albuterol here and there. While this isn’t entirely true, it is a pretty common medication that you’ll see regularly in the clinical setting. In this podcast episode, I’ll talk you through the must-know information about Albuterol so you can ensure it’s given safely and that your professors won’t be able to trick you with any of those challenging NCLEX-style exam questions.  Using the Straight A Nursing pharmacology framework “DRRUGS,” we’ll look at Albuterol in an organized and systematic manner (drug class, routes, regular dose range, uses, guidelines and side effects). ___________________ 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 ove

Learning how to manage your time is one of the biggest hurdles in clinical and even when you’re beginning as a new nurse. After much trial and error with my own practice, I finally settled on a solid start-of-shift routine that helped me start each day off as organized and methodical as possible. I found that on those days when I neglected my routine, I was much more frazzled, unfocused, and ended up wasting more time by trying to play catch up. In this podcast episode, I share with you seven things to do at the beginning of your shift. Take a listen and then I invite you to devise your own start-of-shift routine so you can feel like the confident, organized nurse you are! Download a sample Run Sheet here. ___________________ 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 wi

In this podcast episode I'll talk you through the basics of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Pop in those earbuds and learn all about key nursing assessments and interventions, how to monitor your patient for complications, what lab values you'll follow, how to keep your patient safe, and the nitty-gritty details you need for those dialysis NCLEX and nursing school exam questions. Starting nursing school soon? Grab my free guide, the 20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students here: https://straightanursing.ck.page/4d90f769dc ___________________ 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 that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from yo

What does it mean to keep your patients safe? Is it keeping them from falling, avoiding medication errors, or preventing pressure-related injury? Yes, yes and definitely yes! And while you can’t cushion your patient with bubble wrap, you can take steps to do what I call “bulletproofing” your patient against harm.  In this podcast episode I share with you my best tips for creating an organized room and an environment that promotes safety, helps prevent errors and sets things up so anyone could take over for you without missing a beat. As always, please defer to your facility's protocols as they will always trump my recommendations and advice. These are great guidelines, but every facility is different, so make sure you do your homework. Looking for the Bulletproof Your Patient checklist? It's right here! (for those viewing on a podcast, player, grab it at https://straightanursingstudent.com/podcast94/) Bulletproof Patient Checklist Download ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing schoo

If you’re failing, in clinical jeopardy or struggling with nursing school, then this episode is for you! I know how hard you’ve been working and I know this must be a really difficult time for you, so just know that I am absolutely rooting for you every step of the way. Even if you’re not currently struggling, you’ll get some great tips that can help you stay ahead of the game. In this podcast episode, I’ll talk you through: * Steps to take when you’re failing a course * What to do if you’re failing in clinical or in clinical jeopardy * How to survive skills check-offs * My best tips for turning things around * Advice for filing an appeal Need a Nursing School Booster Shot? https://straightanursing.mykajabi.com/boostershot Got test anxiety? I got you! https://straightanursingstudent.com/test-anxiety-in-nursing-school-episode-67/ Struggling to take effective notes in nursing school? https://straightanursingstudent.com/taking-notes/ NCLEX-style questions got you shaking in your Danskos? Decipher them with the

Two placental disorders that you’ll need to be able to differentiate are placental abruption (also known as abruptio placentae) and placenta previa. In this podcast episode, we’ll talk through the key differences and nursing interventions so it all makes perfect sense. In this podcast you’ll learn: * What these two conditions are * Classification criteria  * Key signs and symptoms for each * Risk factors for both conditions * Medical and surgical treatments * Nursing interventions for both * How to differentiate between the two for your exams ___________________ 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 that help you review and test your

Haloperidol (Haldol) is a traditional antipsychotic with some very distinct guidelines that could show up on your next exam or with your next combative, delirious patient.  In this podcast episode, I’ll talk you through: * What Haldol is used for in the clinical setting * The multiple ways Haldol can be given (and how we’re going to give it for acute agitation in the hospital) * THE most important thing you need to know before you give Haldol and what to monitor afterwards. * The very dangerous thing that could happen to your patient with Haldol administration * Monitoring parameters * Common side effects of Haldol Plus, I’m sharing a sneak peak into my Pharmacology course and an acronym that can help you focus your studying when learning new medications.  Want to learn more about the QT interval? (https://straightanursingstudent.com/qt-interval/) Want to see how I remember drug side effects? (https://straightanursingstudent.com/psychopharmacology-podcast/) ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the art

When you think about a nurse’s superpowers, you might picture someone performing CPR or rushing to open the airway of a patient in respiratory arrest. But the nurse’s real superpower is his or her ability to assess. It’s the watchful awareness of the nurse that catches subtle changes in patient condition that enable the team to intervene BEFORE the unthinkable happens.  In this podcast episode, I’m going to talk with you about the importance of those routine interactions and how they can provide you with a wealth of data about your patients. By assessing these five things with every patient contact, you can catch changes in patient condition even before your next head-to-toe assessment is due. When you develop a habit of using every patient interaction as an opportunity to assess, you become hypervigilant about your patient and begin to develop those rockstar assessment skills. Are you working hard to put all the pieces together for your care plans? A key component you may be overlooking is the important role

A lot of nursing schools are changing to a concept-based curriculum where instead of teaching disorders in isolation, they teach concepts that have broader application. For example, instead of just teaching about asthma, these programs teach oxygenation as a concept and use asthma as an example for beginning students (and then more complex disorders such as ARDS for the advanced students). By learning about oxygenation as a concept, the consensus is that you’ll apply this knowledge more easily in clinical (and on exams) because you’ll have a better understanding of how it interrelates with the patient’s overall condition.  In this podcast episode Nurse Mo talks you through the basics of oxygenation and some related concepts. You will learn: * The difference between oxygenation and ventilation * The difference between hypoxia and hypoxemia * The difference between diffusion and perfusion * Why hypoxia and hypoxemia do not always co-exist (though they often do!) * How optimal oxygenation looks in a healthy pat

As a new nursing student, it’s absolutely vital that your vital signs assessments be totally on point. After all, the MDs and RNs are counting on YOU to provide reliable information about their patients. If you’re feeling a lot of pressure, don’t worry. I’ve got you! In this podcast episode, I’m sharing with you all the best tips for taking vital signs like a pro. You’ll learn all kinds of great info like how axillary temps differ from oral temps, the best way to palpate a brachial pulse and how to count respirations without your patient changing their breathing pattern on you (you’re so sneaky!).  Ready to learn some tools you can use on your very next clinical day? Then pop in those ear buds and let’s get to work! ___________________ 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 nursin

When taking care of patients in the post-operative period, you’re going to be watching them closely for any signs of complications...including a fever.  In this podcast episode, we’ll talk about “The Five Ws” of post-op fever...wind, water, walking, wound and wonder drugs. What’s all this mean? Pop in your ear buds and find out! Struggling to take epic nursing school notes? Why bother, when they’ve already been done for you? Check out our Med Surg Success Pack and spend more time learning and less time stressing: https://straightanursingstudent.com/study-guides/med-surg-success-pack/ ___________________ 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 f

Sitting down to take an exam is one thing, but having to actually perform tasks and use critical thinking in the moment is something else altogether. That’s why many students struggle through two of the most dreaded assessments in nursing school: skills check-offs and simulation.  In this podcast episode, Nurse Mo talks you through strategies to help you shine in your skills check-offs and absolutely thrive in your simulation experiences. What is an incredibly stress-inducing situation for many could become a valuable and dynamic learning experience, but only if you leave your anxiety about it at the door. Find out how in this week’s episode. Read more about skills check-offs here Read more about simulation lab here Struggling in your Med Surg course? Grab the Med Surg Success Pack here: https://straightanursingstudent.com/study-guides/med-surg-success-pack/ ___________________ 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