Straight A Nursing

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by extra repeats of the cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) amino acid group in the huntingtin gene. This leads to neuron dysfunction and death, mainly in the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. In this episode, you’ll learn the key things you need to know about Huntington’s disease: * Who is at risk for Huntington's disease * Complications of Huntington's * Signs and symptoms of Huntington’s * Tests that are likely to be ordered * Priority assessments and interventions * Key patient/family education To learn more about the nonverbal pain scoring tools, check out: ANPS, CPOT, and PAINAID Grab the FREE LATTE template here. Read the article about nursing care for huntington's disease and view references here. Are you looking for an easier way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics as well as out-of-this-world study guides! __________  The information, including but not limited to, audio,

If you are starting your job hunt as a new grad, or even as an experienced nurse, you may have questions about navigating job offers. In this special episode I’m bringing in Amanda from The Resume Rx. She’s answering key questions such as: * What the job offer process looks like * How to gracefully manage multiple offers * Red flags in a job offer * How to bring up the prospect of negotiating the offer * And more! Get 15% off Amanda’s resume template bundle by using the promo code STRAIGHTA at The Resume Rx. __________  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 Airw

A key component of your head-to-toe and focused assessments is the vascular assessment. In this episode I’m sharing tips and real-world examples to help you feel more confident at the bedside. * What type of clinical situations warrant a vascular assessment * Tips for taking a proper blood pressure measurement * Pulse assessment, including a key tip on using the Doppler * General vascular assessment techniques including capillary refill, edema and pain * Neurovascular assessment * The 6 P’s of Ischemia * What the Allen test is and how to perform one * Bruits and thrills demystified! Did you enjoy the PodQuiz at the end of the episode? Sign up for Study Sesh and change the way you study! Are you looking for an easier way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics as well as out-of-this-world study guides! Want a sneak peek into nursing school so you can be prepared and ready? Crucial Concepts Bootcamp teaches you core foundation concepts, medication math, organizational

If your nursing program provides a periop clinical experience, consider yourself very lucky! I really enjoyed my periop clinicals and learned a ton about this exciting area of nursing. The three stages of periop are preoperative, operative and postoperative (PACU). Patients go through each of these stages every time they have a surgical procedure, and each stage has its own unique challenges and opportunities to learn something new. In this episode, I’m sharing what my periop clinical experience was like and some tips on what you can expect in all three settings. If you’d like to learn more about PACU nursing, check out episode 238 where I dive into what a day in the recovery unit is like. Starting nursing school soon? Then you’ve probably heard the horror stories. See how Crucial Concepts Bootcamp has helped students feel more confident, joyful and ready for nursing school here. __________  The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for

A splenectomy is a procedure in which the spleen is removed either partially or completely. In this episode Nurse Mo talks you through the key things you should know about patients who’ve had a splenectomy, including: * Reasons someone would need a splenectomy * Overview of the spleen and its functions * Key assessments before and after surgery * Common tests utilized to evaluate the splenectomy patient * Treatments utilized in the care of an asplenic patient * Key patient education Did you enjoy the PodQuiz at the end of the episode? Sign up for Study Sesh and change the way you study! Are you struggling in your Med Surg class? What if I told you that it’s not you at all…it’s likely the way it’s being taught! Get Med Surg Solution to get simplified explanations and study guides for 57 key disease conditions. Want a sneak peek into nursing school so you can be prepared and ready? Crucial Concepts Bootcamp teaches you core foundation concepts, medication math, organizational strategies, study tips and so m

Adenosine is one of the scariest, and most amazing, drugs I’ve ever administered as a nurse. In this episode, you’ll learn the key things to know using the Straight A Nursing DRRUGS framework including: * Why adenosine is kind of terrifying to give * How adenosine works and what we use it for * How adenisone is administered * When adenosine is contraindicated and how to monitor a patient receiving this medication * Important drug-drug interactions * Adverse effects of the medication Read the article and view references for adenosine here. Looking for more pharmacology episodes? You can find them here! Get a head start on pharmacology with the Pharmacology Success Pack Join my Facebook group, Thriving Nursing Students, and surround yourself with motivated and supportive nursing students! Want to learn pharmacology in 5 minutes or less? Enroll in Fast Pharmacology and pop in your ear-buds to review pharm foundation concepts and over 80 drug classes on the go. __________  The information, including but

Learn the basics of radiation therapy, which is used to shrink tumors or kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. In this episode you’ll learn: * Different types of external radiation therapy * Complications of external beam radiation * Signs and symptoms patients experience with radiation * Key assessments for a patient undergoing radiation therapy * Tests and treatments utilized during radiation therapy * Priority patient education Read the article on external beam radiation therapy and view references here. Looking for more oncology episodes? You can find them here. Struggling with Med Surg? It’s not you! It’s the way your instructors are teaching it. Get focused, clear, effective lessons in Med Surg Solution. Learn more here. __________  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

Even the most prepared student can start to panic during an exam. It’s what you do next that dictates whether test anxiety is going to take over and run the show, or if you’re going to get past this moment and continue on with the exam. In this episode I’m sharing some strategies you can use to get your exam (and your confidence) back on track! Read the article about conquering test anxiety here. Want more test taking tips and strategies? Then you’ll love Module 7 in Crucial Concepts Bootcamp! __________  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 Ne

When performing a head-to-toe assessment, there are some key differences that you can expect to notice in an older adult. In this episode I’m sharing the ones you’re most likely to notice, including: * Vital signs differences * Differences in body composition and musculoskeletal changes * Changes to the integumentary system * Changes to sensory organs and neurological function * Changes to the respiratory and cardiovascular system * GI changes * And changes to the genitourinary system Read the article on geriatric assessment and view references here. Struggling with Med Surg? It’s not you! It’s the way your instructors are teaching it. Get focused, clear, effective lessons in Med Surg Solution. Learn more here! __________  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 o

If I were your clinical instructor, these tips are exactly the things I’d make sure you understood before your first clinical day! In this episode, I’m sharing: * How a typical day flows * Tips for effective time management * What in the world is happening in handoff report * Some of the key players and their roles * The most important skill you can develop * One unpleasant truth (sorry!) * How to make the most of your clinical time Links and resources mentioned in this episode: Get prepped for nursing school with Crucial Concepts Bootcamp! Learn how to use a brain sheet here. Download a brain sheet here. Learn how to use a run sheet and download one here. Dive even deeper into the interdisciplinary team in Episode 120. __________  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

In this episode, I’m answering five common questions I get asked about nursing school! Q1: How can I feel more confident in NS? Q2: Can I work while going to school? Q3: How do I get everything done? Q4: How do I study for Med Surg? Q5: How do I learn from an instructor that just reads the PowerPoint slides word for word? Links and resources mentioned in this episode: Crucial Concepts Bootcamp: Get prepped for nursing school so you can start out feeling more confident from your very first day! Med Surg Solution: Learn Med Surg topics in less time! LATTE template: Use the LATTE method to guide your studying for Med Surg, pediatrics, maternal/newborn and mental health nursing! Nursing School Planner: Get organized for nursing school with the first and best planner made JUST for nursing students! Thriving Nursing Students: Join my Facebook group and surround yourself with motivated and supportive nursing students! __________  The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and grap

If you’re heading into or dreaming of nursing school, you’re probably wondering what the classes and clinicals are like. In this episode I’m spilling all the nursing school tea on each class and a bit about my own clinical experiences. Helpful Resources: Crucial Concepts Bootcamp: Imagine having a BFF who shares their best advice, tips and strategies with you while also teaching core foundation concepts that set you up for success. That’s exactly what you get in Bootcamp, an online program that has helped thousands of students crush nursing school! Get organized! Get the nursing student planner that students say keep them organized and on top of their busy nursing school schedules! >>> Did you find this episode helpful? Then I’d love it if you'd rate and review the podcast! And if you’re not following the show, add it to your podcast library so you never miss an episode! __________  The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educationa

With changes to the NCLEX, it’s more important than ever that you understand electrolytes way beyond just knowing the normal lab values. In this overview, I’m sharing some of the most important things to know about electrolytes. Helpful Resources: The QT interval - Learn about this critical ECG measurement. Take a deep dive into acid-base balance. Want to study on-the-go? Then Study Sesh might be the answer you’ve been looking for! >>> Did you find this episode helpful? Then I’d love it if you'd rate and review the podcast! And if you’re not following the show, add it to your podcast library so you never miss an episode! __________  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

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) occurs when neonates who were exposed to drugs in the womb experience withdrawal after birth. These substances pass through the placenta into neonatal circulation, causing dependency and ultimately withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. In this episode you will learn: * The complications of NAS * Signs and symptoms of withdrawal in neonates * Key assessments for an infant going through withdrawal * Tests and treatments * Important family education Helpful Resources: FNASS - See an example of the Finnegan Scale here Want to study on-the-go? Then Study Sesh might be the answer you’ve been looking for! >>> Did you find this episode helpful? Then I’d love it if you'd rate and review the podcast! And if you’re not following the show, add it to your podcast library so you never miss an episode! __________  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 in

In this episode, the final of our “Say Yes to Success” miniseries sponsored by ATI, I’m interviewing an ATI team member to answer your questions about the new ATI TEAS 7 exam! >>>>Win an ATI TEAS comprehensive study package - ATI is giving away two TEAS comprehensive study packages! The first winner was announced Nov 22, 2022, and the second winner will be announced Dec 13, 2022. To enter head on over to my Instagram @straightanurse and look for the post titled ENTER HERE TO WIN - ATI GIVEAWAY #2. All details provided in this post…good luck! >>>>Get a discount on ATI TEAS prep materials - Use code SAN15 to get 15% off ATI TEAS prep material or packages when you spend $50 or more at atitesting.com. Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. Promotion only available on ATI TEAS prep products, cannot be applied to TEAS testing fees or transcripts. Promotion cannot be applied to past purchases. Offer ends 8/31/2023. >>>>Do better with ATI! - Learn how ATI can help you get into nursing school, thri

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the patient’s immune system attacks healthy cells inside the joints, leading to an inflammatory state. In this episode you’ll learn: * The pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis * Who’s most at risk, including modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors * Complications of the condition * Signs and symptoms of RA * Priority nursing assessments * Tests utilized in the diagnosis and evaluation of RA * Rheumatoid arthritis treatments, including pharmacology * Key patient education Helpful Resources: Get the full episode transcript and references here. Want to study on-the-go? Then Study Sesh might be the answer you’ve been looking for! Get organized! Get the nursing student planner that students say keep them organized and on top of their busy nursing school schedules! Review corticosteroids and be super ready for your next exam or day at the bedside! Learn about hydroxychloroquine in episode 103 using the Straight A Nursing DRRUGS framework.

I know nursing students have a LOT of questions about the Next Gen NCLEX, so I attended an NCSBN Conference to learn as much as I could about the changes coming for this important exam! In this bonus episode, which is #4 in our “Say Yes to Success” miniseries sponsored by ATI, I’m sharing five key things I learned about Next Gen NCLEX. >>>>Get a discount on ATI TEAS prep materials - Use code SAN15 to get 15% off ATI TEAS prep material or packages when you spend $50 or more at atitesting.com. Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. Promotion only available on ATI TEAS prep products, cannot be applied to TEAS testing fees or transcripts. Promotion cannot be applied to past purchases. Offer ends 5/31/2023. >>>>Achieve your dreams with ATI! – Learn how ATI can help you get into nursing school with their comprehensive TEAS prep materials. __________  The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educational purposes only. No con

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that causes an obstruction to the outflow of urine. In this episode, you’ll learn the basics about this condition: * Who’s most at risk * The complications of BPH * Signs and symptoms * Key assessments for BPH * Common tests utilized in the evaluation of patients with BPH * BPH treatments, including medications and TURP surgery * Why TURP Syndrome happens, how it’s treated, and how we minimize the risk * Patient education for BPH including lifestyle modifications * Patient teaching after TURP procedure >>> Did you find this episode helpful? Then I’d love it if you'd rate and review the podcast! And if you’re not following the show, add it to your podcast library so you never miss an episode! Helpful Resources: Get the full episode transcript and references here. Want to study on-the-go? Then Study Sesh might be the answer you’ve been looking for! Beers drugs - Check out episode 169 to learn more about drugs on the Bee

In the third episode of our “Say Yes to Success” miniseries sponsored by ATI I’m sharing 12 tried and true tips you can use to prepare for final exams. Take a minute to follow the show so you don’t miss a single one of these bonus episodes! >>>>Get a discount on ATI TEAS prep materials - Use code SAN15 to get 15% off ATI TEAS prep material or packages when you spend $50 or more at atitesting.com. Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. Promotion only available on ATI TEAS prep products, cannot be applied to TEAS testing fees or transcripts. Promotion cannot be applied to past purchases. Offer ends 5/31/2023. >>>>Prep for finals and your career with a FREE webinar from ATI - View the recording of this two-part webinar on resilience in nursing and preparing for finals here: https://atinursingblog.com/webinar-preparing-for-finals-career >>>>Achieve your dreams with ATI! – Learn how ATI can help you get into nursing school with their comprehensive TEAS prep materials. __________  The informa

Reye’s syndrome is a rare but very serious condition that involves acute encephalopathy, cerebral edema and fatty liver failure. The pathophysiology is not fully understood but what we do know points to mitochondrial injury secondary to viral illness and the use of aspirin in young children. In this episode you will learn: * Who is most affected by Reye’s syndrome * Complications of the condition * Signs and symptoms * Key assessments and diagnostic tests * Nursing interventions and other treatments * What to teach parents >>> Did you find this episode helpful? Then I’d love it if you'd rate and review the podcast! And if you’re not following the show, add it to your podcast library so you never miss an episode! Helpful Resources: Get the full episode transcript and references here. Want to study on-the-go? Then Study Sesh might be the answer you’ve been looking for! New Nursing Student Checklist - Get a step-by-step list of the key things to do before nursing school starts. __________  The informatio