Straight A Nursing

One of the first things you’ll learn in your OB class is what’s expected in a normal, uncomplicated, low-risk labor and delivery. Once you’ve got that down, it’s much easier to conceptualize the high-risk complex L&D issues (and yes, they do get complicated!) Today we’re talking about:  * The signs an individual is in labor * Differentiating between true labor and false labor * Physiological changes during labor (both parent and baby) * The 6 Ps of labor * The stages of labor Want more Nurse Mo in your life? Get extra tips, cat pics and get to know me personally when you follow me on Instagram! @straightanurse Read the show notes and see references here: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/low-risk-labor-delivery/SHOW UPDATE: Please note that since recording this podcast I have learned that not all pregnant individuals are women and that by using terms like "mom" or "mother" I have left many of you out of the conversation, and for that I apologize. I have realized I have a knowledge gap in this area and am actively seeking to learn more so my language can be inclusive to all pregnant individuals. If this episode left you feeling like I don't see you, I want you to know that I do value you and your experience very much. I am deeply grateful to those who kindly suggested I seek more understanding in this area. As healthcare professionals, we can make such a huge impact when we seek to understand our patients, value their unique experiences and get to know them for who they are...not who we assume them to be. Again, my apologies for making assumptions and I look forward to using more inclusive language in future episodes. Warmly, Nurse Mo.

Today we’re taking a deep dive into angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (otherwise known as ACE inhibitors). In this podcast episode you will learn:  * The RAAS pathway (understanding this is crucial to understanding how and why ACE inhibitors work!) * How to easily spot an ACE inhibitor * What conditions ACE inhibitors are used to treat * Adverse effects of ACE inhibitors...including one that can be life threatening! Are you as obsessed about patient safety as I am? Learn how to BULLETPROOF your medication administration here: https://straightanursing.ck.page/41fbe4fe50 Are you looking for an awesome community to support you on your nursing school journey? Join my Facebook group, Thriving Nursing Students and instantly have more than 16K new friends :-) https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingnursingstudents Read the show notes and see references here: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/ace-inhibitors/

Nursing school is challenging, intense and even really frustrating at times. In this week’s podcast episode we’re talking about nursing school burnout, my friends: * All the reasons a nursing student might experience burnout...trust me, it’s not just you!  * How to recognize when you are on your way to burnout (and hopefully catch it before it gets too bad!) * Tips to help you avoid it or even combat it once it hits. Need a little extra encouragement? Visit www.futureme.org and write a letter to your future self to be delivered at a time when you anticipate needing a pep talk or reminder of why you are on this journey :-)  Starting nursing school soon? Get my FREE 20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students guide here: https://straightanursing.ck.page/4d90f769dc For references, visit this link: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/nursing-school-burn-out/

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction that occurs immediately (or shortly after) exposure to an antigen. Because it can quickly be fatal, it’s crucial that you understand how to recognize it and intervene immediately. In this podcast episode we’ll talk through: What happens in anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock Why it is potentially fatal The signs/symptoms of anaphylaxis Nursing interventions for anaphylaxis, including medications How to monitor the patient Want more Nurse Mo in your life? Follow me on Instagram (and see occasional pictures of my cat!) @straightanurse  See references here: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/anaphylaxis

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be a highly effective treatment for depression and bipolar disorder, though it is shrouded in suspicion as one of the most stigmatized therapies currently in use. In this podcast episode we’ll talk about ECT, why and how it is used and nursing interventions for patients undergoing this therapy. For show notes & references: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/electroconvulsive-therapy/ Looking for a foolproof way to organize your busy nursing school schedule? Our planners make it easy! Plus, with nursing facts for each and every week, it’s full of info to help you on your exams. Grab yours here: www.etsy.com/shop/straightanursing Do you love “The Gram” as much as I do? Then follow me @straightanurse

Even though most nursing students LOVE clinical, there’s still often a lot of worry and uncertainty surrounding the experience. In this episode we’ll talk about some of the most common worries students have about clinicals and dispel them one by one.  Links mentioned in this episode: Nursing diagnoses: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/nursing-diagnosis/ Dealing with bullies: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/dealing-with-nurse-jerks-and-bullies/ Clinical debrief form: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/podcast80/ Want to see what Nurse Mo is up to in between podcast episodes? Follow me on Instagram @straightanurse Looking for your new BFFs? Join the Thriving Nursing Students Facebook group!  

In this special bonus episode we’re exploring what it’s like to pursue a career as a CRNA. Join me as I interview Jenny Finnell, creator of the CRNA School Prep Academy (https://crnaschoolprepacademy.com). In this episode Jenny shares her expertise in navigating the complex journey of becoming a CRNA, including: What students can start doing NOW to prepare What the application process is like Where a nurse should work prior to applying to CRNA programs What CRNA school is like Financial considerations for CRNA school Where CRNAs work and what she loves most about her career! Not ready to join the academy but want to explore the world of CRNA nursing? Then check out her Facebook group called I.C.U Dreaming About Anesthesia. See you there!

If I had to name the top three things that make me nervous at the bedside, pediatric respiratory distress would be at the top of that list. And for very good reason.  In this podcast episode I’ll talk you through all the reasons that pediatric respiratory distress is of special concern and what you (as the awesome nurse that you are) are going to do about it. Blog post and references here: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/pediatric-respiratory-distress/ Want more Straight A Nursing Pod-Quizzes? Sign up to be notified here. Have you subscribed to the podcast, but still want more? Then follow me on Instagram @straightanurse 

In this week’s episode I’m talking you through a potent medication used in the critical care setting to treat severe hypotension that has not responded to fluids. And that, my friends, is norepinephrine (brand name Levophed). Using the Straight A Nursing DRRUGS framework, we’ll dive into the need-to-know info so you can feel confident in clinical, on the job, or on your exams. Looking for more of Nurse Mo? Check out my growing YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJK-mbh6udF6WNYdjJQ-LYA The blog article about norepinephrine includes some practice dosage calculations...test your knowledge here: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/norepinephrine/  

In nursing school we learned the standard ECG measurements...the PR interval, the QRS, ST elevations, the rate...and that was about it! It wasn’t until I started working in the ICU that I learned about the QT interval and why it is probably one of the MOST important ECG measurements I can monitor. In this podcast episode, I’ll talk you through what the QT interval represents, how to measure it, some common causes for prolongation and...of course, what you are going to do about it.  The QTc calculator mentioned in this episode can be found here: http://www.medcalc.com/qtc.html Read the show notes here: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/qt-interval/ Looking for more of Nurse Mo in between episodes? Follow me on Instagram @straightanurse 

In this special bonus episode I interview Michael Smith from the Real Talk School of Nursing podcast. Michael is a wonderful student advocate who provides nursing students with a real-world perspective on nursing school through his podcast and hilarious Instagram memes (seriously, go check them out!)   In addition to mentoring students, Michael also works in the emergency room of a L1 trauma center. If you’re at all interested in ER nursing, then you’ll want to hear Michael’s advice for students and new nurses in that high-acuity and intense environment. He believes in you and so do I!  Enjoy!

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most severe form of lung injury and happens to be prevalent as of late due to Covid-19. In this podcast episode we’ll talk about the pathophysiology of ARDS and then dive into the key need-to-know information using the Straight A Nursing LATTE method.  If you find this podcast helpful, we’d love for you to take the time to subscribe, rate and review! I read every single one of your comments and appreciate your feedback and support more than you know.  Looking for more of Nurse Mo in between episodes? Follow me on Instagram @straightanurse  Links mentioned in episode: Chest X-ray showing ARDS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_respiratory_distress_syndrome#/media/File:ARDSSevere.png End-tidal CO2: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/capnography-etco2/ Brief tutorial on the P/F ratio: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/whats-a-pf-ratio-and-why-should-you-care/)  What is ECMO?  https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/ecmo/)  Prone positioning: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/prone-positioning/ Ventilator weaning: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/ventilator-weaning/ For show notes and references, please visit the Straight A Nursing website: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome/

Students, even those who do well in other classes, often struggle with mental health nursing. Many times these students have no idea why they’re struggling, they just know this class can be especially difficult.  But guess what? When you understand WHY you could find a class challenging, you can go in there armed with appropriate tools to meet these challenges (and possibly even thrive despite them!). Whew! Read the show notes here: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/why-mental-health-nursing-is-challenging/ ***** How strong is your organization game? Looking for a way to level up and have complete confidence that you’ll never miss an assignment, stay up too late finishing a project or forget an appointment? Then you’re ready to check out the Straight A Nursing planner at www.etsy.com/shop/straightanursing.Available in digital (for iPad/Tablet) or printable formats that come with easy instructions for printing at home or sending to an outside printer for assembly. Get yours today and see how amazing it feels to be in control of your busy nursing school schedule!

Follow along with a neuro case study featuring a fictional patient who suffers a CVA. We’ll talk through his medical history and key assessment findings then implement a plan of care that unfolds as you listen.  Read the show notes here: https://www.straightanursingstudent.com/neuro-case-study/ Are you looking for ways to prepare for nursing school or start next semester with new confidence? Crucial Concepts Bootcamp (https://straightanursing.mykajabi.com/crucial-concepts) is a self-paced course that teaches you HOW to be a successful nursing student. Imagine walking into the first day of class already understanding things like nursing diagnoses, care plans and dosage calculations. Talk about starting off strong! Sign up for Crucial Concepts Bootcamp here: https://straightanursing.mykajabi.com/crucial-concepts.

I know so many nursing students have questions about L&D nursing, what it’s like and how to get into such an exciting (and popular) field. So today I have a special treat for you! I’m interviewing Hannah, an RN who recently landed her dream job at a large hospital’s labor and delivery unit. We’ll talk through what she loves about the job, the different roles of the L&D nurse, and the path she took to get there. Here’s a hint...it only took about two years and she never had a position she didn’t love!  Are you starting nursing school soon or looking for a total re-set? Crucial Concepts Bootcamp (https://straightanursing.mykajabi.com/crucial-concepts) is on sale through January 10th, 2021, using coupon code FUTURENURSE. This self-paced course teaches you HOW to be a successful nursing student, just like Hannah was!