The emergency severity index, or ESI, is meant to swiftly triage patients based on urgency and resource needs. In this episode emergency nurse, Kevin MacFarlane, shares his techniques for determining ESI scores, from identifying true level one resuscitation cases to non-urgent level five medication refills. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how ESI goes beyond just categorizing medical emergencies to account for quality of life impacts. Kevin also offers a glimpse into the future role of AI in revolutionizing triage protocols - a must-listen for any nurse committed to providing the ..read more

Sedation and delirium can derail even the strongest patient's recovery in the ICU - but spontaneous awakening trials (SATs) can empower nurses to get ahead of this vicious cycle. In this candid episode, I pick the brain of Kali Dayton, an ICU nurse practitioner fervent about early mobility, pulls back the curtain on SATs, a tragically misunderstood intervention that involves stopping sedatives each day to reconnect with the patient. With a mix of hard data and bedside wisdom, Kali reveals SATs as a game-changer for bettering outcomes like delirium, ventilator days, and the chance of discharge ..read more

Sedation and delirium can derail even the strongest patient's recovery in the ICU - but spontaneous awakening trials (SATs) can empower nurses to get ahead of this vicious cycle. In this candid episode, I pick the brain of Kali Dayton, an ICU nurse practitioner fervent about early mobility, pulls back the curtain on SATs, a tragically misunderstood intervention that involves stopping sedatives each day to reconnect with the patient. With a mix of hard data and bedside wisdom, Kali reveals SATs as a game-changer for bettering outcomes like delirium, ventilator days, and the chance of discharge ..read more

Proper sedation management is critical for improving outcomes, yet studies show a widespread problem of inaccurate Richmond Agitation-Sedation Score (RASS) assessments by nurses. In this revealing episode, Kali Dayton DNP, shares her technique to accurately and objectively measure the RASS and why this matter for our patient's outcomes. Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products. Do you need help with your resume, interviewing, or need career coaching? Check out Sarah at New Thing Nurs ..read more

Ever wonder what goes on behind the operating room doors? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the fascinating world of anesthesia and surgery. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Tanner and Cole from the Core Anesthesia podcast provide an insider's look at the perioperative process, from pre-op preparation to the orchestrated induction of anesthesia to navigating complications post-op. With vivid detail and expert insights, they break down the physiology behind general anesthesia, reveal secrets of the OR, and equip nurses with knowledge to better support surgical patients. Whethe ..read more

We all know that staying in bed increases the risk of pressure injuries and DVTs. But the adverse effects of immobilization go far beyond those basics. In this eye-opening episode, Margaret Arnold, PT pulls back the curtain on the rapid and surprising physiological changes that occur when your patients are inactive. You’ll learn about the hidden dangers of immobility most nurses overlook, spanning metabolic, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and neurological systems. We’ll also equip you with practical tips to incorporate safe mobilization into your busy shift. This discussion will drastically ..read more

In this episode, Tim Madeira, cardiothoracic DNP,  provides an overview of the primary heart valve diseases. He expertly guides us through the complex physiological processes underlying conditions like stenosis and valve regurgitation arising from congenital abnormalities, calcifications, infective endocarditis, and trauma. In addition, Tim outlines the latest evidence-based standards in surgical, percutaneous and medical interventions that nurses find themselves managing in the hospital. Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use t ..read more

Listen in as I chat with Philip Gonzalez, a critical care occupational therapist. He will help us de-mystify the philosophy of occupational therapy, discuss how nurses cane help their patients make the most of their therapy sessions, and introduce us to verticalization therapy. Discussed in episode Verticalization therapy is a therapeutic approach using equipment, manual assistance, or other various technologies to gradually tilt a patient from supine to 90 degrees in a slow and controlled manner, traditionally accomplished without any hip flexion using tilt tables. Check out Nicole Kupchik's ..read more

Understanding Diltiazem is an important part of your cardiac skillset. It's indications range from blood pressure management, long term stable angina, to it's mainstay in the hospital setting: acute rate control of arrhythmias with rapid ventricular rates. This episode will cover Diltiazem's mechanism of action, its multiple indications for both acute and routine use, as well as important nursing considerations. Mentioned in the episode: ICU Advantage: Diltiazem (Cardizem) - CC Meds Strong Medicine by Dr. Eric Strong: Antiarrhytmics (Lesson 7 - How to Choose the Right Med and Classic Pitfall ..read more

Do you want to enhance your understanding and effectively use atropine in the treatment of bradycardia? Starting with atropine's mechanism of action, we will explore its proper use for symptomatic bradycardia, including it's important contraindications.  We'll also cover some of atropine's other fascinating roles beyond the heart. You'll walk away with greater confidence in both the appropriate applications and limitations of atropine for bradycardia. Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% of ..read more