If the legal jargon in your contract leaves you feeling scared and intimidated, you’re not alone. Sure, you want to make sure you’re being adequately compensated through your salary, but what about work-life balance or the goals you want to achieve in your new position? Having your own back through this process is challenging, and that’s why Anna and I are here to share our top tips when it comes to navigating your employment contract.   Join us on this episode to discover what you must consider regarding your employment contract. Hear some of the most important questions Anna and I recom ..read more

Anna and I are doing something new this week that we think you’ll love. We’re taking a slightly different approach to highlighting important clinical practice by sharing two patient vignettes we've encountered in our own clinical practice. We hope these scenarios help you become the best Nurse Practitioner possible.   Join us on this episode as we share two different patient vignettes and explain why we believe cases like these are invaluable learning tools. Hear why there can sometimes be a gap between what you studied and real-life practice, how you can better serve your patients, and o ..read more

There have been quite a few updates to certain vaccinations over the past several years, so Anna and I are here this week to review these important updates with you. Regardless of the population you care for, these vaccines are ones you’ll see in your clinical rotations or in practice, and you’ll probably be asked about them by your patients.   Tune in this week to learn the updates in indication, administration schedule, and important patient education guidance concerning RSV, COVID, pneumococcal, and meningococcal vaccinations.   Get full show notes and more information here: https ..read more

In honor of Pride Month this June, Anna is here this week to talk about inclusivity and how to exemplify that for the LGBTQIA+ community in healthcare. The LGBTQIA+ community is twice as likely to report discrimination by a healthcare provider than non-LGBTQIA+ people, among other chronic stressors that lead to stigmatization. As real-deal NPs, you want all patients to feel welcome and safe, and in this episode, Anna is offering ideas for how you can create an inclusive healthcare environment. Learn the main pillars of LGBTQIA+ healthcare and some important terms and distinctions in terminolog ..read more

Advanced care planning is about your patients planning for the care they want in advance, just in case they become so seriously ill that they’re unable to advocate for themselves. While it’s vital for you to have these conversations with your patients, it often feels overwhelming and intimidating, especially if you’re getting ready to head out into practice for the first time.   Anna and I walk you through everything you need to know about advanced care planning. We’re giving you a better understanding of what it is and the considerations you must be aware of, and we’re also sharing some ..read more

Over the past couple of years, weight loss medications like Ozempic have skyrocketed in popularity, having gained the attention of celebrities and social media influencers for their seemingly magical weight loss powers. As a real-deal Nurse Practitioner, you must understand how these medications work in the body and how to safely prescribe them, and Anna and I are here to share everything you need to know.   Learn what GLP-1 agonists do, the benefits of medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, and the side effects you must educate your patients on. We’re exploring some of the predica ..read more

You can probably remember how intimidating and overwhelming it was in your very first job as a new nurse, and starting out in your Nurse Practitioner career is no different. You’re learning new skills with a higher level of responsibility and liability, so if you’re not yet walking around with the confidence of a seasoned NP, you’re not alone.   Anna and I offer our top tips for increasing your confidence in clinical rotations. Learn why improving your communication skills is the best place to start, our advice when it comes to asking for help, and how to seek out the mentors you need for ..read more

This week, Anna is speaking with the founder and CEO of NPHub, Krish Chopra. They are the best in the industry when it comes to finding Nurse Practitioner clinical placements, and they have a quality control process in place that prioritizes the well-being of both students and preceptors. That's why we’ve launched a partnership with them. Learn how NPHub ensures both students and preceptors get the best experience possible, and how a collaboration between our platforms is going to help so many real-deal Nurse Practitioners graduate with confidence.   Get full show notes and more info ..read more

Diagnostic reasoning is an essential skill for Real Deal Nurse Practitioners. A misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments, delayed treatment, and ultimately cause undue harm and stress to our patients. A major part of our role as NPs is diagnosing conditions, so we need to ensure our diagnoses are accurate.   Tune in this week for a vital overview of diagnostic reasoning. We’re providing you with key terms you need to understand regarding diagnosing your patients as a Nurse Practitioner, showing you how to avoid errors in diagnostic reasoning, and you’ll learn the three core steps o ..read more

I'm Sarah Michelle, a host of the Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club and I'm on a mission to get more nurse practitioners licensed and practicing in the field than ever before. We created this podcast for students and new nurse practitioners who have struggled with the pressure and the anxiety, preparing for their board exams and then entering into the workforce as a brand new real deal nurse practitioner. If this sounds like you, you're absolutely in the right place. Each week, my co-host, Anna, and I will discuss tips and strategies on how to pass that nurse practitioner exam as well as how t ..read more