Up My Nursing Game

In this episode critical care nurse educator, Sarah Vance, discusses intra-cardiac pressures including central venous pressures (CVP), pulmonary artery pressures (PAP and PAOP), fluid responsiveness, and venous oxygen saturation (SvO2). 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 Nurse: Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAME Nursing students and new grad career services  Experienced RN career services NP career services

Altered mental status (AMS) can be an early warning sign of serious conditions, yet it's often overlooked or dismissed as simple confusion. In this episode, critical care nurse practitioner Christian Guzman breaks down the complexities of AMS and its many causes. Christian walks us through a systematic approach to assessing and managing patients with AMS, from performing key neurological exams to interpreting critical lab values. You'll learn about surprising medications that can affect cognition, especially in older adults, and how to differentiate between common causes of confusion and more urgent scenarios. 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 Nurse: Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAME Nursing students and new grad career services  Experienced RN career services NP career services

While the concept of hypovolemic shock may seem straightforward compared to the other types of shock, it's various causes and vastly different treatment approaches may catch you off guard. In this episode, flight nurse Nyssa from The Q Word Podcast vividly illustrates the key differences between fluid volume depletion and blood volume loss. You'll learn to spot the ominous clinical presentations of hemorrhagic shock. But most importantly, Nyssa equips you with the critical life-saving interventions for massive hemorrhage - from using tourniquets to transexamic acid. Whether you're an emergency nurse or just want to solidify your knowledge, this masterclass on managing hypovolemic shock's most high-stakes form will drastically elevate your nursing game. This episode is part of Nurses' PodCrawl 2024. Check out other episodes from these excellent nurse podcasters: Obstructive Shock: Critical Care Scenarios and Rapid Response RN Distributive shock: Straight A Nursing and How Not to Kill Your Patient Cardiogenic Shock: Nurse Dose Podcast and Up My Nursing Game 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 Nurse: Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAME Nursing students and new grad career services  Experienced RN career services NP career services

In this in-depth episode, cardiac nursing expert Sean from the Nurse Dose Podcast vividly illustrates how acute coronary syndromes, valve dysfunction, arrhythmias, and mechanical complications can all culminate in cardiogenic shock. You'll learn to spot the ominous signs like falling cardiac output, rising filling pressures, and poor end-organ perfusion. But most importantly, Sean equips you with the critical interventions - from revascularization to advanced circulatory support devices like balloon pumps and Impella pumps. Whether you're an ICU nurse or just want to solidify your knowledge of this high-stakes condition, this masterclass on cardiogenic shock is a must-listen. This episode is part of Nurses' PodCrawl 2024. Check out other episodes from these excellent nurse podcasters: Obstructive Shock: Critical Care Scenarios and Rapid Response RN Distributive shock: Straight A Nursing and How Not to Kill Your Patient Hypovolemic shock: The Q Word Podcast and Up My Nursing Game From this episode: Listen to the Nurse Dose Podcast Check out Nurse Dose on IG! @NurseDosePodcast 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 Nurse: Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAME Nursing students and new grad career services  Experienced RN career services NP career services

Imagine being a nurse faced with a patient who has taken a fistful of someone else's medications, leading to a life-threatening allergic reaction. This was the reality Dave Dovell, a registered nurse and author, confronted in a fascinating case study he shares during this podcast episode. He takes listeners on a deep dive into the clinical presentation and management of anaphylaxis and offers insights into providing compassionate care. This powerful case study underscores the multifaceted challenges nurses face and the importance of prioritizing patient-centered care even in the most demanding situations. Mentioned in this episode: The New RN: A blog and more for new nurses and student nurses Brand New Nurse, by Dave Dovell 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 Nurse: Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAME Nursing students and new grad career services  Experienced RN career services NP career services See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

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 right care at the right time. Mentioned in this episode: The Art of Emergency Nursing Podcast How Not to Kill Your Patient Podcast 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 Nurse: Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAME Nursing students and new grad career services  Experienced RN career services NP career services See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

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. Kali 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 to home. You'll hear practical tips on everything from managing agitated awakenings to recruiting family as awakening coaches. Whether you're routinely pawing through SAT policies or clueless about this critical care practice, this lively dialogue will upend assumptions about sedation and empower you to maximize your impact. Mentioned in this episode: RASS survey 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 Nurse: Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAME Nursing students and new grad career services  Experienced RN career services NP career services See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

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 Nurse: Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAME Nursing students and new grad career services  Experienced RN career services NP career services See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

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. Whether you're an ICU, ER, or floor nurse, you'll gain invaluable perspective on the surgical experience.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 Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesSee the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.Time Stamps[06:16] - Pre-operative process, pre-anesthesia clinic visits, elective versus emergent preparation[18:02] - Overview of the induction process to put a patient under general anesthesia.[27:24] - Anesthesia: gases versus IV[42:47] - Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)[44:08] - Postoperative urinary retention (PO-UR)

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 change the way you view the vital importance of patient mobility.Check out Margaret's Early Mobility Conference this April 2024. I will be there!Learn more about the physiology of immobility with Margaret's webpage The Difference a Day Can Make: The Effects of Immobility.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 Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesSee the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

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 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 Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesSee the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

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 episodeVerticalization 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 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 Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesSee the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

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 MedsStrong Medicine by Dr. Eric Strong: Antiarrhytmics (Lesson 7 - How to Choose the Right Med and Classic Pitfalls)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 Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesUp My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

In this episode, I'll give you the inside scoop on amiodarone so you can truly grasp why it is *the* most prescribed antiarrhythmic medication. We'll unpack its unique mechanism of action that makes it so effective, share a real-world case that shows amiodarone in action, as well as have a candid talk about its adverse effects. Join me to find out why after 40 years, this versatile antiarrhythmic still has a prime place in the hospital. The story of amiodarone is a fascinating one - and as nurses, we owe it to our patients to know it!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 Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesUp My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.The key moments in this episode are:00:03:22 - Ventricular Tachycardia 00:05:00 - How Amiodarone Works 00:09:06 - Indications and Dosages 00:11:47 - Adverse Effects 

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% off all products.Do you need help with your resume, interviewing, or need career coaching? Check out Sarah at New Thing Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesUp My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.The key moments in this episode are:02:07 - Mechanism of Action04:44 - Indications and Contraindications 07:45 - Other Uses of Atropine 09:32 - Real Patient Scenarios

Part one of our cardiac medication mini-series spotlights Milrinone. We'll unpack milrinone's mechanism of action, indications, and potential pitfalls. This high-value overview distills need-to-know details about milrinone for seasoned critical care nurses and students alike.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 Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesUp My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.The key moments in this episode are:2:00 - Mechanism of action of Milrinone 4:36 - Common conditions and indications for Milrinone 6:10 - Adverse effects and promising findings 

When I found myself struggling to communicate a patient's HIV status during a rapid response, it was a wake-up call that I needed to expand my knowledge. This podcast episodes delves deeper into HIV/AIDS than nursing school did, covering common hospital presentations, labs, medications, and opportunistic infections. By enhancing my own understanding, I hope to equip others to improve care for patients living with HIV/AIDS.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 Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesUp My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.The key moments in this episode are:00:02:33 - Overview of HIV/AIDS00:05:00 - Treatment of HIV00:09:15 - Opportunistic Infections 00:13:57 - Patient Education 

We often draw blood gasses looking for an ACIDosis, but what about when you discover an ALKAlosis?In this episode, I share a story of a patient with a history of CHF, admitted for diuresis. She was initially improving but becames lethargic and difficult to arouse. We were surprised when her VBG showed alkalosis instead acidosis. Guest Sarah Lorenzini from the Rapid Response RN podcast, helped me make sense of our finding.Listen in to learn about this rare acid base imbalance that can occur as a result of a very common intervention.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 Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesUp My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.The key moments in this episode are:00:02:32 - Patient background and presentation00:15:14 - Causes of metabolic alkalosis 00:20:18 - Treatment of diuretic induced metabolic alkalosis, 00:27:12 - Diagnostic reasoning, antibiotic stewardship 

In nursing, we're taught certain conventions in school. But what happens when those practices don't match up with real-life situations? Join me as we delve into the controversial topics of administering medication one-by-one through feeding tubes, the presence of air bubbles in IV lines, and the appropriate size of IV catheters for blood transfusions. Get ready for a shocking revelations that might just leave you questioning what you thought you knew about nursing. 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 Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesUp My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.Timestamps:2:31 - Giving Medications through Feeding Tubes, 6:31 - Air Bubbles in IV Lines, 9:54 - Choosing IV Catheter Size for Blood Transfusions13:56 - Recap

Dive into the world of trauma nursing from the FAST exam, to the operating room and subsequent inpatient care. Michelle Dedeo, trauma and neuro clinical nurse specialist, explains key trauma concepts such as the trauma assessment, the triad of death, and massive transfusion protocols.Guest: Michelle DedeoMichelle Dedeo is a clinical nurse specialist in the Seattle, WA area. Her work as a clinical nurse, clinical leader, and nurse educator have focused in trauma and neuro critical care.Brush up on neuroscience with Michelle's SCRN Prep PodcastDo you need help with your resume, interviewing, or need career coaching? Check out Sarah at New Thing Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesCheck out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Have you ever wondered what float pool nursing is like? These nurses fill staffing gaps throughout various units in the hospital, meaning no two days are the same. Listen in as I discuss what float pool nursing is, it's pros and cons, and who would make an ideal float pool nurse. Whether you're an experienced nurse looking for a change of pace or a nursing student who is intrigued by the idea of having a lot of variety, this episode on float pool nursing is for you! This is a collaboration with Nurse Mo from the Straight A Nursing Podcast.Do you need help with your resume, interviewing, or need career coaching? Check out Sarah at New Thing Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesCheck out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Have you noticed that your patients are being prescribed SGLT-2 inhibitors, even if they don't have diabetes?  If your patient asked, would you be able to explain why they are taking an SGLT-2 inhibitor?Listen in to learn about how this new and fascinating class of medication that was designed for diabetes is now being prescribed for heart failure, too.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

As nurses, we are trained to be on high alert for sepsis, but don't be fooled! This episode covers sepsis imposters: the sneaky diagnoses that present similarly to sepsis but could prove deadly if misdiagnosed. Follow along as Dawn Carpenter, DNP shares real-life case studies that will help you identify the subtle clues that could make the right diagnosis... and potentially save a life.

When fluid resuscitating a hypotensive patients, how do you know when to continue with IV fluids and when to initiate vasopressors? In this episode, critical care teaching legend Nicole Kupchik, RN MSN CNS, shares evidence-based practices for determining the best course of action. Explore the significance of noninvasive measurements in assessing fluid responsiveness and learn how incorrect decisions can lead to adverse patient outcomes. Nicole Kupchik's latest book, The Critical Care Survival Guide, is a concise bedside reference book with easy-to-access resources for anyone working in critical care regardless of experience level.Studies that support the use of balanced crystalloids in fluid resuscitation versus normal saline:Balanced Crystalloids versus Normal Saline in Adults with Sepsis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisLactated Ringer's Solution Reduces Systemic Inflammation Compared With Saline in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis

For nurses who are looking to transition out of the bedside, the options may be confusing. From academia, to advanced practice and management, it's crucial to find the right path before embarking on a long journey. In this episode, Sarah Wells, MSN RN from New Thing Nurse, lays out the multitude of options, their pros and cons, and their licensure requirements.Check out Sarah at New Thing Nurse:Get 15% off of her resume and cover letter templates using the promo code UPMYGAMENursing students and new grad career services Experienced RN career servicesNP career servicesCheck out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

In this episode,  Nurse Mo from the Straight A Nursing will delve into pancreatitis - its definition, causes, pathophysiology, and its impact on various systems of the body despite being categorized as a gastrointestinal condition. Additionally, we will discuss significant assessment findings, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options related to pancreatitis.Learn more about NTI, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) premiere conference for progressive and critical care nurses on May 22-24, 2023: http://www.aacn.org/nti23Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Tune your delirium radar and add some extra tools in your tool belt to get your delirious patient back on the rails.To help navigate us through the crazy train of delirium in the ED,  Kevin and Lisa from the How Not to Kill Your Patient podcast have joined me to discuss delirium assessment, risk factors, prevention, and treatment. It is part of a week-long Nurses' Podcrawl in which nurse podcasters including:Walking Home from the ICUCup of NursesGood Nurse Bad NurseFreshRNThe Rapid Response RNLearn more about NTI, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) premiere conference for progressive and critical care nurses on May 22-24, 2023: http://www.aacn.org/nti23Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

When I created a podcast episode with Kali Dayton, an ICU nurse practitioner and passionate advocate for preventing delirium, I never expected it to have such a profound impact on my nursing practice. To raise awareness about this issue, a group of nurse podcasters will participate in a PodCrawl starting on Monday, April 17th. I've decided to re-release the episode with Kali in preparation for this event, as her insights on promoting early mobility in ICUs are invaluable. Whether you've listened to it before or not, be sure to tune in for a mind-blowing perspective on delirium prevention.

On this episode, I will share with you the secret sauce of a prolific nursing career. It touches education, evidence-based practice, staying up to date, networking, and "recharging your batteries". This episode is about nursing conferences,  like the American Association of Critical Care Nurses' premier conference, NTI, should be a pillar of every nurse's career.By the end of this episode, you will know how to make the most of nursing conferences in general, and specifically for NTI. You will also get a sneak peek into some of the fascinating sessions on tap for NTI 2023.Learn more about NTI 2023Guests: Sarah Wells, RN MSN CNL can be reached at sarah.wells@aacn.orgTravis DiCenzo-CrotalloConnect with the AACN!IG: @exceptionalnursesFB: @aacnfaceTwitter: @AACNme

In this second of a two part series, Dr. Mohammed Soliman, MD, PhD, MBA speaks with us about the landscape of psychiatric medications, a discussion is geared towards hospitals nurses who work in non-psychiatric units such as medical-surgical floors, ICUs, or emergency departments. This episode will cover antipsychotic and mood stabilizing medications as well as when to request a psychiatric consult.Learn more about NTI, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) premiere conference for progressive and critical care nurses on May 22-24, 2023: http://www.aacn.org/nti23Listen to Dr. Soliman's podcast, Thrive! Learning from the Best.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

In this first of a two part series, Dr. Mohammed Soliman, MD, PhD, MBA speaks with us about the landscape of psychiatric medications, a discussion is geared towards hospitals nurses who work in non-psychiatric units such as medical-surgical floors, ICUs, or emergency departments.Listen to Dr. Soliman's podcast, Thrive! Learning from the Best.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Have you ever wondered what happens to your patients who you discharge home on hospice? What medications do they receive to promote comfort? What does the dying process actually look like?Listen in as Nurse Allie @nurseallie anwers all the questions we have about hospice care.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Have you always wanted to go on an ambulance ride? Here is the chance to get a sneak peak at what happens to our patients who are brought in by ambulance. Listen in as Mike Linares from Simple Nursing thoughtfully (and humorously!) recounts stories from his time as an EMT.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Dr. Eric Strong, internal medicine physician, faculty professor and YouTuber Strong Medicine, reviews the three categories of cardiomyopathy including their etiology, physiology, treatment, and what nurses need to look out for in patients with the disease. Dr. Strong will also explain why the term “cardiomyopathy” is surprisingly misleading and misunderstood by nurses and clinicians alike.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Listen in as I share a case of vasovagal syncope with rapid response guru, Sarah Lorenzini from the Rapid Response RN Podcast, in which my patient had a syncopal episode while on telemetry. We discuss what the telemetry strip looked like, why atropine might not have been the best intervention for this patient and some of the treatment options for bradycardia.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

In this episode, I will share with you what I have considered to be my biggest ah-ha moments from the last 2.5 years of hosting this podcast — those that have influenced my practice on just about a daily basis.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Kidney transplant is, by far, the most common type of transplant procedure performed and therefore the most commonly seen in clinical practice. Dr. Norman Silas, MD, transplant nephrologist, discusses pertinent topics for clinical nurses such as the pre-transplant work-up, post-transplant medications, and potential pitfalls when caring for transplant recipients.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Hostility, uncooperativeness and impulsivity: acute agitation can be one of the most stressful aspects of a nurses job. With forty years of nursing experience, Dee Henderson, RN, MSN, joins us to discuss how both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions can be used to de-escalate the crisis cycle.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Here is the definitive episode about ostomies for the bedside nurse. From comparing  and ileal conduit v. ileostomy v. colostomy to coaching your patient on what to expect in life with an ostomy, Sarah Baumgart MSN, APRN, CWOCN, answers many of the questions nurses have about their patients with ostomies.Up your nursing assessment with Eko Stethoscopes. Get noise cancelling, 40x amplification and murmur detection. Use the promo code GAME to get $50 off your order.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Time is brain. Rapid response nurse, Sarah Lorenzini, is frequently working against the clock to get patients with stroke symptoms to CT and ultimately receiving definitive care. We will discuss what nurses can do to help facilitate fast interventions including tPA, thrombectomy, ventriculostomies, stroke center designation and post-CVA complications.Up your nursing assessment with Eko Stethoscopes. Get noise cancelling, 40x amplification and murmur detection. Use the promo code GAME to get $50 off your order.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Ketamine seems to be the new "it" drug. Victoria Arsenault, PharmD,  returns to the podcast to discuss how Ketamine's dissociative properties can be used as an analgesic, anesthetic, and antidepressant.Up your nursing assessment with Eko Stethoscopes. Get noise cancelling, 40x amplification and murmur detection. Use the promo code GAME to get $50 off your order.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Emergency departments in rural areas work in austere conditions that often require critically ill patients to transfer to larger hospitals that can provide a higher level of care. Kent Herbert, emergency physician, discusses what resources are available at rural hospitals and the process for transferring patients to higher levels of care.Up your nursing assessment with Eko Stethoscopes. Get noise cancelling, 40x amplification and murmur detection. Use the promo code GAME to get $50 off your order.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

A patient's nutrition status is often an afterthought for nurses. Clinical nurse specialist, Janice Powers, PhD, RN explains how nutrition improves patient outcomes and reviews evidence based enteral feeding practices in hopes that nurses will play a more central role in facilitating adequate nutrition for our patients.Up your nursing assessment with Eko Stethoscopes. Get noise cancelling, 40x amplification and murmur detection. Use the promo code GAME to get $50 off your order.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Healthcare has a complex and convoluted relationship with marijuana. Marijuana is a "schedule 1" substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, yet a synthetic version of it is FDA approved as an appetite stimulant. Dr. Thomas, hospitalist, discusses the relevant historical and political context of the drug, as well as its pharmacology, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and some communication techniques for discussing drug use with patients.Join the podcast! Learn more about the podcast production internship and apply here.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has a stubbornly high mortality rate with current estimates at about 40%. Critical care veteran Kathleen Vollman, MSN, RN, CCNS lays the foundation of ARDS starting with pathophysiology followed by the “8 Ps” of evidence-based supportive care and summary of long-term prognosis.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Check out Kathleen Vollman's consulting business Advancing Nursing.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurologic emergency much like an MI is a cardiac emergency and should be treated as such.⁠ From EEGs to medications, Mary Kay Bader talks us through both convulsive and non-convulsive SE.⁠Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (0.75).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Signs of clinical deterioration often start appearing hours before an adverse event or arrest. As nurses, we are in the unique position to be able to identify and act on early warning signs. Nurse Alice, from the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, talks about early signs and symptoms of clinical deterioration and how the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) can be implemented.Please take my listener survey to help me improve the podcast: https://forms.gle/YdufbTZZoRELxZSG8Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Nicole Kupchik's online course The ABCs of ABGs and Capnography is referenced in this episode.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Oxycontin, drug-seeking behavior, co-addiction. Who better to talk us through the current opioid crisis with two former law enforcement officers and emergency nurses turned nurse practitioners? Join us for this memorable discussion with Ben and Tom from Just Some Podcast for Advanced Practitioners.Please take my listener survey to help me improve the podcast: https://forms.gle/YdufbTZZoRELxZSG8Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

What is it *really* like in the ED and why do emergency nurses often feel like they are at odds with the rest of the hospital? Kevin McFarlane from The Art of Emergency Nursing paints a picture of the ED while addressing important topics like frequent flyers, hand-off reports, and admit holds.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

We all know BLS and even ACLS like the back of our hands so now it's time to understand *why*. Why are VF and VT under the arrest algorithms? Why epi? Why are survival rates so low, even in the hospital?Former paramedic and current BLS and ACLS instructor, Al Gook, answers some basic yet honest questions we all have about cardiac arrest and what we can do to improve our stubbornly low survival rates.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.

Managing blood pressure for dialysis patient can be complicated. Nephrologists Dr. Daniel Weiner and Dr. Bourne Auguste address intradialytic hypertension and hypotension while giving a huge shout out to the dark horse of nephrology: peritoneal dialysis.This episode is a part of NephMadness: a nephrology educational initiative that is modeled after the college basketball tournament but with nephrology concepts. It is a noncommercial learning initiative that leverages the tools of social media to teach about the latest and greatest breakthroughs in the field of nephrology.Participants in the PodCrawl:The Curbsiders : An Internal Medicine Podcast…for the Internist. This episode will focus on the Cardiorenal Syndrome. Listen on Apple or Spotify.The Drs. Washington: The Drs. Washington are three sister physicians  will discuss social and physical determinants of health as well as governmental and institutional initiatives that affect health inequities in nephrology. Listen on Apple or Spotify. The Cribsiders: On this pediatric podcast, go deep into Neonatal AKI. Listen on Apple or Spotify. Best Science (BS) Medicine: The Best Science Medicine podcast  discusses the tricky issue of albuminuria – who to monitor, what to monitor, and who to treat. Listen on Apple or Spotify. Freely Filtered: On this nephrology podcast, the filtrate discuss comparative animal physiology (specifically nephrology). This time around they are discussing giraffe and whale kidneys. Listen on Apple or Spotify.Check out Nicole Kupchik's exam reviews and practice questions at nicolekupchikconsulting.com. Use the promo code UPMYGAME20 to get 20% off all products.Use the promo code UMNG10 to get 10% off your order from Stoggles.Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit (1.00).See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.