Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club

163: AANP vs ANCC: An Updated Guide to Choosing Your NP Certification Exam

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Trying to decide between AANP vs ANCC for your NP certification exam can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like the "wrong" choice could im...

Metronidazole Made Simple for NP Boards & Practice [NP Confidence Corner]

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Metronidazole is a must-know medication that is likely to show up on your NP board exams and very likely to show up in clinical practice. In this mini...

162: How to Pass Your 3P Exam

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling overwhelmed about how to pass your 3P exam? You are not alone. The 3P exam can feel high-pressure, especially when it stands between you and ...

What the New Dyslipidemia Guidelines Mean for Boards and Clinical Practice [NP Confidence Corner]

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this minisode, Alex breaks down the 2026 ACC/AHA Dyslipidemia Guidelines, highlighting what's new and how it impacts both NP board exams and clinic...

161: Cytochrome P450 System: What You Need to Know

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Drug interactions do not have to feel confusing. Once the cytochrome P450 system clicks, it becomes much easier to reason through medication metaboli...

Herbal Supplements [NP Confidence Corner]

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Herbal supplements may seem harmless, but they can have important effects on medications and patient safety. In this minisode, I review the herbal sup...

160: Alpha & Beta Adrenergic Receptors Explained: NP Pharmacology Review

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do alpha and beta adrenergic receptors feel confusing or overly detailed? Understanding these receptors is essential for success on your exams, and o...

Prescribing During Pregnancy with Confidence [NP Confidence Corner]

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prescribing in pregnancy can feel intimidating, especially when a patient casually mentions they're 10 weeks along mid-visit. In this minisode, Kaitly...

159: First Year as an NP: Transitioning from Student to Practitioner

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you had that "wait… I'm the provider now" moment yet? The first year as an NP is one of the biggest professional shifts you'll ever make, and ...

Lab Values to Know for Boards - TSH [NP Confidence Corner]

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

TSH questions on your NP boards aren't meant to trick you, but they do test whether you understand the pattern behind thyroid labs. In this minisode, ...

158: What I Wish I Knew: Lessons from Experienced NPs

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever thought, "Why didn't anyone tell me this sooner?" That feeling is incredibly common as you move from NP school into real practice.    ...

Lab Values to Know for Boards - Hemoglobin A1c [NP Confidence Corner]

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hemoglobin A1c is one of the most high-yield lab values you'll see on NP boards and in real life. In this minisode, I review its alternate names, the ...

157: The Primary Care Screening Guidelines You Must Know to Pass Your NP Boards

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When you're preparing for NP boards, screening guidelines can seem a little dry, but these recommendations show up consistently on exams and form the...

Tips for Sick Season [NP Confidence Corner]

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's winter, which means full-blown sick season is here. In this minisode, Kaitlyn and Courtney break down three simple ways to distinguish between ba...

156: Hypertension Guidelines for NP Boards: What Matters for the Exam vs Practice

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hypertension is one of the most heavily tested topics on NP board exams, but recent guideline updates can make it hard to know what you actually need...

Holiday Study Hacks for NP Exam Prep [NP Confidence Corner]

31 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Studying during the holidays can feel overwhelming. In this minisode, I share practical study hacks to help you stay consistent without burning out, i...

155: Rest, Reset, and Refocus: A Holiday Mindset for Nurse Practitioners

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the holidays arrive, it can feel hard to slow down when NP school, board prep, or work is still weighing on your mind.    In this short episode,...

Your FAQs Over Practice Questions [NP Confidence Corner]

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you're gearing up for your board exam, practice questions are one of the most powerful tools you can use - but only if you're using them the righ...

154: Difficult Diagnoses: A Case Study in Critical Thinking with Courtney H

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you're stepping into clinical practice, difficult diagnoses can show up in subtle ways that require you to slow down and think critically.   In...

Top Tip to Acing Skin Exam Questions [NP Confidence Corner]

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For your board exam, dermatology questions often come down to recognizing the right buzzword. In today's minisode, Courtney walks through the high-yie...

153: NP Exam Pharmacology Lightning Session with Courtney H

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you're preparing for your NP certification exam, pharmacology questions can feel overwhelming with all the drug names, interactions, and clinical...

3 Boxed Warnings to Know for Boards [NP Confidence Corner]

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Medication warnings save lives, but which ones will actually show up on your certification exam?   Today, Courtney and I review three critical boxed ...

152: Intro to Antibiotics: Classes, First-Line Treatments & Key Exceptions

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode kicks off Pharmacology November with a focused review of antibiotics that matter most for your boards and practice. I walk through the ma...

The #1 Eye Exam Step New NPs Forget & Why It Matters [NP Confidence Corner]

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special minisode, I'm introducing our new NP Confidence Corner series, where we'll share quick, actionable tips released every other week betw...

151: Creating a Study Plan That Works for You: NP Board Exam Prep with Kaitlyn D

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Studying for your nurse practitioner board exam can feel overwhelming. There's so much to cover, and everyone around you seems to be doing it differen...

150: Maintain Healthy Boundaries with Patients, Employers, and Preceptors

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Setting professional boundaries can feel like walking a tightrope when you're caring for patients. You want to show compassion and build trust, but th...

149: Zebra Questions: Exam Strategies for the Unexpected with Kaitlyn D

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

No matter how well you prepare, every NP exam includes a few questions that make you stop and think, "What in the world is this?" These are the infamo...

148: NP Board Exam Strategies: Absolutes and Opposites with Kaitlyn D

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Test-taking strategies can make the difference between passing and failing your nurse practitioner board exam. When you're staring at a question where...

147: Dissecting Practice Questions: How to Read the Lead-In with Kaitlyn D

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you're taking a certification exam, every single word matters. One misread keyword can be the difference between choosing the right answer and fa...

146: Your NP Board Prep Hub: Resources and Our New Instagram with Courtney

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you looking for a trusted place to support your NP exam prep and connect with other learners? In this episode, we sit down with Courtney, Senior E...

145: How to Navigate Multiple NP Specialties with Kennedy

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to find the right specialty as a new nurse practitioner? You're not alone. In today's episode, I sit down with my friend Kennedy t...

144: Secondary Hypertension Demystified for Nurse Practitioners

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As nurse practitioners, we often see a condition that flies under the radar but has important implications for diagnosis and treatment: secondary hype...

143: Reduce Medication Risks in Older Adults with the Beers Criteria

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With polypharmacy on the rise, prescribing for older adults can be tricky, leading to increased risks of side effects and drug interactions. In today'...

142: Prevent Diagnostic Errors in NP Practice: Essential Strategies

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I dive into a critical topic that NP school doesn't fully prepare you for - diagnostic errors in clinical practice. Unlike exams w...

141: Non-Clinical Skills Every Nurse Practitioner Needs

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As a nurse practitioner, clinical knowledge alone isn't enough to thrive in practice. Today we're diving into the essential non-clinical skills that c...

140: Pitfalls to Avoid in Your First NP Role

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Transitioning from an RN to a Nurse Practitioner is exciting, but it comes with challenges that nursing school doesn't fully prepare you for. In this ...

139: Handling Emergencies in Primary Care: Be Prepared for the Unexpected

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a routine day in primary care suddenly turns into a life-threatening emergency? As a nurse practitioner in primary care, I initially...

138: NPI, DEA, and Credentials: What Happens After Your Board Exam?

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I break down the essential post-certification steps every new nurse practitioner needs to take. From understanding the difference between c...

137: Continuing Education for Nurse Practitioners: Requirements and Resources

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover everything you need to know about continuing education as a nurse practitioner. I explain the different types of CE credits, where to find th...

136: Prepare for Professional Role Questions on Your NP Board Exams

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you preparing for your NP board certification exam and feeling overwhelmed by professional role practice questions? These questions make up a sign...

135: The Importance of Personal Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As healthcare providers, we never want to imagine being involved in a malpractice suit. However, the reality is that it's a possibility we must be pre...

134: Essential Skills and Resources for Success in a Specialty NP Role with Courtney H

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with my friend Courtney Helm, an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, to discuss her unique experience working in a gastroent...

133: Navigating the Challenges of Working in a Retail Clinic as a New NP with Kaitlyn D

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with my good friend and colleague Kaitlyn to discuss her unique experience as a new NP in this fast-paced setting. Kaitlyn shares her journ...

132: Essential Tips for Thriving in Your NP Clinical Rotations

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We share our top tips for boosting your confidence in clinical rotations and beyond. Whether you're a student just starting out or a new grad finding ...

131: MSN vs DNP for Family Nurse Practitioners: Which Path Is Right for You?

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we'll focus specifically on Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) and compare the MSN and DNP educational paths. I break down what each d...

130: Navigating Weight Loss Medications: A Clinician's Essential Guide

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anna and I delve into the growing topic of weight loss medications, including drugs like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and Ozempic, which have gained sign...

129: Holiday Tips for Effective NP Studies

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling guilty about not studying for your NP exams during holiday break? How can you balance enjoying the festivities with staying on top of ...

128: How to Choose Your NP Specialty Path

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anna dives into the most common nurse practitioner specialties, exploring the unique roles and responsibilities of each. From family practice and adul...

127: Ace Your NP Interview: Expert Tips for Landing Your Dream Job

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anna is here this week to dive into the most common NP interview questions and share strategies for answering them effectively. From highlighting your...

126: Top Charting Tips for New NPs from Erica D the NP Charting Coach

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Anna sits down with Erica D, the NP Charting Coach, who specializes in helping nurse practitioners improve their charting skills. Eri...

125: The Truth About Body Mass Index

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever questioned the accuracy and usefulness of BMI as a measure of health? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the history and lim...

124: DEI in Healthcare: Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Matter for Nurse Practitioners

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard the buzzword "DEI" thrown around a lot lately? DEI is about so much more than just checking boxes or meeting quotas. It's about seeking...

123: Trauma-Informed Care: Key Principles and Practical Applications

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard the term "trauma-informed care" being used more frequently lately? In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this approach to healthcare ha...

122: How Implicit Bias Impacts Patient Care (And What to Do About It)

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of implicit bias: those unconscious judgments and assumptions we make about others based on characteris...

121: 3 Pediatric Case Studies: Diagnostic Tests and Management Strategies for Nurse Practitioners

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what causes chest pain in adolescents or how to handle frequent ear infections in under-vaccinated infants? In today's episode,...

120: How to Approach Cognitive Changes in the Elderly

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between dementia and delirium in older patients? In today's episode, Anna and I dive into two fascin...

119: Empathy and Clarity: A Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Supporting Patients Through Tough Times

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As real-deal Nurse Practitioners, delivering bad news to patients is an inevitable part of the job that we must be prepared for. But how can we have t...

118: Employment Contract: Don't Sign Until You Hear This

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

117: When Patient Vignettes Reveal Hidden Challenges

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

116: Vaccination Updates: RSV, COVID, Pneumococcal & Meningococcal

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 up...

115: LGBTQIA+ Principles in Healthcare

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

114: Everything You Need to Know About Advanced Care Planning

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 unabl...

113: A Clinician's Guide to Weight Loss Medications

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past couple of years, weight loss medications like Ozempic have skyrocketed in popularity, having gained the attention of celebrities and soc...

112: How to Boost Your Confidence in Clinical Rotations

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

111: How NPHub Is Saving Healthcare with Founder, Krish Chopra

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Practiti...

110: 3 Steps for Better Diagnostic Reasoning

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Diagnostic reasoning is an essential skill for Real Deal Nurse Practitioners. A misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments, delayed treatment, an...

109: How to Conquer NCLEX Anxiety and Pass on Your First Try

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're currently a future real-deal Registered Nurse, this is a must-listen episode. After studying, going through courses, clinical work, and appr...

Start Here: Become a Confident Real Deal Nurse Practitioner

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

108: Heart Month: Congenital Heart Disease & Being a Heart Mom

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For those of you who aren't familiar, my daughter Meadow was born with a severe congenital heart defect last year. Being an advocate for congenital he...

107: Global Nursing: How Nurse Practitioners Can Make a Positive Impact

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are many unique and amazing opportunities out there for Nurse Practitioners when it comes to global health. The great news is that because globa...

106: How to Succeed on Your First Day as a New NP

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Transitioning from nurse to Nurse Practitioner is a big deal. It's truly a whole new career. You've passed your boards, graduated from school, and now...

105: Why Interdisciplinary Teamwork Matters

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

No matter what kind of Nurse Practitioner you are, you likely work alongside hospitalists, nurses, case managers, social workers, specialists, and anc...

104: Time Management Tips for Creating School-Life Balance

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ensuring you excel in Nurse Practitioner school while also making time for the things you enjoy, that recharge you and that give you energy for other ...

103: How to Save Time as a New Nurse Practitioner

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to balance seeing your loved ones with this busy period at work during the Holidays, you're in the perfect place. The holiday season is a ...

102: A Step-By-Step Guide to the Credentialing Process

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You've graduated, passed your boards, and the next critical step is licensing and credentialing. This can feel like a huge time-consuming hurdle you h...

101: Your Clinical Experience: From Dread to Excitement

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you're ready to look forward to going to clinical instead of dreading it, you're in the right place. Anna and I are here today to share some of our...

100: SOAP Notes: Do's and Don'ts for Clinical Documentation

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The most common and widely accepted format of clinical documentation is the SOAP note. It addresses the legal aspect of documenting the care you provi...

99: Mental Health as a New NP

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Anna and I are here to discuss a topic that is near and dear to our hearts: mental health and self-care for Nurse Practitioners. If you've ...

98: Telemedicine

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is telemedicine, what are its benefits, and what are the factors that lead to success in the telemedicine field? There are some common challenges...

97: Physical Assessment and Examination Skills

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Anna and I are talking about a topic that is at the very heart of nursing practice this week: physical assessment and examination skills. These skills...

96: NP Residency Programs

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The role of Nurse Practitioners have grown, both in complexity and in significance within the healthcare system. As a result, there has been a growing...

95: Continuing Education: Staying Current as a Nurse Practitioner

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Staying up to date with evidence-based practice becomes way easier when you have a deep passion for learning and knowledge. To learn why you need cont...

94: From Registered Nurse to Nurse Practitioner: How to Shift Your Mindset

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm sharing my thoughts on making the leap from a registered nurse to a student Nurse Practitioner to a real-deal NP. You're not alone if you're havin...

93: Your Guide to Medical Billing & Coding with Anna

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Medical billing and coding are two core factors that impact how you get paid as a Nurse Practitioner, which means understanding the "why" and "how" of...

92: "What Should I Be Doing When?" with Anna

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One question that we receive all the time in our community and on every platform with which we engage with our students is, "What should I be doing an...

91: 2023 AANP National Conference Highlights

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Anna and I have just returned from this year's AANP National Conference in New Orleans, and we can't wait to share our thoughts on it. Whether you wor...

90: Starting Nurse Practitioner School: What We Wish We'd Known with Anna

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Anna joins me again to discuss everything we wish we had known before starting Nurse Practitioner school.   We look back on our paths to becoming NPs...

89: Tips for Navigating Clinicals with Anna

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of my favorite instructors, Anna, joins me in sharing our experience in our clinical sites. From preceptors not knowing our names to not knowing w...

88: The Power of Business Coaching with Becca Pike

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm excited to introduce you to my favorite honorary Nurse Practitioner, Becca Pike. Becca is the owner of a seven-figure service-based business and t...

87: Graduating Nurse Practitioner School: What We Wish We'd Known with Anna

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm back this week with the one and only Anna! As we're in graduation season right now, we're here to have a conversation about some of the things we ...

86: AANP & ANCC Updates [NP STUDENT]

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the name of being at the forefront of all that is new in the Nurse Practitioner world, I am retiring our older episode on the differences between A...

85: How to Study Intentionally and Effectively with Anna [NP STUDENT]

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm bringing on my right-hand woman Anna to the show. Anna is one of my best instructors and if you've been a long-time listener, you'll already be ve...

84: NP Advocacy

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As Nurse Practitioners, we know how large of a role we play in the healthcare setting, but advocating for ourselves and our profession is a vital part...

83: Pap Smear Guideline Updates

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're casting some light on the grey areas of pap smears so you're prepared for any related questions that might come up on your Nurse Practitioner jo...

82: GINA Asthma Guideline Updates

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After decades since true concrete changes were made to the GINA asthma guidelines, we've seen two major changes in a span of just a few years which ha...

81: Heart Month

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

February is the month we celebrate and bring awareness to all the beautiful babies out there with congenital heart defects. My baby, Meadow, was born ...

80: How to Supercharge Your Studying in 2023

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Discover everything you need to know to go into 2023 with a great study plan. You'll hear the revamped features in our course and how the material in ...

79: When You Fail Both AANP and ANCC [NP STUDENT]

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hear what happens if you fail both AANP and ANCC and Anna's top tips for what you can do in this situation. Even though it can be hard to remember, it...

78: How to Answer Tricky Exam Questions [NP STUDENT]

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you're taking the AANP, you'll know it is notorious for longer, information-filled questions. You might not know where to start or how to cut out t...

77: Holiday Season Time-Saving Hacks for New Nurse Practitioners [NEW NP]

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Holiday season is a time when we all want to be at home with our family and friends as much as possible. Saving time here doesn't mean rushing thr...