Real World NP

Podcast Hiatus, Accreditation & We’re Hiring!

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hey! We’re taking a hiatus from the podcast while the team focuses on becoming an accredited organization for continuing education. We’re developi...

Navigating Confrontation at Work as an NP

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on leadership and role transition questions, specifically addressing a scenario where a new nurse practitioner is struggling with...

Path to Overcoming Disillusionment in Healthcare with Rebecca Arnold

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rebecca Arnold, a holistic leadership coach, discusses the challenges of disillusionment and burnout in mission-driven professions like nursing and me...

How to Negotiate a Raise for Nurse Practitioners with Amanda Guarniere

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Liz Rohr and Amanda Guarniere discuss negotiating a raise as a nurse practitioner. They emphasize the importance of collecting d...

Unexpected Mentorship Questions from New NPs - Interview with Kara Pesola, NP

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Liz Rohr and Kara Pesola discuss the challenges and common experiences of new nurse practitioners (NPs). They highlight the impo...

Advice for Creating New NP Mentorship Programs

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I share my experiences and insights on starting a mentorship program, drawing from my own journey as a nurse practitioner and founder...

Advice for New Grads Interested in Urgent Care with Michelle Lew, NP

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Michelle, a board-certified family nurse practitioner with experience in urgent care, shares her journey and insights into the field. She discusses th...

Assessing Chest Pain: New Red Flags & Risk Factors - Interview with Jennifer Carlquist, PA

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Liz Rohr interviews Jennifer Carlquist, a physician assistant with extensive experience in cardiology, who discusses the assessm...

Treating Substance Use Disorder: Stimulants & How to get Addiction Histories - Interview with Shelby Pope

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Liz Rohr and Shelby Pope discuss the importance of taking a comprehensive history of substance use, and how to assess and treat ...

Treating Opiate Use Disorder in Primary Care - Interview with Shelby Pope, NP

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Liz Rohr interviews Shelby Pope, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, they discuss the stigma around addiction, the importance of supporting patients w...

Bridging the Gap: Primary Care and Specialty Care Courses for Nurse Practitioners - Need Your Input!

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re expanding our course catalog at Real World NP! This time, we’re collaborating with specialists, making courses tailored for primary care pro...

Real World NP: Redefining Continuing Education for Nurse Practitioners

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to Season 3 of the Real World NP Podcast!This episode is an interview with yours truly - I want to share a bit of a “reset” with what...

Giving Yourself Permission, Season 2 Recap & What's Next

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode I want to give you some permission if you feel like you need it—To be a whole human with needs, feelings, desires, and care...

Investing In Your Future: Financial Planning for NPs

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I'm thrilled to share my conversation with Lauryn Williams, an extraordinary individual who has not only achieved greatness on...

Empowering Equity: Transforming Clinical Spaces with Community Care

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Dr. Omolara Uwemedimo. Today's conver...

Navigating The Drama Triangle As An NP

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Brooke Nielsen to explore a topic that is both fascinating and incredibly relevant to ou...

Caretaker Fatigue: What Is The Root Cause?

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore a crucial topic shaping healthcare today - caretaker fatigue. Join me as I delve into an enlightening conversation with my ...

Are NP Careers Changing?

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a nurse practitioner feeling lost, uncertain, or unfulfilled in your career? This raw, honest, and needed conversation with Amanda Guarniere, ...

Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Roundtable: How Are We Doing After Covid?

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this video, I sit down with two incredible NP colleagues and friends, Kara and Heather, for a candid conversation about the rollercoaster ride of b...

Cardiology In Primary Care With Midge Bowers

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I am thrilled to introduce you to Midge Bowers.Not only is Midge a Clinical Professor and Director of the cardiovascular specialty at Duke University ...

Navigating NP Burnout with Cait Donovan

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I have an episode for you that I think is even MORE important than the clinical knowledge that I share — navigating NP burnout.Meet Cait ...

What Is Your Philosophy Of Practice As A Nurse Practitioner?

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're a recent NP graduate or someone transitioning between specialties, this video will help ease that overwhelming feeling and help you dis...

New Nurse Practitioner Pillars of Primary Care

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re a new NP grad making your way into practice, I think you’ll find today’s video super helpful.(And even if you’re not a new grad, it’...

The New Season Is Here

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our brand new podcast season! We're absolutely pumped to bring you a fresh wave of episodes that will be a game-changer for Nurse Practitio...

Season Pause

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello there, we are actually going to be taking a season break on the Real World NP Podcast. But don’t worry, we’re coming back! We’re taking so...

Legal Questions from Nurse Practitioners Answered

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s hard not to worry about malpractice when you’re taking on new levels of responsibility as a new nurse practitioner.Irnise Williams is not onl...

New Nurse Practitioner: When You Don't Know the Answers

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the biggest fears I hear from new nurse practitioners and students is not knowing the answers when you're in the room with a patient.In this vi...

Ortho in Primary Care: Hacks for New Nurse Practitioners

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you're feeling like you don't know enough, and still have to see patients with ortho complaints (especially in telemedicine) -- here are the "hacks...

Diagnosing and Managing Shoulder Pain in Primary Care

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As a new nurse practitioner, I used to find shoulder pain pretty overwhelming. While you can *see* all the musculoskeletal structures and how they wor...

Atopic Dermatitis Treatment for New NPs | Pearls of Practice

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Atopic dermatitis may not be the most glamorous topic in medicine, but you've got an enormous opportunity to change lives for the better in primary ca...

Managing COPD Exacerbation In Primary Care

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Walking into an examination room and seeing a patient hunched over with labored breathing, audible wheezing, and an oxygen tank can be intimidating fo...

Contraceptive Counseling For Primary Care NPs

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Some people feel really uncomfortable talking about anything that has to do with reproductive health. Some of these people are patients, and some of t...

How To Diagnose and Treat Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s easy to think the worst when your patient mentions abnormal bleeding. It can mean so many things! Context is everything for the patient with ab...

Preventing Burnout As A New Nurse Practitioner: Interview with a Self-Care Strategist

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Burnout is a hot topic in all aspects of healthcare. You might be thinking that it’s something that affects other people. You might think it’s som...

Interview with a Pulmonologist

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how best to manage your patients with pulmonary diagnoses? How much steroid use is too much for these patients? What happens af...

What To Do When You Have Bad News For Patients

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you had to give a patient bad news? Did you feel prepared or scared? It is a necessary part of being a Nurse Practitioner, and it’s always goin...

Nutritional Counseling for Diabetes Patients - What You Need to Know

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Diabetes might be one of the most challenging chronic conditions to manage. It definitely requires a lot of partnership between provider and patient; ...

Ask A Cardiology Nurse Practitioner

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As a nurse practitioner in primary care, there are SO many things I’ve wanted to ask a cardiology nurse practitioner. This week, I had the lovely pl...

Starting Insulin In Type 2 Diabetes

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling comfortable with treating type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming as a new grad Nurse Practitioner – and even as a seasoned Nurse Practitioner, ...

Preoperative Assessment for New Nurse Practitioners

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to “clear” a patient for surgery? Every patient needs to have a visit with a healthcare provider before their surgery in order t...

How To Know When To Change Jobs As A Nurse Practitioner

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The thought of your Nurse Practitioner job not being the right fit can be scary. You’ve invested a lot of time, money, and energy – not to mention...

Diagnosing Wrist Pain for New Nurse Practitioners

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wrist pain is a SUPER common chief complaint in primary care. Most of the time, luckily, it’s chronic wrist pain that’s from overuse (versus the m...

The Right (and Wrong) Way to Ask Questions as a New Nurse Practitioner

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you're a new nurse practitioner, you need to make thousands of decisions a day.(Which usually translates to thousands of questions).I made mistak...

Syphilis Laboratory Diagnosis for New Nurse Practitioners

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Syphilis lab interpretation can be confusing, and it’s a BIG topic, but in this episode, I review the most common scenario that I see in primary car...

How To Choose Which Oral Contraceptive Pill for New Nurse Practitioners

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to choosing which oral contraceptive pill to prescribe, there are SO many options. How do you know which one is the right one? As a new ...

When to use antibiotics Persistent Cough Case Study for New Nurse Practitioners

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's 2 p.m., the medical assistant comes to your office and lets you know your next patient is ready, and they're here because they "need antibiotics"...

Treating Anticoagulated Patients

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

So many things in primary care are deceptively complex. There may be a few genuinely simple things that we treat, but so many things that come into ou...

Determining The Cause Of Microscopic Hematuria

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not unusual to be taken by surprise when you see microscopic hematuria on urine dip results. The patients who end up with this as part of their...

Talking About Disability Rights - An Interview with Andrea Dalzell, Disability Rights Influencer

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Getting comfortable talking with patients or other healthcare professionals about disabilities can be challenging. It’s not something that is typica...

Discussing Sexual Health With Your Patients - An Interview With A Sexual Health Educator

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Awkward conversations are common in healthcare settings. Learning how to actually have these conversations (or start these conversations, or navigate ...

What I Wish I Asked At My Job Interview As A Nurse Practitioner

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You know that moment in the job interview when they ask if you have any questions? Have you ever been totally stumped? Not fun. Even worse is when you...

Understanding New Grad Nurse Practitioner Job Offers

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You knew some things would be different when you decided to become a Nurse Practitioner. You would need more education; you’d have a whole host of n...

Managing Diabetes, Hypertension & CKD Course Q&A: Bonus Podcast Episode

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this Livestream, I share about our newest course Managing Diabetes, Hypertension & CKD over at https://www.realworldnp.com/courses.After lab in...

Your Urology Questions - Answered!

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How much did you learn about urology in school? If your answer was “not a whole lot,” welcome. Most Nurse Practitioner programs do not cover urolo...

Time Management Tips: An Interview With The World's Most Productive Nurse Practitioner

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ever find yourself at work until all hours finishing your charting – or, even worse, taking charting home with you? Wondering how you might possibly...

Ask A Diabetic Educator Nurse Practitioner

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why can’t diabetes management be like we learned in school? That was complicated enough.Now you’re on your own, and there are so many questions wi...

Heart Failure Management In Primary Care

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Heart failure is, without a doubt, one of the more complex topics that you will encounter in primary care. Two types, four stages, four classes, evolv...

Treating Patients With Symptoms Of Recurrent UTI

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For patients and providers, few things are more frustrating than recurrent UTIs.This week, let’s talk about recurrent UTIs and how to get real resul...

Managing Chronic Cough In Adults

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You have a patient who has been coughing for weeks, maybe even a couple of months. You’ve already ruled out COVID; where do you turn next?This week,...

Managing Lower Limb Numbness In Primary Care

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What could be causing your patient’s lower limb numbness? And more importantly – how do you figure it out?This week, we’ll talk about some strat...

Monkeypox Treatment for Nurse Practitioners - Part 2

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the most recent global Monkeypox outbreak in May of this year, there’s been a lot of confusion among patients and providers about treatment opt...

Monkeypox Explained for Patients

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Monkeypox has been confusing and scary for a number of patients, especially on the heels of the Covid pandemic that we’re still facing. Even though ...

Monkeypox for Nurse Practitioners - Part 1

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

**ERROR UPDATE** I mistakenly said that cotton swabs can be used but it's ONLY synthetic swabs for monkeypox testing!! Link for testing instructions h...

Pap Screening in Primary Care

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Paps. How can such a common primary care intervention cause so much confusion? How often to screen, how to understand any findings that are not black ...

AANP President Interview

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you are a brand-new NP or you have been practicing for a while, the AANP has likely done something that has made your job easier. But wha...

Managing Depression In The Primary Care Setting

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Depression in the primary care setting – super common. With a shortage of mental health providers and increasing numbers of patients with symptoms, ...

Treating Patients With Insomnia

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

By the time the patient with insomnia makes it to primary care, they have probably been struggling with sleep for a while, and have probably tried som...

Does it Get Better as a Nurse Practitioner?

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s be real: the first few years of practice as an NP can be TOUGH. Not only do you have this vast amount of new clinical knowledge to put into pr...

Simple Hypercalcemia Workup (with Case Study): Lab Interpretation for New Nurse Practitioners

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Labs interpretation for new nurse practitioners can be confusing, and most new grads don't feel well-prepared by what they learned in NP school.In thi...

Managing Anxiety in Primary Care for New Nurse Practitioners

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Managing anxiety in primary care is super common, but especially now during the pandemic quarantine.In this podcast, you'll learn:✅ When it's anxiet...

Diagnosing Migraine in Primary Care

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Your friend, your aunt, your patient in your primary care office - everyone seems to be talking about migraines. But is it a headache or is it a migra...

Diagnosing Headache in Primary Care: Red Flags

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Patients who come into primary care for a headache are often worried that it’s something very serious - and it’s your job to know whether it is or...

LGBTQIA+ Competency for Healthcare Providers: Interview with Terra Anderson

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

LGBTQIA+ cultural competency helps not only our patients to feel safer, seen, and supported, but it also improves health outcomes. Many providers aren...

Workup for Syncope in Primary Care

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If even thinking about a patient with syncope makes you feel a little lightheaded yourself, you are in the right place.Your patient passed out, so the...

How to Give Feedback to Your Medical Assistant

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you found yourself needing to give feedback to your MA or support staff – with no idea where to start? You are not alone. As an NP, your role i...

Decreased Appetite in Children

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Context is key for the pediatric patient with decreased appetite. Getting a sense of what is normal for the patient and their overall health goes a lo...

Well Child Check Hacks for Nurse Practitioners

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Well child visits can be very intimidating for new Nurse Practitioners, even if you love working with children. There are so many questions to ask, so...

Diagnostic Approach to Fatigue in Primary Care

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fatigue is a tricky clinical topic that can seem overwhelming in a primary care visit – sometimes even for the seasoned NP. Having a game plan can h...

Pancreatitis Diagnosis for New Nurse Practitioners

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Epigastric pain as a chief complaint happens ALL the time in primary care. And we all order labs to help rule out pancreatitis, but most clinicians fe...

Diagnosing Abdominal Pain for New Nurse Practitioners

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some chief complaints are more stressful than others. Abdominal pain is CERTAINLY one of them, especially for new nurse practitioners.In this episode,...

Acute Diarrhea Diagnosis for New Nurse Practitioners: Part 2

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Patients presenting with an acute diarrheal illness is one of the MOST common chief complaints in primary care. They’re also typically worried, wond...

Acute Diarrhea Diagnosis for New Nurse Practitioners

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Acute diarrhea is SUCH a common chief complaint in primary care. In this week’s episode I’m covering acute diarrhea diagnosis for new nurse practi...

How to Manage Nurse Practitioner Stress, Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The transition from RN to NP is TOUGH. It's exhausting, stressful, but oh so worth it.We need to be careful, though, because too much stress and not e...

Weight Management Part 2- Medication Management

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Prescribing weight loss medications in primary care is SUCH a common challenge for new nurse practitioners. It feels like there are so many options an...

Weight Management Part 1- Lifestyle Intervention and Counseling

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Weight management counseling in primary care is such an important skill, and it’s truly the foundation that patients need before we can start addres...

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction for New Nurse Practitioners

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I’m SO excited to share this interview with you. I’m interviewing two pelvic floor therapists -- a family nurse practitioner who has gotten additi...

Interview with a Physical Therapist

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Interdisciplinary collaboration is SO important in primary care. It’s a tragedy when we’re each rockstars in our own bubble of a profession, but a...

How to Delegate Effectively as a Nurse Practitioner

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When we’re nurse practitioner students, we’re so focused on the clinical aspects of our jobs that most of the time when we graduate, we’ve caugh...

How to Navigate Scheduling Issues for Nurse Practitioners

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When I became a new nurse practitioner, I was so focused on learning the clinical pieces that it never occurred to me to learn more about the business...

How Primary Care Offices Work for New Nurse Practitioners

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As nurse practitioners, we primarily learn the clinical aspects of practice. For good reason-- we’re taking care of real patients’ lives. But ther...

Interview with a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of the struggles for new nurse practitioners in primary care is managing women’s health topics, and knowing if and when to refer to an OBGYN spe...

Time Management for Nurse Practitioners: Inbox

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There’s SO much to manage as a new nurse practitioner, on top of developing your clinical knowledge, making a thousand decisions a day and becoming ...

HSV Diagnosis for Nurse Practitioners

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

So often in primary care, patients come in asking for testing for herpes, whether they have symptoms or not. Sometimes it’s because they “want to ...

Updated Billing and Coding for Nurse Practitioners

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Billing and coding clinic office visits are probably not the first thing nurse practitioners think of when they graduate. It's probably more like:Phew...

Billing and Coding for Nurse Practitioners

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Billing and coding your office visits for for your office visits can feel overwhelming, tedious and too-hard-to-learn. But, one under-charge here and ...

When you Want to Give up as a Nurse Practitioner

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I recently got the question from a new nurse practitioner, “what do you do when you want to give up as a nurse practitioner?”I’ve definitely bee...

Approach to Hair Loss for New Nurse Practitioners

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Patients coming into primary care with a chief complaint of hair loss can be so stressful as a new nurse practitioner.First, let’s normalize this. I...

Diabetes Case Study in Mentorship for Nurse Practitioners

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

So many new grads are most worried about building their clinical knowledge base-- for good reason!But it’s one thing to prepare for clinical topics-...

New Nurse Practitioner Transition - You're Not Alone

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This has been on my heart this week - between working 1 on 1 with mentees and seeing the landscape online of new grad nurse practitioners, I see this ...

Time Saving Tips for New Nurse Practitioners

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How did your entire visit get eaten up by getting the HPI? What are you supposed to do in a visit with the complicated patients with 17 chronic condit...