Straight A Nursing: Study for nursing school exams & NCLEX
Episodes
#219: What’s Not to Love About Levothyroxine?
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Levothyroxine is synthetic thyroid hormone utilized mainly for the treatment of hypothyroidism. It’s one of the most common and straightforward drug...
#218: Tuberculosis Focused Review
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tuberculosis is an airborne bacterial infection caused by an organism called myobacterium tuberculosis. It’s spread through the air from person to p...
#217: Preparing for NCLEX
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is generously sponsored by PicMonic and TrueLearn, two great tools to utilize as you prepare for the NCLEX! Picmonic is a dream come true...
#216: LVADs Demystified
09 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that is surgically inserted to assist the left ventricle in pumping blood to the body. In...
#215: Bisphosphonates NCLEX Review
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m breaking down bisphosphonates, a class of drugs often used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Want to get your hands on my Drug...
#214: Even More Secrets of Successful Nursing Students
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Successful nursing students are consistent, have systems, and they collaborate! Find out exactly what all this means in this episode…and, if you’d...
#213: Five Ways to Stand Out as an Amazing New-Grad Nurse
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m sharing five ways to stand out as the amazing new-grad nurse that you are! Plus, I am excited to have Andrea Gournier from The ...
#212: Let’s Talk About Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) occurs when the infant breathes in meconium either before, during or after labor. In this episode, we’ll be talki...
#211: What to Focus on in Your First Five Shifts as a New Nurse
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your first five shifts are a pivotal time for new grad nurses. Not only for your career, but settling into your new job as well. In this episode, I’...
#210: When Bone Marrow Can’t Stop Won’t Stop
28 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m getting super personal and telling you about my own experience with PV. Of course, we’ll also be going through this myeloprol...
#209: Q&A For Soon-To-Be-Grads
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I get so many questions from students that are nearing graduation and wanted to share some of the most recent ones here with you in this Q&A. In this ...
#208: Mannitol Made Easy
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mannitol is a common medication you are likely to see on nursing school exams, NCLEX, and in the clinical setting. Because it requires careful adminis...
#207: Differences between DI and SIADH
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many concepts you will learn in nursing school are related, but different enough that it can often be confusing to keep all the key elements distinct ...
#206: Let’s Breakdown Tetralogy of Fallot
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) is a cyanotic congenital heart disease characterized by four key defects - pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy...
#205: Nurse Residency Programs Demystified
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you are graduating from nursing school soon, you are undoubtedly starting to think about your first nursing job. For many of you, that will involve...
#204: HIV and AIDS
17 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are two conditions along the same spectrum. In this episode we cover ...
#203: Osteoporosis NCLEX Review
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Osteoporosis is a complex, multifactorial disease of compromised bone strength and integrity. This episode covers the key things you need to know abou...
#202: All About Allopurinol
03 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Allopurinol is often considered to be one of the top 100 most-prescribed medications in the U.S., so it will definitely be on your exams or something ...
#201: Meningitis Types and Treatment
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Meningitis is a disease condition that typically affects pediatrics and young adults, so it is usually taught as part of a pediatrics course. However,...
#200: TLS Is An Oncological Emergency
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To commemorate the 200th episode of the Straight A Nursing podcast, I asked my listeners what they wanted to learn and SO MANY of you said “oncology...
#199: Hyperglycemia Highlights
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hyperglycemia is about so much more than simply diabetes (though, of course, there’s nothing simple about diabetes, either!). In this episode I’m ...
#198: Let’s Review Parkinson’s Disease
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
UPDATE! I inadvertently stated dyskinesia to mean slow movements...I meant to say "involuntary movements." I will be updating the audio. In this epis...
#197: Anorexia NCLEX Review
27 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are reviewing the key things you need to know about anorexia nervosa. If you struggle with an eating disorder, and hearing about t...
#196: My Top Ten Tips to Lock in Nursing School Success
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Students ask all the time about tips for being successful in nursing school. And while you can view a wide variety of articles on the Straight A Nursi...
#195: Your Quick Guide to RSV
13 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that is transmitted by respiratory droplets. It is highly transmissible and can be qu...
#194: All About Amiodarone
06 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amiodarone is a common medication you’ll see used both acutely in the clinical setting and chronically for outpatient therapy. In this episode we ar...
#193: Learning Styles for The Win
04 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In my free guide, The 20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students, one of the secrets is about maximizing your learning style. And while it’s useful t...
#192: Angioedema Assessments and Interventions
30 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Even though angioedema can be really scary (for you and the patient), with a little knowledge ahead of time, you can recognize it early and know what ...
#191: The Low-down on Hypoglycemia
28 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most common and important imbalances you will learn in nursing school is related to blood glucose levels. In this episode, you’ll learn a...
#190.5: BONUS! Nursing School with a Chronic Illness
27 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
So many students are dreaming of becoming a nurse, but are also burdened with the extra load of managing a chronic illness. Is it possible to do both?...
#190: Endocarditis NCLEX Review
23 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m breaking down the key things you need to know about endocarditis for clinical, nursing school exams, and the NCLEX. Endocardit...
#189: More Secrets of Success Revealed
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As we continue our series of the secrets of successful nursing students, we’re diving in to secret #6 and #7. These two secrets are about: * maximi...
#188: Basics of Necrotizing Fasciitis
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Necrotizing fasciitis is easily one of the most terrifying and devastating conditions I’ve ever encountered in my 10+ years as a nurse. In this epis...
#187: Secret #5 of Successful Nursing Students
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
To continue our series of the secrets of successful nursing students, Secret #5 is that successful students do not do all the reading for nursing scho...
#186: Your Guide to Gabapentin
09 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Gabapentin is one of the top 100 drugs prescribed in the US, so there’s a very good chance it will show up on NCLEX or your nursing school exams. In...
#185: Secrets #3 and #4 of Successful Nursing Students
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
To continue the series of articles revealing the twenty secrets of successful nursing students, we’re tackling two secrets in this episode. Secret #...
#184: My Fave Online Tools for Nursing School Success
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’ll take you through my eight favorite online tools for nursing students that help set you up for success. Get Google Drive with ...
#183: Bulletproof IV Medication Administration
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re talking all about safe administration of IV medications. Get a head start on pharmacology with the Pharmacology Success Pack...
#182: Making a Good Impression in Nursing School
27 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re like most nursing students, you’re a high-achieving individual with big goals and a dedication to doing your absolute best. Chances are,...
#181: Secret #2 of Successful Nursing Students
25 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
To continue our series on the secrets of successful nursing students, in this episode we talk through secret #2 of successful nursing students. Hint.....
#180: Taking Care of Patients with Burn Injury
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk through the pathophysiology of burn injury and the basics of caring for these highly complex patients. See what warrants a b...
#179: How to Prepare for the ATI TEAS Exam
11 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re applying to nursing school (or even thinking about it), your head may be swimming with all the information out there about entrance exams ...
#178.5: BONUS! Decreasing ICU Delirium with Kali Dayton
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am joined by Kali Dayton, host of the Walking Home From The ICU podcast. Kali is a nurse practitioner who is passionate about reduc...
#178: Foundations of Feeding Tubes
04 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk through the foundations of feeding tubes including why we use them, the different types, the various routes they take, and so...
#177: How COVID has Impacted Clinical
28 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Recently I asked the students in my Thriving Nursing Students Facebook group how COVID has affected clinical, their feelings toward clinical, and thei...
#176: The Basics of Inducing Labor
21 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode covers the indications for inducing labor as well as the pharmacologic and mechanical methods commonly utilized. ________________________...
#175: Cardiac Pharmacology PodQuiz
14 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a podquiz all about cardiac pharmacology. Have you tried a PodQuiz before? If not, you are in for a treat! PodQuizzes are a great way ...
#174: Secret #1 of Successful Nursing Students
07 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Nursing school success is about SO MUCH more than making the grade. It’s a complete mindset shift that helps you actually thrive, not just survive i...
#173: The ABCs of DIC
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a consumption coagulopathy that can be devastating for your patient. In this episode, learn the pathop...
#172: Key Tips to Prioritize Nursing Care
23 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nurse Mo shares key tips for how to prioritize nursing care in clinicals and on the job. View the show notes and links here: https://...
#171.5 BONUS! Demystifying the EMR with Chance Reaves
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Bonus episode I talk with Chance Reaves, the founder of My Nursing Note. Join in on the conversation as I ask Chance the things students shoul...
#171: Who are the Players in the Healthcare Interdisciplinary Team?
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you'll learn the importance of the healthcare interdisciplinary team, who it entails, and the roles of everyone involved. Click here f...
#170: Cystic Fibrosis Nursing Care Using the LATTE Method
09 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nurse Mo talks you through what you need to know about cystic fibrosis nursing care using the Straight A Nursing LATTE method. Click ...
#169: What is the Beers List of Medications?
02 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nurse Mo talks about the Beers list of medications. What it is, why it exists and the implications for your nursing practice. Click h...
#168: Let’s kick nursing school math anxiety to the curb!
26 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, Nurse Mo talks you step-by-step through kicking nursing school math anxiety to the curb. Click here for show notes and refere...
#167: Non-Sepsis Reasons for an Elevated Lactate
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Typically when we see an elevated lactate, our minds immediately go to “This patient must have sepsis!” But, in reality, there are a lot of reason...
#166: How to Thrive in your Med Surg Class
12 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Whatever name it goes by, your Med Surg class is the one that takes up most of your time, causes the most stress and is the most difficult adjustment ...
#165.5: BONUS! How to Manage Bullying Behavior with Kati Kleber
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this extra-special bonus episode, I am talking with Kati Kleber from Fresh RN about ways students can reclaim their power and effectively deal with...
#165: Time to Stop the Negative Self Talk
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What if I told you there was one thing that students do that absolutely sets them up for failure? In this week's episode we talk about negative self t...
#164: Decoding Clinical Confidence
29 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling a little uncertain or nervous in clinical is absolutely normal...and it means you CARE about your education and your patients (go you!). But I...
#163: The Antiemetic You’ll Probably Use the Most
22 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ondansetron (brand name Zofran) is a very common medication you’ll see in the clinical setting, on your care plans, and sprinkled throughout nursing...
#162: Ten Things to Review Before School Starts
15 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I’m sharing with you the top ten topics to review before you start your program (or head back to class after a break). Click here fo...
#161.5: BONUS! Tips for Parents in Nursing School
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a parent trying to figure out how to juggle nursing school AND all your responsibilities at home? In this bonus episode, I talk with Chelsea, ...
#161: Alzheimer’s from A to Z
08 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alzheimer's Disease is the leading cause of cognitive decline in the elderly and is the form of dementia you will see most often in the clinical setti...
#160: Caring for Patients with Delirium
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A situation you’ll need to be able to differentiate (in both clinical and on exams) is delirium vs dementia and how to care for those patients. We’...
#159: Memory Techniques for Nursing School and When to Use Them
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In my free guide, the 20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students, secret #4 is this: successful students know what to memorize vs conceptualize. While ...
#158: The APGAR Score Decoded
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most important functions you will perform in the postpartum period are the assessment of and interventions for the newborn. This episode co...
#157: Considerations in Geriatric Pharmacology
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As you probably have surmised by now, pharmacology is not one-size-fits-all especially when we look at age-related considerations. In this episode, we...
#156: Nervous about Next Gen NCLEX?
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With the Next Generation NCLEX possibly launching in 2023, students who are beginning nursing school in 2021 are understandably asking a lot of questi...
#155: The Nurse’s Guide to Gallstones
27 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Gallbladder disease is often due to gallstones (cholelithiasis) and inflammation (cholecystitis). In this podcast episode we’ll talk through some ke...
#154: Why Immobility Is Your #1 Enemy
20 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A key concept you will start hearing about from almost the first day of nursing school is immobility. If your vision of being a nurse had to do with g...
#153: What to Do in Your First Code Blue
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Unless you come from a first-responder background, you’re most likely more than a little bit nervous at the thought of your first code blue. In this...
#152: Introduction to Sinus Rhythms
06 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When we talk about sinus rhythms, we’re not just talking about “normal sinus rhythm.” We’re actually talking about the standard rhythms that o...
#151: The Basics of Benzodiazepines
29 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most common and often-prescribed drug classes is that of benzodiazepines. In this podcast episode we’re talking about: How benzodiazep...
#150: How to Recognize and Prevent Compassion Fatigue
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A student reached out to me a few weeks ago to ask “How do you leave your work at the hospital? What do you do when a patient touches your heart, bu...
#149: Burn Fundamentals
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When we’re looking at burns, we’re going to be looking at four main factors. The type of burn, the amount of surface burned, the depth of the burn...
#148: Calling a Stroke Alert
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When your patient has a sudden change in neurological status, it can be very scary for everyone involved. If your patient is having a stroke, their be...
#147.5: BONUS! 71 Questions with Nurse Mo
04 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
So very many of you have written emails, reviews and social media messages telling me how you listen to the podcast while you're exercising, making di...
#147: Let’s Talk SBAR in Nursing
01 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If there’s one thing that gets nursing students and new nurses REALLY nervous (like voice shaking, sweat-on-the-forehead nervous), it’s calling th...
#146: Low-Risk Labor and Delivery
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One of the first things you’ll learn in your OB class is what’s expected in a normal, uncomplicated, low-risk labor and delivery. Once you’ve go...
#145: ACE Inhibitors
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re taking a deep dive into angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (otherwise known as ACE inhibitors). In this podcast episode you will l...
#144: How to Avoid Nursing School Burnout
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Nursing school is challenging, intense and even really frustrating at times. In this week’s podcast episode we’re talking about nursing school bur...
#143: Are You Ready for Anaphylaxis?
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction that occurs immediately (or shortly after) exposure to an antigen. Because it can quickly ...
#142: Caring for Patients Before, During and After ECT
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be a highly effective treatment for depression and bipolar disorder, though it is shrouded in suspicion as one of ...
#141: Six Things You Might Worry About with Clinicals
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Even though most nursing students LOVE clinical, there’s still often a lot of worry and uncertainty surrounding the experience. In this episode we’...
#140.5: BONUS! Want to Become a CRNA?
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this special bonus episode we’re exploring what it’s like to pursue a career as a CRNA. Join me as I interview Jenny Finnell, creator of the CR...
#140: When Little Lungs Have Big Problems
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If I had to name the top three things that make me nervous at the bedside, pediatric respiratory distress would be at the top of that list. And for ve...
#139: Getting to Know Norepinephrine
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode I’m talking you through a potent medication used in the critical care setting to treat severe hypotension that has not resp...
#138: The ECG Interval You’re Probably Not Measuring
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In nursing school we learned the standard ECG measurements...the PR interval, the QRS, ST elevations, the rate...and that was about it! It wasn’t un...
#137.5: BONUS! Conversation with Michael Smith from the Real Talk School of Nursing Podcast
26 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this special bonus episode I interview Michael Smith from the Real Talk School of Nursing podcast. Michael is a wonderful student advocate who prov...
#137: The Basics of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
21 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most severe form of lung injury and happens to be prevalent as of late due to Covid-19. In this podc...
#136: Four Truth Bombs About Mental Health Nursing
14 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Students, even those who do well in other classes, often struggle with mental health nursing. Many times these students have no idea why they’re str...
#135: Neurology Case Study
07 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Follow along with a neuro case study featuring a fictional patient who suffers a CVA. We’ll talk through his medical history and key assessment find...
#134: L&D Nursing Demystified
31 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I know so many nursing students have questions about L&D nursing, what it’s like and how to get into such an exciting (and popular) field. So today ...
#133.5: BONUS! Words of Encouragement and Advice
29 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In celebration of reaching ONE MILLION DOWNLOADS a few months ago, I invited my podcast listeners and nurse colleagues to call in with their best advi...
#133: Prepping for Pharmacology Class
24 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m revealing the core subjects you should review to prepare for pharmacology. After all, it’s one of the most challenging subjec...
#132: Let’s Get Ready for Nursing School!
17 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
To all who have received acceptance letters and are starting nursing school soon...CONGRATULATIONS! I am so very excited and happy for you as you take...
#131: Let’s Talk Nursing School Supplies for 2021
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re talking about one of my favorite topics….shopping for nursing school supplies! With the holidays coming up, it’s the perfect time to...
#130: Tracheostomy Emergencies
03 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The key to feeling confident (or at least less anxious) in clinical is knowing what to do should something really scary happen. In this episode, we’...
#129: A Morning Routine Just Might Change Your Life
26 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This past year I've worked really hard to develop and follow a consistent morning routine. In this podcast episode, we’ll talk about the benefits of...