Straight A Nursing

Every other week I'm republishing one of my most popular or impactful episodes and adding an update, new insight, or context that will help you benefit from it even more. This week I'm highlighting Episode 184, where I take you through my eight favorite online tools for nursing school that help set you up for success. NEWLY ADDED! Organize your school and study schedules with My Study Life. Get Google Drive with a free Google account: Google Drive. Say goodbye to password frustrations with LastPass. Take your notes for nursing school into digital format with GoodNotes and Notability. Improve your writing with Grammarly. Start your online search for research articles with Google Scholar and PubMed. Manage your bibliography and make writing scholarly papers easier with Zotero. Demystify APA formatting and scholarly writing with Purdue Owl APA. Reclaim your focus and embark on powerful work sessions with the Focus Keeper App for iOS or Pomodoro Timer for Android. ———— Full Transcript – Read the articl

Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about what to do when you can’t feel your patient’s peripheral pulse. ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! 20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide! All Straight A Nursing Resources - Check out everything Straight A Nursing has to offer, including free resources and online courses to help you succeed!

Let’s face it. Nursing school is intense, and anxiety can creep in from every corner—whether it’s math exams, clinical rotations, or managing an overwhelming workload. But here’s the good news - you *can* take control of that anxiety and even start to enjoy your nursing school journey.   In this episode, I’m breaking down the top sources of anxiety nursing students face and sharing actionable tips to help you tackle them, including:   Conquering math anxiety (spoiler: it’s more common than you think!).   Managing those nerve-wracking skills check-offs like a pro.   Feeling confident in clinical and sim lab, even when you’re out of your comfort zone.   Staying organized to keep workload anxiety at bay.   We’ll also chat about why these feelings are totally normal and how to reframe them as opportunities to grow.  ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I di

In this episode, Nurse Mo breaks down the key differences between acute and chronic pain to help you navigate pain management more effectively as a nurse or nursing student. By understanding how these two types of pain differ in causes, duration, and treatment approaches, you’ll be better equipped to deliver compassionate and tailored care (and crush those nursing school exams!). Highlights include: Key characteristics of acute and chronic pain - causes, duration, quality, and impact on life Pharmacologic treatments for acute and chronic pain Non-pharmacologic treatments - explore medications (from NSAIDs to botulinum toxin) and non-pharmacologic strategies (such as CBT, physical therapy, and TENS units) Links mentioned in this episode: Types of Pain - Dive deeper into the different subtypes of pain here! Corticosteroids - Learn the key things you know about this common type of medication LAST - Learn about local anesthetic systemic toxicity ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article

A pulmonary embolism is a condition in which vessels in the lungs are blocked by a thrombus or other material that has traveled from somewhere else in the body. This is usually a result of a venous thromboembolism, but can also be due to amniotic fluid, air or fat embolus, or tumor material in patients with cancer. A key thing to understand about pulmonary embolism is that the airway is not occluded. In pulmonary embolism, one or more blood vessels are occluded. What this means is that blood coming from the right side of the heart isn’t able to pass freely through the pulmonary vasculature to participate in gas exchange, which negatively affects perfusion. In this episode you’ll learn: Pulmonary embolism pathophysiology Which of your patients are at highest risk for having a PE Common signs and symptoms of PE Priority nursing assessments Tests utilized to evaluate or diagnose PE Treatments for PE, including pharmacological and surgical And more! Hit play on this episode so you can understand how to

In this episode, we dive into the essentials of nursing care for patients with right-sided heart failure. You’ll learn: The difference between right-sided and left-sided heart failure. Common causes of right ventricular failure. Key nursing assessments and clinical signs to watch for. Diagnostic tests for right-sided heart failure. Evidence-based treatments, including medications and lifestyle modifications. Strategies for effective patient education to promote heart health and symptom management. This is a must-listen for nurses and nursing students looking to strengthen their understanding of the cardiovascular system! ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this

Feeling unsure or timid at the bedside is something every new nurse and nursing student experiences. In this episode, Nurse Mo breaks down how to build courage in those crucial moments—whether it’s advocating for your patients, setting boundaries, or getting comfortable with personal patient care. You’ll gain confidence through practical advice and real-world strategies that will make your time at the bedside more effective and a lot less intimidating. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to get comfortable performing assessments, even when patients are not in the best of moods Tips for advocating for your patients and confidently communicating with other members of the healthcare team Strategies for setting professional boundaries with difficult or overly needy patients How to remain calm in emergency situations by planning ahead and asking for help when needed Listen now to boost your confidence and strengthen your nursing practice! ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article "Courage at the B

In this encore episode, I’m reviving a popular topic that is of special interest to nursing students right now…studying for finals! Hit play on this episode to hear my 12 tried-and-true tips for preparing for your final exams.  ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh!  Med Surg Solution - Are you looking for a more effective way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics and out-of-this-world study guides.  Straight A Nursing App - Study on-the-go with the Straight A Nursing app! Review more than 5,000 flashc

In this episode, Nurse Mo breaks down the critical information you need to know about myxedema coma, a life-threatening complication of hypothyroidism. Learn how to recognize, assess, and treat this condition using the Straight A Nursing LATTE Method. Tune in to boost your confidence in both exams and clinical practice! Hit play on this episode to learn:  Key symptoms and patient presentation for myxedema coma How to assess and monitor patients, including vital signs and neurological status Critical lab tests and diagnostic evaluations used for diagnosis Treatment options, including thyroid hormone replacement and supportive therapies Essential patient education to prevent myxedema coma and manage hypothyroidism This episode is packed with important info to help you feel more confident when caring for patients with this complicated condition. Don’t miss it! ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article "Myxedema Coma Basics" and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing s

Want to feel more confident on your exams or when caring for patients with prostate cancer? This episode has everything you need! This episode walks you through the essentials:  Who is most at risk for prostate cancer Key signs and symptoms of the condition Important nursing assessments for a patient with prostate cancer Tests utilized to evaluate or diagnose prostate cancer Prostate cancer treatments Understanding these basics will not only help you ace any exam questions about prostate cancer, but also prepare you to feel more confident in the clinical setting. Go you! ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats

In this episode, we dive into one of the key aspects of mental health nursing: recognizing and understanding defense mechanisms. These psychological strategies, often unconscious, help individuals cope with reality and its stresses.  As nurses, it’s crucial to help patients gain self-awareness by identifying when these defense mechanisms are at play, which in turn can improve their understanding of their own behaviors. Recognizing when defense mechanisms are at play can prevent manipulation, foster greater insight, and lead to better outcomes for both nurse and patient. ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article "Defense Mechanisms in Mental Health" and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this private podcast that

This episode breaks down hypertensive crisis - what it is, how to recognize it, and the steps nurses can take to manage it effectively. You’ll learn the two main types of hypertensive crisis: hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency, and get tips on how to assess for signs of organ damage. Key takeaways include: Definition and parameters for hypertensive crisis Tips for getting an accurate blood pressure Factors that can cause a falsely elevated reading Signs of end-organ damage Medications used to treat hypertensive crisis ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats that help you review and test your recall

I’m swapping podcast episodes this week with Kati Kleber from FreshRN and I could not be more excited about what she is sharing with you! In this mega episode, which aired originally on the FreshRN podcast, Kati shares a bounty of communication tips that you’ll find helpful whether you’re brand new or a seasoned nurse with years of experience at the bedside. This episode includes: How to talk to your nursing colleagues, CNAs, and medical unit receptionists when your urgency level changes or you have challenges working together Learning what everyone on the healthcare team actually wants to know when they need a patient update (PT, OT, ST, Case Management, Social Work, medical team, and more!) Cool vs. not cool ways to handle things  Simple things you can do and say to look and feel more comfortable as the patient’s nurse Tips on delivering tough news and how to be in those big moments while holding it together and being a strong but caring presence for your patient How to engage with your own family and

In today’s episode, we cover four common cases of acute confusion (delirium) in hospitalized patients. While these scenarios provide insight, remember that any confusion should be thoroughly evaluated to find the underlying cause. Phyllis: A 76-year-old post-surgical patient becomes confused after surgery. Learn how medications, missed meals, and beta blockers played a role in this situation. Stanley: An 84-year-old man becomes disoriented after receiving two commonly used medications.  Bob: A 64-year-old COPD patient experiences confusion and has a very restless night. Meredith: A 53-year-old woman arrives at the ED with confusion and signs of a serious infection. Press play on this episode to dive into these scenarios and see common ways confusion occurs in the clinical setting. ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those

In this episode, I'm breaking down the concept of first-pass metabolism, also known as the first-pass effect, and why it’s important for nurses to understand. You’ll learn how medications are metabolized, why bioavailability matters, and how the first-pass effect impacts drug dosing and effectiveness. We also discuss common medications affected by this process and how it influences the choice of administration routes. Listen to this episode and you’ll learn: What first-pass metabolism is - Get a brief overview of how PO medications are metabolized in the liver before reaching systemic circulation The basics of bioavailability - Learn how bioavailability measures how much of a drug reaches systemic circulation and why IV medications have higher bioavailability than oral medications. Some common medications affected by first-pass metabolism - Bring this concept to life with medication examples including nitroglycerine and diazepam. Nursing implications - Discover how understanding first-pass metabolism help

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F), causing the body to lose more heat than it generates. While it's commonly linked to exposure to cold environments, it can also result from medical conditions or medications. In this episode you’ll learn:  How the body regulates temperature - The hypothalamus controls body temperature, but what happens when things go wrong? Learn how the body fights to stay warm and why certain conditions and behaviors can disrupt this process. Medical and medication causes of hypothermia - Did you know conditions like hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, or burns can cause hypothermia? Certain medications, including antipsychotics and opioids, can also impair your body’s ability to regulate temperature.  Signs and symptoms of hypothermia - From mild confusion and shivering to severe cardiac arrhythmias and coma, hypothermia manifests in different stages. Discover the early warning signs and understand when it becomes a medical emergency. What’s the best way to

In this episode, we delve into catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), a common hospital-acquired infection with serious implications. We’ll explore how these infections occur, their prevalence, risk factors, complications, and most importantly, strategies for prevention. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are one of the most commonly reported hospital-acquired conditions, and have a big impact on length of stay, cost, and mortality.  Length of stay - According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a CAUTI increases length of stay by 2 to 4 days. Cost - On average, the cost of treating a CAUTI can range from $900 to $14,000 per case which accounts for an estimated $340 to $450 million per year in the United States. Since most cases of CAUTI are preventable, Medicare and Medicaid do not reimburse hospitals for these costs.  Mortality - In critically ill patients, the mortality rate for CAUTI is 30%. It is estimated that more than 13,000 patients die each year due

In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of ectopic pregnancies, a condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. With 2% of all pregnancies affected, this is a medical emergency that nurses and healthcare professionals must be prepared to assess and treat. Key Takeaways: What is an ectopic pregnancy? - Learn about the different types of ectopic pregnancies, including tubal, interstitial, cervical, and more. Risk Factors - Discover the risk factors that increase the chances of an ectopic pregnancy, such as previous ectopic pregnancies, IVF, history of endometriosis, and others. Signs and Symptoms - Explore the signs of an ectopic pregnancy and how to assess for more serious complications like tubal rupture. Tests - Get familiar with key tests utilized to evaluate a patient with ectopic pregnancy. Treatment Options - Learn about the medical and surgical treatments for ectopic pregnancy. Join us as we walk through critical nursing interventions for ectopic pregnancies to ensure saf

In this episode, we explore the essential aspects of pain management, focusing on eight commonly used pain medications nurses should know. We break down the updated analgesic ladder, which guides healthcare providers in selecting the right pain relief strategy based on the severity of the pain—from non-opioid options to strong opioids and even non-pharmacologic interventions. We also discuss the pros and cons of non-opioid medications like acetaminophen, ketorolac, and gabapentin, and explain when and why opioids are used. With opioid medications, understanding concepts like equianalgesic dosing is crucial, especially considering the risks of oversedation, respiratory depression, and other side effects. Tune in to get a comprehensive overview of pain management strategies, learn critical safety considerations, and discover how to apply these principles in your clinical practice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of pain medications and improve patient care. _______

In this episode, we dive into osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection that can b e difficult to identify. We’ll explore what makes it different from cellulitis, why it’s tricky to treat, and what healthcare professionals need to watch for. From common causes and risk factors to the crucial steps for assessment and treatment, this episode is packed with insights that will help you recognize and manage osteomyelitis with confidence. We also break down the LATTE method to give you a structured approach to patient care, making it easier to remember key details. Whether you’re a seasoned nurse or just starting out, you’ll find practical tips and critical information you can apply in your practice. ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it takin