Best Nclex Tips Podcasts (2025)

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ICU & Cardiac Pharmacology Masterclass: Beta Blockers, Clot Busters & NCLEX Priorities 15:20

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1d ago15:20

15:20

Episode Notes Key Concepts & Takeaways Hypertensive Crisis Types Urgent: BP >180/120 without organ damage. Oral meds (Clonidine, Captopril). Gradual BP reduction over 24–48 hrs. Watch for rebound hypertension (Clonidine) and angioedema (Captopril). Emergent: BP >180/120 with organ damage. IV meds (Labetalol, Nicardipine, Nitroprusside). ICU monitor…

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EKG Interpretation For NCLEX: 7 Must-Know Rhythms & What to Do 14:53

1d ago14:53

14:53

Systematic Approach (6 Steps): Rate – Regular: 300 Rule (300 ÷ # large boxes between R waves). Irregular: 6-Second Strip Method (R waves in 6 seconds × 10). Rhythm – Regular or irregular? P Wave – Present before every QRS? PR Interval – Normal: 0.12–0.20 sec (3–5 small boxes). If the R is far from P → first-degree block. QRS Complex – Narrow (<0.12…

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Quick Cardiac Review: Angina, Heart Failure, Pharmacology and NCLEX Must-Knows 18:18

1d ago18:18

18:18

Episode Notes (High-Yield for NCLEX) Three major cardiac buckets: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) – blocked arteries and myocardial infarction Pump failure – heart failure and cardiogenic shock Infection and inflammation – pericarditis and infective endocarditis Constant NCLEX theme: Assessment before action Time is muscle in ACS Fluid status is kin…

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Cardiac Assessment NCLEX Prep for Nursing Students: Murmurs, JVD, Heart Failure & Cardiac Pharmacology Explained 18:38

3d ago18:38

18:38

etting Up for a High-Quality Cardiac Assessment Quiet, warm, well-lit environment is non-negotiable so you don’t miss subtle sounds. Standard position: supine with head of bed at about 30–45 degrees for blood pressure and jugular vein assessment. Use left lateral decubitus to bring the apex closer to the chest wall for a faint apical pulse or mitra…

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Cracking the ABG Code: ABG Interpretation For Nurses 12:50

4d ago12:50

12:50

Why ABG interpretation feels like decoding secret language — and how to simplify it. 02:30 – Foundations of Acid-Base Balance CO₂ = acid (lungs control it) Bicarb = base (kidneys control it) The body maintains balance (homeostasis) through both systems. 06:00 – Respiratory Acidosis Cause: CO₂ retention (slow, shallow breathing) Examples: Opioid ove…

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Top 10 NCLEX Questions For Respiratory 13:48

4d ago13:48

13:48

What You’ll Learn Assessment Mastery: Spot accessory-muscle use—the tell-tale elevated shoulders signal fatigue. Surfactant Secrets: The “dish-soap” analogy that keeps alveoli open. Pleural Effusion Clue: Why absent breath sounds—not crackles—confirm compression. Asthma Red Flag: A silent chest means airway closure and impending failure. Post-Op Pr…

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ABGs Simplified With 3 Tools And Why Nurses Care 14:40

5d ago14:40

14:40

Episode Notes What You’ll Learn The 5 ABG parts you must know cold Three proven interpretation methods (4-step, ROME, Tic-Tac-Toe) How to spot respiratory vs. metabolic problems fast Compensation (uncompensated, partial, full) and what it tells you about timing Nursing priorities for each imbalance (what to do now vs. what to fix next) Key ABG Comp…

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How the Respiratory System Works Explained For Nurses 15:43

5d ago15:43

15:43

EPISODE NOTES Episode Title: Respiratory System Made Simple: What Every Nurse Must Know Created by: Brooke Wallace – ICU Nurse, Organ Transplant Coordinator, Clinical Instructor, and Author Website: ThinkLikeANurse.org 🔹 What You’ll Learn Core respiratory anatomy nurses need to know cold Why the right main bronchus is the “danger zone” The 4 key st…

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10 Priority NCLEX Questions 14:47

6d ago14:47

14:47

Episode Notes: What You’ll Learn: High Fowler’s vs. supine: Why positioning saves oxygenation in COPD The “below 60 rule” for Digoxin (and why bradycardia = danger) Normal newborn vitals that trick NCLEX students The hallmark sign of peritonitis after surgery Early compensation in hypovolemic shock: why tachycardia appears first Insulin teaching mi…

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7 Respiratory Meds For NCLEX - Nursing Priorities & NCLEX Traps 19:56

6d ago19:56

19:56

Episode Notes Memory map: AIS-BPMA A — Albuterol (SABA, rescue): Give for acute wheeze/bronchospasm. Hold if HR ≥ 120. Assess lungs, O₂ sat, and heart rate. Can increase blood glucose; caution with digoxin. I — Ipratropium (anticholinergic): COPD maintenance med. Watch for dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention. Avoid with glaucoma or enlarged …

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5 Rapid Fire NCLEX Meds: Master Heart Failure Meds Fast 14:30

7d ago14:30

14:30

📝 EPISODE NOTES 1. Furosemide (Lasix) Strategy: “Check the potassium and the weight!” Key Points: Focus on potassium (low levels = priority) and weight (for fluid status). Risk: Hypokalemia, dehydration, hypotension. Action: Monitor potassium levels, assess weight, check for signs of dehydration. 2. Carvedilol (Coreg) Strategy: “Pulse before pill!”…

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5 Heart Failure Meds You Must Know For NCLEX 13:58

8d ago13:58

13:58

🧠 EPISODE NOTES 1. Furosemide (Lasix) – “The Diuretic Dynamo” Mnemonic: “Furosemide flushes fluid fast but watch for falling potassium.” Mechanism: Loop diuretic; blocks sodium & chloride reabsorption in the Loop of Henle. Watch for: Hypokalemia (↓ potassium → arrhythmia risk) Hypotension, dehydration, ototoxicity (with rapid IV push) Nursing actio…

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Understanding Preload, Afterload, and Contractility for Nurses 20:12

8d ago20:12

20:12

Notes: Hemodynamics Overview: Hemodynamics refers to the real-time measure of blood flow to tissues and organs. It is critical for assessing how well the heart and circulatory system are functioning. The primary factors influencing hemodynamics are preload, afterload, and contractility. Cardiac Output (CO) & Cardiac Index (CI): Cardiac Output is th…

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Easy Hemodynamics For NCLEX- The Pump & Pipe Concept For Nurses 22:33

9d ago22:33

22:33

Episode Notes: What is Hemodynamics? Hemodynamics refers to how blood flows through the body, with the heart acting as a pump, blood vessels as pipes, and blood as the carrier of oxygen to the body’s organs. The nurse's role: monitor blood flow and intervene to prevent complications. The Three Big Pieces of the Heart Pump Stroke Volume (SV): Amount…

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Hemodynamics For NCLEX - Advanced Cardiovascular System & How ICU Nurses Can Help 13:18

9d ago13:18

13:18

Notes Hemodynamics is the key to understanding tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. Cardiac output (CO) = Stroke volume (SV) × Heart rate (HR). Normal range: 4-8 L/min. Cardiac index (CI) normal range: 2.5-3.5 L/min/m². CI adjusts CO for body surface area (BSA). Stroke volume (SV) normal range: 60-100 mL/beat, influenced by preload, afterload, and…

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NCLEX Goldmine: High Alert Meds & The 6 Rights 12:44

9d ago12:44

12:44

Episode Notes Topic: Medication Administration and Safety for nursing students Why It Matters: The pharmacological and parenteral therapies category makes up 12–18% of the NCLEX-RN, and safety principles appear throughout the exam. Safe med administration is the foundation of every pharmacology question — mastering it means mastering NCLEX logic. C…

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NCLEX Pharmacology Pneumonics You'll Actually Remember 16:42

10d ago16:42

16:42

Episode Notes: Why pharmacology is the foundation of safe nursing practice The power of mnemonics for nursing students and new grads Breaking down ADME: absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion Using TRAMP for medication safety: time, route, amount, medication, patient Understanding HRD for antibiotic reactions Remembering SHAKE for amphoter…

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NCLEX Anticoagulants Made Simple: The Brick And Mortar Concept 13:58

10d ago13:58

13:58

Episode Notes Platelets are the bricks; fibrin (clotting factors) is the mortar — together, they form a clot. Antiplatelets like Aspirin and Plavix stop platelets from sticking together (affect the bricks). Anticoagulants like Heparin and Warfarin slow or block clotting factors (affect the mortar). Heparin: rapid IV/SQ action, monitor aPTT (45–80 s…

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NCLEX Pharmacology - Lisinopril: Master the ACE Pneumonic 19:22

10d ago19:22

19:22

Episode Notes: Drug: Lisinopril Class: ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) Mechanism: Blocks conversion of angiotensin one → angiotensin two, leading to vasodilation, reduced afterload, and decreased aldosterone secretion. Therapeutic Uses: Hypertension, heart failure, post-MI, diabetic nephropathy (renal protection). Contraindi…

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NCLEX Pharmacology - Aspirin: When A Little Pill Becomes A Big Problem 16:28

11d ago16:28

16:28

Key Points to Know for NCLEX Mechanism: Irreversible COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition → decreases prostaglandin and thromboxane A2 production Dose Dependence: Low dose (81 mg) = cardioprotection Moderate (325–650 mg) = pain and fever High (3–6 g/day) = anti-inflammatory Irreversible platelet inhibition: lasts 7–10 days (platelet lifespan) Absolute contra…

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NCLEX Pharmacology - Metoprolol: Pearls, Pitfalls, and Power-Ups 17:51

12d ago17:51

17:51

Episode Notes Mechanism of Action: Cardioselective beta-1 blocker that slows HR, reduces contractility, and lowers myocardial oxygen demand. Formulations: Tartrate (Lopressor) — Immediate release, given BID or IV for acute use. Succinate (Toprol XL) — Extended release, given once daily for chronic use, especially in heart failure. IV Administration…

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NCLEX Pharmacology - Metoprolol: Tartrate vs. Succinate — Know It, Don’t Blow It 13:29

13d ago13:29

13:29

Key Takeaways for Nursing Students Two Forms, Two Purposes Metoprolol tartrate (immediate-release): short-acting, used for acute control (e.g., post-MI, hypertension crisis). Metoprolol succinate (extended-release): long-acting, used for chronic control (heart failure, hypertension, stable angina). Never crush succinate — it destroys the time-relea…

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NCLEX Pharmacology - Lasix: Are Your Ears Ringing 14:38

16d ago14:38

14:38

Transcript Speaker 00:00 - 00:19 Welcome to Think Like a Nurse. This is the show created by Brooke Wallace. She's got 20 years as an ICU and organ transplant nurse. Plus she's a clinical instructor and published author. Yep. And our goal here is pretty straightforward. We take those really complex nursing topics, you know the ones, and try to make …

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NCLEX Pharmacology - Digoxin: Pharmacology for Nursing Students 16:04

23d ago16:04

16:04

If you’ve ever seen a high-yield NCLEX question about digoxin, this episode is for you. In Think Like a Nurse, created by Brooke Wallace, a 20-year ICU and organ transplant nurse and published author, we make one of nursing’s most high-alert drugs simple to understand. Learn how this cardiac glycoside strengthens the heart, when to hold the dose, h…

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Top 6 Cardiac Meds You Need To Know: NCLEX Pharmacology & Critical Thinking Made Simple 16:34

24d ago16:34

16:34

Episode: Top 6 Cardiac Meds — NCLEX Pharmacology & Critical Thinking In this episode, Nurse Brooke explores the six essential cardiac medications every nursing student and new grad must master: Aspirin, Atorvastatin, Metoprolol, Lisinopril, Furosemide, and Digoxin. You’ll learn: The mechanisms of action that drive nursing safety decisions When to h…

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Fluids & Electrolytes Made Easy (Part 4): Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphate Explained for NCLEX Success 29:29

5M ago29:29

29:29

Send us a text In the final part of our Fluids & Electrolytes Made Easy series, RN Bryant breaks down three of the most testable and often confusing electrolytes—calcium, magnesium, and phosphate—in a way that’s simple, easy to retain, and NCLEX-focused. 💊 We’ll cover: ✅ What each electrolyte does in the body ✅ Signs and symptoms of imbalances (hyp…

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Fluids & Electrolytes Part 3: Hypokalemia & Hyperkalemia Explained for NCLEX Prep! 46:47

5M ago46:47

46:47

Send us a text Nursing students—this one's for YOU. In this episode of The Daily Dose: Nursing with RN Bryant, we break down one of the most testable and life-threatening topics on the NCLEX: Potassium imbalances. Whether you're prepping for boards or brushing up on patient care, you'll walk away understanding: ✅ What potassium actually does in the…

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NCLEX Review: Fluids & Electrolytes (Part 2) – Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia & Sodium Imbalances Explained 21:07

6M ago21:07

21:07

Send us a text Welcome back to The Daily Dose: Nursing with RN Bryant! In today's episode—Part 2 of our in-depth NCLEX review on Fluids & Electrolytes—we’re exploring Sodium Imbalances. Whether you're prepping for your NCLEX, brushing up as a new grad, or looking to solidify your foundational knowledge, this episode breaks down Hyponatremia (low so…

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NCLEX Study Tips, Test-Day Confidence, and Life After Nursing School: My First Job & New Grad Journey 27:06

6M ago27:06

27:06

Send us a text In this episode of The Daily Dose: Nursing with RN Bryant, I’m sharing my personal experience studying for and passing the NCLEX, along with practical tips to stay calm and confident on exam day. I talk about how I used UWorld to prepare, what it felt like to finally see the word “PASS,” and how I transitioned from student nurse to n…

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Fluids & Electrolytes Made Easy – NCLEX Review for Nursing Students (Part 1) 28:52

6M ago28:52

28:52

Send us a text Welcome to The Daily Dose: Nursing with RN Bryant! In this power-packed episode, we kick off Part 1 of our Fluids and Electrolytes NCLEX Review Series—perfect for nursing students, new grads, and anyone looking to strengthen their foundation. We’ll break down the basics of fluid compartments, electrolytes, homeostasis, diffusion, osm…

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What Nursing School Is Really Like: My First Clinical, Study Life, and Hard Lessons 19:40

7M ago19:40

19:40

Send us a text Starting nursing school is exciting... and overwhelming. In this episode of The Daily Dose: Nursing with RN Bryant, I’m taking you back to the very beginning—my first day of class, my first pair of scrubs, and yes... my first clinical. From dealing with study burnout at my little desk, to witnessing racism during clinicals, to trying…

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Grief, Growth, and The Road Back 8:06

7M ago8:06

8:06

After months away from the mic, Kevin Stansbury returns to Transformation Nurse Academy with his most personal episode yet. In 🎙️Grief, Growth, and The Road Back, Kevin shares the story of losing his father-in-law, Victorino Pico Paat—the man who taught him how to love, laugh, fix things, and be present. This episode isn’t just about loss. It’s abo…

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Becoming a Nurse: My Honest Story for Future Nurses 9:29

7M ago9:29

9:29

Send us a text Ever feel completely lost about your future? You're not alone. In this very first episode of The Daily Dose: Nursing with RN Bryant, I’m opening up about my real, unfiltered journey to becoming a nurse—a path that started with zero direction, a love for dance, a handful of random jobs, and a dream that didn’t go as planned. I’ll shar…

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Welcome to The Daily Dose: Nursing with RN Bryant 4:25

7M ago4:25

4:25

Send us a text In this very first episode of The Daily Dose: Nursing with RN Bryant, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what this podcast is all about. Whether you’re a brand new nurse, a seasoned RN, a student in survival mode, or someone just curious about the real world of nursing—this space is for you. I’ll share a bit about who I am, w…

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Special Episode; Exclusive Interviews with CCVONS Guest Speakers 19:33

12M ago19:33

19:33

In this episode of the Transformation Nurse Academy Podcast, we take you to the California Central Valley Oncology Nurses Symposium (CCVONS) for an exclusive look at the dedication, collaboration, and innovation shaping oncology nursing today. Featuring interviews with healthcare professionals from diverse specialties, this episode explores the emo…

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Cracking the NCLEX Code: Expert Tips with Kevin the Boot Nurse 1:22:21

12M ago1:22:21

1:22:21

🩺 Episode Summary In this inspiring episode, Kevin, The Boot Nurse, shares his journey from nursing student to NCLEX coach, offering invaluable advice to future nurses. Learn how to tackle the NCLEX with confidence, organize your study time, and maintain balance amid life’s chaos. Kevin’s blend of personal stories, expert tips, and motivational ins…

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#48 Head Injurie: Essential Knowledge and Practical Tools for Nurses 35:06

12M ago35:06

35:06

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the life-or-death realities surrounding head injuries and the role nurses play in ensuring timely, effective interventions. Head injuries aren’t just another trauma case—they demand an immediate response and a keen eye for signs of deterioration. From concussions to epidural and subdural hematomas, head injurie…

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#47 Believe in yourself: How to Achieve Your Dreams in Nursing 16:23

1y ago16:23

16:23

Today, we’re diving deep into what it means to truly believe in yourself. I’m breaking down lessons from Jack Canfield’s The Success Principles, focusing on the power of self-belief. You’ll hear why you were put here for a reason and why it’s essential to recognize your unique gifts. We’re not here to wait for outside validation—self-confidence sta…

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Special Episode: CCVONS Symposium, Join Us for a Preview of Key Topics at the CCVONS on November 9th! 23:53

1y ago23:53

23:53

This week, we're diving into the upcoming California Central Valley Oncology Nurses Symposium (CCVONS), happening on November 9th. I’ve gathered a powerhouse panel of oncology nurses— Nelly Zarate, Lisa Steele, Myra Mendoza, and Liz Valdovinos—together, we’re giving you an insider’s look at what’s planned for the event and why it’s essential for nu…

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#45 Believe It’s Possible: The Mindset Shift to Fuel Your Nursing Journey 11:57

1y ago11:57

11:57

Today, we’re diving deep into a game-changing principle from The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: Believe It’s Possible. This concept can completely reshape not just your career, but your life. In this episode, we explore the vital link between taking responsibility and believing that real, lasting change is more than possible—it’s ready and wa…

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#44- Decide What You Want 14:02

1y ago14:02

14:02

Welcome back to the Transformation Nurse Academy Podcast! Today we’re getting into some real talk that every nurse needs to hear- decide what you want! As nurses, we’re so used to putting everyone else first, whether it's patients, coworkers, or our families. But today, it's all about YOU. If you don’t know what you want out of your career, your li…

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#43 Be Clear Why You're Here, The Key to Success in Nursing 11:06

1y ago11:06

11:06

In this episode, we’re getting real about something every nurse needs to reflect on. I want you to ask yourself: Why are you here? Not just "here" as in your job, clocking in at the hospital or clinic, but what’s driving you? What made you get into nursing, and what keeps you from walking away, especially when it feels tough? Look, I’ve been where …

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#42 Feeling Stuck in Your Nursing Role? Here’s the One Thing You Can Do Today to Shift Gears 30:28

1y ago30:28

30:28

Feeling Stuck in Your Nursing Career? It’s Time to Own It – Here's How. Welcome back to another episode of the Transformation Nurse Academy Podcast. Today, we're diving into something that’s been weighing on so many nurses—feeling stuck. If you’ve ever found yourself clocking in, going through the motions, and wondering where the hell your passion …

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#41 Blood Transfusions and Consent, Critical Tips and Risks 19:54

1y ago19:54

19:54

Welcome back, bi*! This week, we’re diving deep into a controversial case involving a 44-year-old female Jehovah's Witness who received a blood transfusion while battling necrotizing pancreatitis. As a Jehovah's Witness, her beliefs complicated the medical decisions made during her treatment. Throughout the episode, we explore the ethical and legal…

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#40 Listener Q&A, A Serial Killer Nurse, and The Fight Against Alcoholism 21:11

1y ago21:11

21:11

First off, shoutout to all my listeners—y’all aren’t a huge crowd, but I love every single one of you. We’re keeping it real today, starting with a shoutout to @NoSaltBP.org, a nurse out of California who's got some fire questions. This leads us into a discussion on the challenges nurses face across different states, especially when dealing with ma…

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#39 Judith Sobol- Former Homecare Nurse Convicted of Murder 11:50

1y ago11:50

11:50

In today’s episode, we dive into the shocking case of Judith Sobol, a former home health nurse who showed up to work high on methamphetamines, leading to the tragic death of a ventilator-dependent child. Sobol ended up convicted of second-degree murder, and her nursing license was permanently revoked. We also talk about the severe consequences of s…

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#38 The Genitourinary System Unpacked: Key Insights for Healthcare Professionals 38:50

1y ago38:50

38:50

The genitourinary (GU) system plays a pivotal role in both waste elimination and reproduction. For healthcare professionals, particularly those in emergency and critical care settings, a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the GU system is indispensable. Today, we're going to get up close and personal with the Genitourinary (GU)…

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#37 Special | Sedation in a COPD Patient | Listener's Question 14:44

1y ago14:44

14:44

Do you know how to handle COPD patients during sedation without screwing up? Today’s episode is a special one, thanks to a great question from Debbie Hasty, a longtime friend and a badass PACU/ICU nurse. Debbie wanted some clarity on what to do when a COPD patient on home oxygen starts to desaturate. First off, let’s discuss GOLD standard. GOLD sta…

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#36 Patient Abandonment versus Refusal of an UnSafe Assignment 14:26

1y ago14:26

14:26

Do you know your rights when faced with Unsafe patient assignments? In this episode, I’m diving deep into a critical issue that’s been making the rounds—patient abandonment versus refusing an unsafe assignment. If you’re a nurse and you’re not crystal clear on the difference, listen up. I came across a TikTok video from a PICU nurse named Alex. She…

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#35 The Essential Respiratory Assessment 26:39

1y ago26:39

26:39

How can a thorough respiratory assessment, including anatomy, lifestyle, and ABG interpretation, enhance a nurse's management of critical respiratory conditions? Welcome back to the Transformation Nurse Academy podcast. This week, we're diving deep into the crucial topic of respiratory assessment—one that every nurse needs to master, especially in …