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Spontaneous Awakening Trials with Kali Dayton, DNP

Sedation and delirium can derail even the strongest patient’s recovery in the ICU – but spontaneous awakening trials (SATs) can empower nurses to get ahead of this vicious cycle. In this candid episode, I pick the brain of Kali Dayton, an ICU nurse practitioner fervent about early mobility. Kali pulls back the curtain on SATs, a tragically misunderstood intervention that involves stopping sedatives each day to reconnect with the patient. With a mix of hard data and bedside wisdom, Kali reveals SATs as a game-changer for bettering outcomes like delirium, ventilator days, and the chance of discharge to home. You’ll hear practical tips on everything from managing agitated awakenings to recruiting family as awakening coaches. Whether you’re routinely pawing through SAT policies or clueless about this critical care practice, this lively dialogue will upend assumptions about sedation and empower you to maximize your impact.

Getting the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Score (RASS) Right: How to Assess and Why It Matters

Proper sedation management is critical for improving outcomes, yet studies show a widespread problem of inaccurate Richmond Agitation-Sedation Score (RASS) assessments by nurses. In this revealing episode, Kali Dayton DNP, shares her technique to accurately and objectively measure the RASS and why this matter for our patient’s outcomes.

Anesthesia and Surgery Deconstructed: A CRNA’s Perspective

Ever wonder what goes on behind the operating room doors? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the fascinating world of anesthesia and surgery. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Tanner and Cole from the Core Anesthesia podcast provide an insider’s look at the perioperative process, from pre-op preparation to the orchestrated induction of anesthesia to navigating complications post-op. With vivid detail and expert insights, they break down the physiology behind general anesthesia, reveal secrets of the OR, and equip nurses with knowledge to better support surgical patients. Whether you’re an ICU, ER, or floor nurse, you’ll gain invaluable perspective on the surgical experience.

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Beyond Pressure Injuries: The Complex Physiology of Immobility with Margaret Arnold, PT

We all know that staying in bed increases the risk of pressure injuries and DVTs. But the adverse effects of immobilization go far beyond those basics. In this eye-opening episode, Margaret Arnold, PT pulls back the curtain on the rapid and surprising physiological changes that occur when your patients are inactive. You’ll learn about the hidden dangers of immobility most nurses overlook, spanning metabolic, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and neurological systems. We’ll also equip you with practical tips to incorporate safe mobilization into your busy shift. This discussion will drastically change the way you view the vital importance of patient mobility.

Valvular Heart Disease with Tim Madeira, DNP

In this episode Tim Madeira, cardiothoracic DNP, provides an overview of the primary heart valve diseases. He expertly guides us through the complex physiological processes underlying conditions like stenosis and valve regurgitation arising from congenital abnormalities, calcifications, infective endocarditis, and trauma. In addition, Tim outlines the latest evidence-based standards in surgical, percutaneous and medical interventions that nurses find themselves managing in the hospital.

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Occupational Therapy and Verticalization Therapy with Phillip Gonzalez, MOT

Listen in as I chat with Philip Gonzalez, a critical care occupational therapist. He will help us de-mystify the philosophy of occupational therapy, discuss how nurses cane help their patients make the most of their therapy sessions, and introduce us to verticalization therapy.

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Diltiazem: Cardiac Medication Mini Series, Part 4

Understanding Diltiazem is an important part of your cardiac skillset. It’s indications range from blood pressure management, long term stable angina, to it’s mainstay in the hospital setting: acute rate control of arrhythmias with rapid ventricular rates. This episode will cover Diltiazem’s mechanism of action, its multiple indications for both acute and routine use, as well as important nursing considerations.

Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit or here for detailed instructions.

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Amiodarone: Cardiac Medication Mini Series, Part Three

In this episode, I’ll give you the inside scoop on amiodarone so you can truly grasp why it is *the* most prescribed antiarrhythmic medication. We’ll unpack its unique mechanism of action that makes it so effective, share a real-world case that shows amiodarone in action, as well as have a candid talk about its adverse effects. Join me to find out why after 40 years, this versatile antiarrhythmic still has a prime place in the hospital. The story of amiodarone is a fascinating one – and as nurses, we owe it to our patients to know it!

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Atropine: Cardiac Medication Mini Series, Part Two

Do you want to enhance your understanding and effectively use atropine in the treatment of bradycardia? Starting with atropine’s mechanism of action, we will explore its proper use for symptomatic bradycardia, including it’s important contraindications. We’ll also cover some of atropine’s other fascinating roles beyond the heart. You’ll walk away with greater confidence in both the appropriate applications and limitations of atropine for bradycardia.

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Milrinone: Cardiac Medication Mini Series, Part One

Part one of our cardiac medication mini-series spotlights Milrinone. We’ll unpack milrinone’s mechanism of action, indications, and potential pitfalls. This high-value overview distills need-to-know details about milrinone for seasoned critical care nurses and students alike.

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