Closing the Gap: Building Your HIV/AIDS Competency as an Inpatient Nurse

When I found myself struggling to communicate a patient’s HIV status during a rapid response, it was a wake-up call that I needed to expand my knowledge.

This podcast episodes delves deeper into HIV/AIDS than nursing school did, covering common hospital presentations, labs, medications, and opportunistic infections.

By enhancing my own understanding, I hope to equip others to improve care for patients living with HIV/AIDS.

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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Metabolic Alkalosis: The Forgotten Acid-Base Imbalance

We often draw blood gasses looking for an ACIDosis, but what about when you discover an ALKAlosis?

In this episode, I share a story of a patient with a history of CHF, admitted for diuresis. She was initially improving but becames lethargic and difficult to arouse. We were surprised when her VBG showed alkalosis instead acidosis. Guest Sarah Lorenzini from the Rapid Response RN, helped me make sense of our finding.

Listen in to learn about this rare acid base imbalance that can occur as a result of a very common intervention.

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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Real World vs. Nursing School: Surprising Revelations of Everyday Practices

In nursing, we’re taught certain conventions in school. But what happens when those practices don’t match up with real-life situations? Join me as we delve into the controversial topics of administering medication one-by-one through feeding tubes, the presence of air bubbles in IV lines, and the appropriate size of IV catheters for blood transfusions. Get ready for a shocking revelations that might just leave you questioning what you thought you knew about nursing. 

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.

Claim free CEs | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Continue reading “Real World vs. Nursing School: Surprising Revelations of Everyday Practices”

Trauma Nursing Fundamentals with Michelle Dedeo, DNP, RN, CNS

Dive into the world of trauma nursing from the FAST exam, to the operating room and subsequent inpatient care. Michelle Dedeo, trauma and neuro clinical nurse specialist, explains key trauma concepts such as the trauma assessment, the triad of death, and massive transfusion protocols.

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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Float Pool Nursing: Pros, Cons, and Crafting the Perfect Float Nurse

Have you ever wondered what float pool nursing is like? These nurses fill staffing gaps throughout various units in the hospital, meaning no two days are the same. Listen in as I discuss what float pool nursing is, it’s pros and cons, and who would make an ideal float pool nurse. Whether you’re an experienced nurse looking for a change of pace or a nursing student who is intrigued by the idea of having a lot of variety, this episode on float pool nursing is for you! 

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Sepsis Imposters: Don’t Be Fooled!

As nurses, we are trained to be on high alert for sepsis, but don’t be fooled! This episode covers sepsis imposters: the sneaky diagnoses that present similarly to sepsis but could prove deadly if misdiagnosed. Follow along as Dawn Carpenter, DNP shares real-life case studies that will help you identify the subtle clues that could make the right diagnosis… and potentially save a life.

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.

Claim free CEs | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Continue reading “Sepsis Imposters: Don’t Be Fooled!”

Why am I giving an SGLT-2 inhibitor for heart failure?

Have you noticed that your patients are being prescribed SGLT-2 inhibitors, even if they don’t have diabetes?  If your patient asked, would you be able to explain why they are taking an SGLT-2 inhibitor?

Listen in to learn about how this new and fascinating class of medication that was designed for diabetes is now being prescribed for heart failure, too.

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 (1.00) or here for detailed instructions.

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Continue reading “Why am I giving an SGLT-2 inhibitor for heart failure?”

Stop Drowning Your Patients! Safe Fluid Resuscitation with Nicole Kupchik

When fluid resuscitating a hypotensive patients, how do you know when to continue with IV fluids and when to initiate vasopressors? In this episode, critical care teaching legend Nicole Kupchik, RN MSN CNS, shares evidence-based practices for determining the best course of action. Explore the significance of noninvasive measurements in assessing fluid responsiveness and learn how incorrect decisions can lead to adverse patient outcomes. 

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 (1.00) or here for detailed instructions.

Claim free CEs | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

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Breaking the Silence: The Neglected Epidemic of Delirium

In anticipation of the upcoming Nurses’ PodCrawl about Delirium, I am re-releasing one of my most impactful episodes of all time with thought leader, Kali Dayton.

Propofol and Ativan are a nurses best friend, right? WRONG. Kali Dayton, RN, DNP from the podcast Walking Home from the ICU challenges us to rethink delirium in a way that not only produce better patient outcomes but substantially decrease the nurses workload in the long run.

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NTI 2023: The Secret Sauce for Your Nursing Career

On this episode, I will share with you the secret sauce of a prolific nursing career. 

It touches education, evidence-based practice, staying up to date, networking, and “recharging your batteries”. 

This episode is about nursing conferences,  like the American Association of Critical Care Nurses’ premier conference, NTI, should be a pillar of every nurse’s career.

By the end of this episode, you will know how to make the most of nursing conferences in general, and specifically for NTI. You will also get a sneak peek into some of the fascinating sessions on tap for NTI 2023.

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