Up My Nursing Game!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Nursing Roles After the Bedside with Sarah Wells, RN

In this episode, Sarah Wells from New Thing Nurse will dive deep into the many types of nursing positions that exist for those nurses who desire to move away from the bedside. We will specifically look at those career options which may require some additional education or an advanced nursing degree. Together we will break down each career option, define its role, and if a degree or certification is necessary.

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When Pancreatitis Isn’t Just a GI Condition: A Nursing Guide with Nurse Mo

In this episode, Nurse Mo from the Straight A Nursing will delve into pancreatitis – its definition, causes, pathophysiology, and its impact on various systems of the body despite being categorized as a gastrointestinal condition. Additionally, we will discuss significant assessment findings, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options related to pancreatitis.

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