Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club

Studying for your nurse practitioner board exam can feel overwhelming. There's so much to cover, and everyone around you seems to be doing it differently.   In this episode, my colleague Kaitlyn and I share how to create a study plan that actually fits your life and learning style instead of working against you. Tune into discover a clear framework for building your study calendar, integrating practice questions from day one, and protecting your energy along the way.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/creating-study-plan-np-board-exam-prep-kaitlyn-d   Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

Setting professional boundaries can feel like walking a tightrope when you're caring for patients. You want to show compassion and build trust, but there's this invisible line that keeps things professional and safe. Every nurse practitioner faces moments where that line gets blurry.   In this episode, I'll show you exactly what to say when patients overshare, how to handle being asked to work outside your scope, and ways to maintain your well-being while still being a team player. You'll discover that boundaries aren't barriers; they're actually what allow you to show up as your best self consistently.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/maintain-healthy-boundaries-patients-employers-preceptors   Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

No matter how well you prepare, every NP exam includes a few questions that make you stop and think, "What in the world is this?" These are the infamous "zebra questions," the ones designed to test how you handle uncertainty rather than how much obscure content you've memorized. The goal isn't to know every rare diagnosis, but to stay calm, think critically, and move forward with confidence.   In this episode, Kaitlyn and I break down how to approach these unexpected, seemingly impossible exam questions using logic and reasoning rather than panic. We walk through real examples, including cases like blue skin discoloration after well water exposure and cave explorers with fungal infections, showing how to use context clues, process of elimination, and strategic thinking to find your best answer, even when the condition is brand new to you.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/np-board-exam-strategies-absolutes-opposites-kaitlyn-d   Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

Test-taking strategies can make the difference between passing and failing your nurse practitioner board exam. When you're staring at a question where multiple answers seem plausible, knowing how to spot certain patterns in the answer choices can boost your chances from 25% to 50% or even 75% accuracy.   In this episode, Kaitlyn and I continue our mini-series on test-taking strategies, focusing on how to use absolute and opposite answer choices to your advantage. Learn not just what the right answer is, but why it's right, and how to apply these strategies across a variety of question types on the exam.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/np-board-exam-strategies-absolutes-opposites-kaitlyn-d   Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

When you're taking a certification exam, every single word matters. One misread keyword can be the difference between choosing the right answer and falling into a carefully laid trap.   In this episode, I'm joined by my colleague Kaitlyn, a family nurse practitioner and test question expert who's written thousands of exam questions throughout her career. Together, we break down how test questions are structured and share strategies for avoiding common test-taking pitfalls so you can choose the right answer with confidence.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/dissecting-practice-questions-read-lead-in-kaitlyn-d/    Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

Are you looking for a trusted place to support your NP exam prep and connect with other learners? In this episode, we sit down with Courtney, Senior Editor of Nurse Practitioner Content at SMNP Reviews and Blueprint Test Prep, to introduce our new Instagram page, @smnpreviewsofficial.   This will be your go-to hub for study tips, updates, and inspiration as you navigate your NP journey, all while continuing the legacy of Sarah Michelle's vision for real-deal NP support. Whether you're a student, in clinicals, or a new NP, this episode will help you discover how to leverage SMNP Reviews' resources and social channels to stay organized, supported, and confident throughout your NP journey.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/np-board-prep-hub-resources-instagram-courtney/   Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

Are you struggling to find the right specialty as a new nurse practitioner? You're not alone. In today's episode, I sit down with my friend Kennedy to discuss her journey through multiple NP specialties – from endocrinology to telehealth and now transplant nephrology and aesthetics.   Kennedy offers valuable insights about transitioning between specialties and managing the isolation of telehealth work. We also discuss specific strategies for succeeding in specialty roles and finding good work-life balance. Tune in to hear how Kennedy's experiences can guide you through the process of exploring different NP specialties and making informed decisions about your career path.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/multiple-np-specialties-kennedy/   Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

As nurse practitioners, we often see a condition that flies under the radar but has important implications for diagnosis and treatment: secondary hypertension. While high blood pressure is common, readings that don't fit the typical profile should make us pause.   In today's episode, I'll walk you through the red flags that signal secondary hypertension and use real clinical scenarios to address practical workup strategies. Tune in to discover when to suspect secondary hypertension, and learn how early recognition and timely diagnosis of underlying causes can lead to better patient outcomes and more effective hypertension management.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/secondary-hypertension-demystified-nurse-practitioners/   Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

With polypharmacy on the rise, prescribing for older adults can be tricky, leading to increased risks of side effects and drug interactions. In today's episode, we'll explore how you can reduce medication risks in older adults with the Beers Criteria, a tool that helps you safely navigate these challenges and enhance your clinical practice for patients over 65.   In this episode, you'll learn which medications, from antidepressants to NSAIDs, should raise red flags and how the Beers Criteria can guide your decisions. We'll also talk about practical steps for de-prescribing and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure your patients get the safest, most effective treatments.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/reduce-medication-risks-older-adults-beers-criteria   Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

In today's episode, I dive into a critical topic that NP school doesn't fully prepare you for - diagnostic errors in clinical practice. Unlike exams where wrong answers only affect your grade, real-world diagnostic mistakes can impact patient outcomes.   Together with my returning guest Courtney, we explore the different types of diagnostic errors and practical strategies to prevent them. Whether it's maintaining an open mind or advocating for your patient, we provide actionable steps for both new and experienced NPs.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/prevent-diagnostic-errors-np-practice-essential-strategies/   Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial

As a nurse practitioner, clinical knowledge alone isn't enough to thrive in practice. Today we're diving into the essential non-clinical skills that can make or break your success as a new nurse practitioner. From effective communication to time management, these practical abilities complement your medical expertise and help you deliver better patient care.   In this episode, Kaitlyn and I explore the crucial skills that aren't always emphasized in NP school. We share concrete strategies for strengthening your non-clinical toolkit, including tips for efficient communication and maintaining healthy boundaries. Understanding all the ways you can learn and lead as a new NP will help you transition confidently from student to practicing provider.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/non-clinical-skills-every-nurse-practitioner-needs/

Transitioning from an RN to a Nurse Practitioner is exciting, but it comes with challenges that nursing school doesn't fully prepare you for. In this episode, Kaitlyn and I dive into those common pitfalls that new NPs face as they enter their first positions.   From the discomfort of giving orders instead of taking them to figuring out efficient documentation systems, these challenges are part of the journey that most new NPs experience but rarely discuss openly during school. Remember - it's completely normal to feel new again, but with the right preparation, you can navigate these waters with confidence.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/pitfalls-avoid-your-first-np-role/

What happens when a routine day in primary care suddenly turns into a life-threatening emergency? As a nurse practitioner in primary care, I initially thought I'd left the high-stakes emergencies behind in my hospital days. The reality is quite different – from acute asthma attacks to stroke symptoms, emergencies can and do walk through our clinic doors without warning.   In this episode, I'm breaking down the essential components of emergency preparedness in the primary care setting. I discuss the types of emergencies you might encounter, your role as the first responder, and how to perform effective risk stratification to determine which situations can be managed in-office versus those requiring immediate transfer to higher levels of care.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/handling-emergencies-primary-care/

This week, I break down the essential post-certification steps every new nurse practitioner needs to take. From understanding the difference between certification and licensure to applying for your NPI number and DEA registration, I cover the critical administrative tasks that stand between passing your boards and beginning your practice.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/npi-dea-credentials-board-exam/

Discover everything you need to know about continuing education as a nurse practitioner. I explain the different types of CE credits, where to find them, and how to stay organized with your documentation. From online courses to destination conferences (yes, even cruises!), I'll show you how continuing education can be not just a requirement, but an opportunity to grow professionally, explore new interests, and even enjoy yourself along the way.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/continuing-education-nurse-practitioners