The Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club is the most inclusive exclusive hangout for nurse practitioners and aspiring nurse practitioners. Join your host Anna Miller, as she and her guests dive deep into what you need to know before taking your exam, passing your exam, and becoming a real deal nurse practitioner! Each week she’ll cover topics such as how to pass your nurse practitioner exam the first time, overcoming test anxiety, writing your resume, negotiating contracts and honing your actua ...
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139: Handling Emergencies in Primary Care: Be Prepared for the Unexpected
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9:31What 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 …
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138: NPI, DEA, and Credentials: What Happens After Your Board Exam?
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14:46This 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 …
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137: Continuing Education for Nurse Practitioners: Requirements and Resources
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8:51Discover 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…
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136: Prepare for Professional Role Questions on Your NP Board Exams
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9:25Are you preparing for your NP board certification exam and feeling overwhelmed by professional role practice questions? These questions make up a significant portion of the ANCC exam and even appear on the AANP test. So today, I'm breaking down exactly what you need to know about the professional role of nurse practitioners to succeed on your board…
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135: The Importance of Personal Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners
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10:10As healthcare providers, we never want to imagine being involved in a malpractice suit. However, the reality is that it's a possibility we must be prepared for. Having the right malpractice insurance coverage can provide peace of mind and ensure that you have the support you need if a claim is ever made against you. I break down the different types…
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134: Essential Skills and Resources for Success in a Specialty NP Role with Courtney H
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23:20I sit down with my friend Courtney Helm, an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, to discuss her unique experience working in a gastroenterology and hepatology clinic right out of school. Hear Courtney's insights on the essential skills for success in a specialty setting, the resources she relied on, and her advice for new NPs navigati…
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133: Navigating the Challenges of Working in a Retail Clinic as a New NP with Kaitlyn D
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22:20I sit down with my good friend and colleague Kaitlyn to discuss her unique experience as a new NP in this fast-paced setting. Kaitlyn shares her journey from working in the ICU to transitioning into a retail health clinic, where she treated a wide variety of conditions and learned to navigate the challenges of working independently. Discover the in…
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132: Essential Tips for Thriving in Your NP Clinical Rotations
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14:12We share our top tips for boosting your confidence in clinical rotations and beyond. Whether you're a student just starting out or a new grad finding your footing, these strategies will help you feel more self-assured and capable in your role. From improving communication skills to building your knowledge base, we cover all the essential elements o…
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131: MSN vs DNP for Family Nurse Practitioners: Which Path Is Right for You?
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10:39In this episode, we'll focus specifically on Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) and compare the MSN and DNP educational paths. I break down what each degree entails, how they impact your scope of practice, and the different career opportunities available with each. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of the key differences …
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130: Navigating Weight Loss Medications: A Clinician's Essential Guide
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18:05Anna and I delve into the growing topic of weight loss medications, including drugs like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and Ozempic, which have gained significant attention for their role in chronic weight management. With their increasing popularity and high demand, it’s vital for clinicians to understand the science behind these medications, their ben…
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Are you feeling guilty about not studying for your NP exams during holiday break? How can you balance enjoying the festivities with staying on top of your Nurse Practitioner education? In this quick holiday episode, Anna is here to help you make the most of your time off. Maximize your holiday break with these strategies for fitting in quality stud…
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128: How to Choose Your NP Specialty Path
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12:43Anna dives into the most common nurse practitioner specialties, exploring the unique roles and responsibilities of each. From family practice and adult gerontology to pediatrics and psychiatry, we cover the full spectrum of NP career paths. Let's discuss the key factors to consider when choosing your specialty, including your passions, lifestyle pr…
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127: Ace Your NP Interview: Expert Tips for Landing Your Dream Job
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13:44Anna is here this week to dive into the most common NP interview questions and share strategies for answering them effectively. From highlighting your clinical experience to discussing your strengths and weaknesses, she covers all the essential topics to help you put your best foot forward. Tune in this week to get the tools and confidence you need…
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126: Top Charting Tips for New NPs from Erica D the NP Charting Coach
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24:06In this episode, Anna sits down with Erica D, the NP Charting Coach, who specializes in helping nurse practitioners improve their charting skills. Erica shares her own journey from burned out RN to efficient NP, and how her passion for helping others overcome charting challenges led her to start the Nurse Practitioner Charting School. Discover Eric…
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Have you ever questioned the accuracy and usefulness of BMI as a measure of health? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the history and limitations of the body mass index, exploring why relying solely on BMI can be problematic and misleading. Tune in this week as we challenge some common assumptions about BMI and its correlation with chr…
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124: DEI in Healthcare: Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Matter for Nurse Practitioners
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11:44Have you heard the buzzword “DEI” thrown around a lot lately? DEI is about so much more than just checking boxes or meeting quotas. It's about seeking out and embracing different viewpoints, valuing the contributions of people from all backgrounds, and creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and respected. Anna and I explore simple wa…
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123: Trauma-Informed Care: Key Principles and Practical Applications
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8:41Have you heard the term "trauma-informed care" being used more frequently lately? In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this approach to healthcare has gained significant attention as a way to better support patients who have experienced trauma. Anna and I dive into the concept of trauma-informed care, exploring its key principles and the steps we …
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122: How Implicit Bias Impacts Patient Care (And What to Do About It)
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11:40In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of implicit bias: those unconscious judgments and assumptions we make about others based on characteristics like age, race, gender, and more. As healthcare providers, our implicit biases can have real consequences for our patients' experiences and outcomes. We explore what implicit bias looks like in h…
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121: 3 Pediatric Case Studies: Diagnostic Tests and Management Strategies for Nurse Practitioners
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10:53Have you ever wondered what causes chest pain in adolescents or how to handle frequent ear infections in under-vaccinated infants? In today's episode, Anna and I dive into some fascinating pediatric case studies that highlight important clinical concepts for nurse practitioners, discussing conditions like precordial catch syndrome, febrile seizures…
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120: How to Approach Cognitive Changes in the Elderly
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12:04Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between dementia and delirium in older patients? In today's episode, Anna and I dive into two fascinating case studies that highlight the key clinical reasoning skills needed to properly diagnose and treat cognitive changes in the elderly. Sharpen your clinical acumen and feel more confident the nex…
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119: Empathy and Clarity: A Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Supporting Patients Through Tough Times
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16:47As real-deal Nurse Practitioners, delivering bad news to patients is an inevitable part of the job that we must be prepared for. But how can we have these difficult conversations in a way that provides clarity and compassion to our patients? Anna and I are here this week to share tips on how to prepare yourself before the conversation, create a sup…
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118: Employment Contract: Don't Sign Until You Hear This
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18:07If the legal jargon in your contract leaves you feeling scared and intimidated, you’re not alone. Sure, you want to make sure you’re being adequately compensated through your salary, but what about work-life balance or the goals you want to achieve in your new position? Having your own back through this process is challenging, and that’s why Anna a…
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117: When Patient Vignettes Reveal Hidden Challenges
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13:59Anna and I are doing something new this week that we think you’ll love. We’re taking a slightly different approach to highlighting important clinical practice by sharing two patient vignettes we've encountered in our own clinical practice. We hope these scenarios help you become the best Nurse Practitioner possible. Join us on this episode as we sh…
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116: Vaccination Updates: RSV, COVID, Pneumococcal & Meningococcal
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14:07There have been quite a few updates to certain vaccinations over the past several years, so Anna and I are here this week to review these important updates with you. Regardless of the population you care for, these vaccines are ones you’ll see in your clinical rotations or in practice, and you’ll probably be asked about them by your patients. Tune …
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In honor of Pride Month this June, Anna is here this week to talk about inclusivity and how to exemplify that for the LGBTQIA+ community in healthcare. The LGBTQIA+ community is twice as likely to report discrimination by a healthcare provider than non-LGBTQIA+ people, among other chronic stressors that lead to stigmatization. As real-deal NPs, you…
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114: Everything You Need to Know About Advanced Care Planning
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11:59Advanced care planning is about your patients planning for the care they want in advance, just in case they become so seriously ill that they’re unable to advocate for themselves. While it’s vital for you to have these conversations with your patients, it often feels overwhelming and intimidating, especially if you’re getting ready to head out into…
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113: A Clinician’s Guide to Weight Loss Medications
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18:04Over the past couple of years, weight loss medications like Ozempic have skyrocketed in popularity, having gained the attention of celebrities and social media influencers for their seemingly magical weight loss powers. As a real-deal Nurse Practitioner, you must understand how these medications work in the body and how to safely prescribe them, an…
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112: How to Boost Your Confidence in Clinical Rotations
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14:10You can probably remember how intimidating and overwhelming it was in your very first job as a new nurse, and starting out in your Nurse Practitioner career is no different. You’re learning new skills with a higher level of responsibility and liability, so if you’re not yet walking around with the confidence of a seasoned NP, you’re not alone. Anna…
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111: How NPHub Is Saving Healthcare with Founder, Krish Chopra
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24:59This week, Anna is speaking with the founder and CEO of NPHub, Krish Chopra. They are the best in the industry when it comes to finding Nurse Practitioner clinical placements, and they have a quality control process in place that prioritizes the well-being of both students and preceptors. That's why we’ve launched a partnership with them. Learn how…
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110: 3 Steps for Better Diagnostic Reasoning
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15:37Diagnostic reasoning is an essential skill for Real Deal Nurse Practitioners. A misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments, delayed treatment, and ultimately cause undue harm and stress to our patients. A major part of our role as NPs is diagnosing conditions, so we need to ensure our diagnoses are accurate. Tune in this week for a vital overv…
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109: How to Conquer NCLEX Anxiety and Pass on Your First Try
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15:14If you’re currently a future real-deal Registered Nurse, this is a must-listen episode. After studying, going through courses, clinical work, and approaching graduation, prepping for the NCLEX can often feel like you’re starting right back at the beginning. That’s why feeling supported throughout your journey is essential, and we’re here to share h…
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Start Here: Become a Confident Real Deal Nurse Practitioner
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1:07I'm Sarah Michelle, a host of the Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club and I'm on a mission to get more nurse practitioners licensed and practicing in the field than ever before. We created this podcast for students and new nurse practitioners who have struggled with the pressure and the anxiety, preparing for their board exams and then entering into …
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108: Heart Month: Congenital Heart Disease & Being a Heart Mom
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15:42For those of you who aren’t familiar, my daughter Meadow was born with a severe congenital heart defect last year. Being an advocate for congenital heart disease feels like the most special and important thing I can do as a Heart Mom, and sharing more about this is exactly what I felt called to do this Heart Month. I share some statistics on congen…
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107: Global Nursing: How Nurse Practitioners Can Make a Positive Impact
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12:19There are many unique and amazing opportunities out there for Nurse Practitioners when it comes to global health. The great news is that because global health is a top priority, there are several resources available for exploration. Anna and I are here this week to guide you through the ins and outs of your global health journey. Hear how Nurse Pra…
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106: How to Succeed on Your First Day as a New NP
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12:41Transitioning from nurse to Nurse Practitioner is a big deal. It’s truly a whole new career. You’ve passed your boards, graduated from school, and now, you’re a real-deal NP. However, you’re not alone if self-doubt and fear are coming up for you. That’s why Anna and I are here this week to share our top tips on how to succeed on your first day as a…
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105: Why Interdisciplinary Teamwork Matters
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10:54No matter what kind of Nurse Practitioner you are, you likely work alongside hospitalists, nurses, case managers, social workers, specialists, and ancillary staff. The unifying thread between all of you is to create a positive patient experience and to provide excellent care. How can we, as real-deal Nurse Practitioners, contribute to the ever-evol…
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104: Time Management Tips for Creating School-Life Balance
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10:22Ensuring you excel in Nurse Practitioner school while also making time for the things you enjoy, that recharge you and that give you energy for other areas of your life, is easier said than done. That’s why Anna is taking over the show this week to share her top tips. Tune in this week to hear Anna’s tangible tips for striking a balance between Nur…
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103: How to Save Time as a New Nurse Practitioner
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12:03If you want to balance seeing your loved ones with this busy period at work during the Holidays, you're in the perfect place. The holiday season is a jam-packed time when all Nurse Practitioners want to give their full attention to patients as well as friends and family. But how do we do that without being completely stretched thin? Tune in to disc…
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102: A Step-By-Step Guide to the Credentialing Process
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17:49You’ve graduated, passed your boards, and the next critical step is licensing and credentialing. This can feel like a huge time-consuming hurdle you have to overcome on your journey to becoming a real-deal Nurse Practitioner. Although it seems complicated, NP certification and licensure are essential. Join us on this episode as Anna and I review th…
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101: Your Clinical Experience: From Dread to Excitement
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11:33If you’re ready to look forward to going to clinical instead of dreading it, you’re in the right place. Anna and I are here today to share some of our own personal experiences of navigating clinical rotations and to show you how to take control of your clinical experience so it sets you up for future career opportunities. Learn the importance of fo…
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100: SOAP Notes: Do’s and Don’ts for Clinical Documentation
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16:02The most common and widely accepted format of clinical documentation is the SOAP note. It addresses the legal aspect of documenting the care you provide, but it also allows for consistency across providers, which is essential in healthcare. With all providers using the same format, it allows anyone reading it to follow along with your patient’s dia…
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This week, Anna and I are here to discuss a topic that is near and dear to our hearts: mental health and self-care for Nurse Practitioners. If you’ve taken any of our classes, you’ll know that we focus on stress and anxiety management as you prepare for boards, but prioritizing your mental health is vital throughout your career as a healthcare prov…
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What is telemedicine, what are its benefits, and what are the factors that lead to success in the telemedicine field? There are some common challenges, legal considerations, and best practices for Nurse Practitioners moving into the virtual realm, and we’re discussing all of them on today’s show. Join me and Anna today to discover everything you ne…
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97: Physical Assessment and Examination Skills
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15:24Anna and I are talking about a topic that is at the very heart of nursing practice this week: physical assessment and examination skills. These skills are the cornerstone of effective patient care, diagnosis, decision making, and all the important things we do as Nurse Practitioners. Learn how to get proficient in the physical assessment and examin…
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The role of Nurse Practitioners have grown, both in complexity and in significance within the healthcare system. As a result, there has been a growing need for more formalized training programs that bridge the gap between your education at school and preparing for actual practice. This is where NP residency programs can be a great first step in you…
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95: Continuing Education: Staying Current as a Nurse Practitioner
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12:45Staying up to date with evidence-based practice becomes way easier when you have a deep passion for learning and knowledge. To learn why you need continuing education and how to choose what CEs are right for you, listen up. Anna walks us through her favorite ways to get continuing education as a healthcare provider. She’s sharing how to stay up to …
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94: From Registered Nurse to Nurse Practitioner: How to Shift Your Mindset
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12:38I'm sharing my thoughts on making the leap from a registered nurse to a student Nurse Practitioner to a real-deal NP. You're not alone if you're having a tough time adjusting to the mentality of a Nurse Practitioner, and this week, I’m showing you how to make it a little easier. I offer my insights into shifting your mindset from the role of a nurs…
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93: Your Guide to Medical Billing & Coding with Anna
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16:06Medical billing and coding are two core factors that impact how you get paid as a Nurse Practitioner, which means understanding the "why" and "how" of them is vital. Join Anna and me in this episode as we share the basics when it comes to medical billing and coding as a Nurse Practitioner. We're exploring what to consider regarding billing and codi…
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92: “What Should I Be Doing When?” with Anna
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19:25One question that we receive all the time in our community and on every platform with which we engage with our students is, "What should I be doing and when?" This question tends to come up no matter what phase of the Nurse Practitioner journey someone is in. Anna and I highlight all the ways we can support you, no matter where you are on your Nurs…
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91: 2023 AANP National Conference Highlights
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20:33Anna and I have just returned from this year's AANP National Conference in New Orleans, and we can't wait to share our thoughts on it. Whether you work remotely or in a clinic setting, being able to network is an opportunity you never want to miss, and this conference provided a great avenue to connect with genuine NPs, students, and faculty. We're…
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