The Super Nurse Podcast

Brooke Wallace
  • 3.3 (4)
  • Courses
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Super Nurse Podcast is where textbook knowledge meets real-world clinical judgment. Hosted by Brooke Wallace—a 20-year ICU nurse, organ transplant coordinator, clinical instructor, and published author—this show is designed to help you think like a nurse, not just memorize like a student. 👉 Watch videos for each topic at https://www.youtube.com/@SuperNurseAI. Each episode breaks down complex topics—like hemodynamics, cardiac meds, shock, and high-risk scenarios—into simple, visual, and practical concepts you can actually use in real patient care. You’ll learn how to apply the Next Gen NCLEX (NGN) mindset using real-life examples, clinical stories, and decision-making frameworks that bridge the gap between passing exams and saving lives. This isn’t fluff. This is the stuff that keeps your patients safe. Inside each episode: Real bedside scenarios that sharpen your clinical judgment Step-by-step breakdowns of critical nursing concepts “Think Like a Nurse” moments to train your brain under pressure High-yield pearls you’ll remember when it actually matters NCLEX-style questions to test your understanding If you’re tired of memorizing and ready to start thinking, you’re in the right place. 👉 Helping you become the Super Nurse you were born to be.

  1. That “Whoosh” in the Chest: Aortic & Mitral Stenosis Explained for Nurses

    1d ago

    That “Whoosh” in the Chest: Aortic & Mitral Stenosis Explained for Nurses

    In this episode of The Super Nurse Podcast, we break down the pathophysiology, assessment findings, heart sounds, and nursing interventions for aortic and mitral valve stenosis in a clear, practical, bedside-focused way. You’ll learn how to move beyond memorizing textbook definitions and start connecting what you hear through your stethoscope with what is actually happening inside your patient’s heart. 👉 Watch the video @SuperNurse on YouTube We cover: ✅ How to auscultate heart sounds using the APE To Man mnemonic ✅ Where to listen for aortic, pulmonic, Erb’s point, tricuspid, and mitral sounds ✅ The difference between the diaphragm and bell of the stethoscope ✅ What causes turbulent blood flow and heart murmurs ✅ Aortic stenosis pathophysiology and clinical presentation ✅ Mitral stenosis pathophysiology and complications   ✅ Systolic vs. diastolic murmurs ✅ Why aortic stenosis causes exertional dyspnea, syncope, and angina ✅ Why mitral stenosis can lead to atrial fibrillation, pulmonary congestion, and stroke risk ✅ How left ventricular hypertrophy creates an S4 heart sound ✅ What nurses must monitor in patients with valve disease ✅ Key nursing interventions for fluid overload and decreased cardiac output ✅ Why high Fowler’s position and oxygen matter during respiratory distress ✅ How diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors support heart failure management ✅ Why nitroglycerin can be dangerous in severe aortic stenosis ✅ Discharge teaching using the “2 and 2 rule” for sodium and fluid restriction ✅ Daily weights and early warning signs of worsening heart failure This episode is designed to help nurses connect heart sounds, valve disease, cardiac output, pulmonary congestion, medications, and nursing priorities into one clear clinical picture. Whether you are preparing for nursing school exams, studying for the NCLEX, starting clinical rotations, or building confidence as a bedside nurse, this episode will help you understand what those turbulent “whooshes” really mean — and what you should do next. 🎧 Listen now to build stronger cardiac assessment skills and become the Super Nurse you were born to be. Visit supernurse.ai for nursing resources, clinical tools, and study support. Subscribe to Super Nurse AI for more nursing education, NCLEX prep, and bedside clinical judgment content. Want to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com or visit SuperNurse.ai The content presented in The Super Nurse Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The host and creators are not responsible for any clinical decisions made based on this content. Always adhere to your institution’s policies and consult appropriate healthcare professionals when making patient care decisions.

    20 min
  2. The Silent Killer: Hypertension Explained - 2025 Guidelines, Crisis Signs & Nursing Pharmacology

    2d ago

    The Silent Killer: Hypertension Explained - 2025 Guidelines, Crisis Signs & Nursing Pharmacology

    What if the most dangerous thing happening to your patient is completely silent? Built from the bedside teaching style of Brooke Wallace, this episode helps nursing students, new nurses, and bedside clinicians understand hypertension in a practical, real-world way. We explain what systolic and diastolic blood pressure actually mean, why high blood pressure damages the endothelium, how atherosclerosis develops, and why the latest hypertension guidelines emphasize earlier intervention and long-term organ protection. We also cover the critical difference between chronic hypertension and a hypertensive crisis, including the bedside warning signs nurses must recognize: severe headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and tearing back pain that may signal an aortic dissection. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway from this episode.  👉 Watch the video on YouTube @SuperNurse  You’ll also learn the essential bedside pharmacology behind common blood pressure medications, including: ACE inhibitors and ARBs How they relax blood vessels, why ACE inhibitors can cause a dry cough, and why nurses must monitor potassium and watch for angioedema. Beta blockers How they slow the heart, when to hold them, why apical pulse checks matter, and how they can mask hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. Calcium channel blockers How they reduce vascular resistance, why orthostatic hypotension matters, and why grapefruit juice can be dangerous. Diuretics How they reduce fluid volume, why potassium monitoring is essential, and how timing can prevent falls and dangerous blood pressure drops. This episode also dives into patient teaching, medication adherence, rebound hypertension, the DASH diet, sodium restriction, team-based care, and the powerful impact of stress and social determinants of health on blood pressure. Whether you’re preparing for nursing school exams, NCLEX, clinicals, or your first bedside nursing job, this episode will help you think like a nurse — not just memorize numbers. Timestamps 00:00 The Silent Danger of Hypertension 00:40 Why High Blood Pressure Can Be Deceptive 01:25 Systolic vs Diastolic Blood Pressure Explained 02:25 The Garden Hose Analogy for Blood Vessel Damage 03:35 How Hypertension Causes Atherosclerosis 04:45 2025 Hypertension Guideline Updates 06:00 Why Blood Pressure Control Protects the Brain 07:05 Treat the Patient, Not Just the Monitor 08:15 Hypertensive Crisis Warning Signs 09:35 Hemorrhagic Stroke and Aortic Dissection 11:00 How Hypertension Leads to Heart Failure 12:45 First Nursing Action for Severe Hypertension 14:00 ACE Inhibitors and ARBs Explained 16:00 Beta Blockers and Bedside Safety 18:00 Calcium Channel Blockers and Grapefruit Juice 20:00 Diuretics, Potassium, and Fluid Volume 21:35 Patient Teaching and Medication Adherence 22:45 DASH Diet and Sodium Restriction 23:35 Team-Based Care and Social Determinants of Health 24:25 Stress, Cortisol, and Long-Term Vascular Damage 25:10 Final Takeaways for Nurses Visit supernurse.ai for more nursing resources and tools to help you become the super nurse you were born to be. Want to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com or visit SuperNurse.ai The content presented in The Super Nurse Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The host and creators are not responsible for any clinical decisions made based on this content. Always adhere to your institution’s policies and consult appropriate healthcare professionals when making patient care decisions.

    26 min
  3. Time Is Muscle: How Nurses Recognize and Respond to a Heart Attack

    2d ago

    Time Is Muscle: How Nurses Recognize and Respond to a Heart Attack

    Every minute matters during a myocardial infarction. In this episode of The Super Nurse Podcast, we break down what a heart attack really looks like at the bedside and how nurses can recognize, respond, and think one step ahead during a cardiac emergency. Created from the bedside knowledge and teaching style of Brooke Wallace, a 20-year ICU nurse, organ transplant coordinator, clinical instructor, and published author, this episode helps nursing students, new nurses, and healthcare professionals bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and real patient care. In this episode, we explain myocardial infarction in plain language, including how plaque rupture leads to clot formation, why blocked coronary arteries cause ischemia and infarction, and how “time is muscle” becomes one of the most important concepts in cardiac nursing. You’ll learn how to identify classic and atypical heart attack symptoms, especially in women, elderly patients, and patients with diabetes. We also cover the importance of rapid 12-lead EKG interpretation, ST elevation, troponin trends, aspirin, nitroglycerin precautions, oxygen therapy, morphine use, and definitive treatment with PCI. Whether you are studying for nursing school, preparing for the NCLEX, starting your first nursing job, or reviewing cardiac emergency care, this episode gives you practical, bedside-focused teaching you can actually use. In This Episode, We Cover: • What happens during a myocardial infarction • Why “time is muscle” matters in cardiac emergencies • Type 1 MI vs Type 2 MI • STEMI vs NSTEMI explained simply • Classic heart attack symptoms • Atypical MI symptoms in women, elderly patients, and diabetics • Silent myocardial infarction and diabetic neuropathy • Why a 12-lead EKG is critical within minutes • ST elevation, ST depression, and T-wave changes • Troponin levels and serial cardiac biomarkers • Why MONA is no longer used blindly • Aspirin for myocardial infarction • Nitroglycerin nursing safety checks • Oxygen therapy in MI patients • Morphine use in cardiac emergencies • PCI, stents, and door-to-balloon time • How nurses anticipate provider orders during an MI Who This Episode Is For: This episode is perfect for nursing students, new graduate nurses, ICU nurses, ER nurses, cardiac nurses, nursing instructors, NCLEX students, and anyone wanting to better understand myocardial infarction nursing care. Watch More from Super Nurse AI Visual Learner? 👉 Watch the video here Subscribe for more nursing education, clinical breakdowns, NCLEX review, pathophysiology made simple, and real-world bedside nursing lessons. Like this video, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway, and subscribe for more episodes of The Super Nurse Podcast. #TheSuperNursePodcast #SuperNurseAI #MyocardialInfarction #HeartAttack #NursingPodcast #NursingStudent #NewNurse #NCLEXReview #CardiacNursing #ICUNurse #ERNurse #STEMI #NSTEMI #Troponin #EKG #NurseEducation #NurseLife #Pathophysiology #HealthcarePodcast #RegisteredNurse Want to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com or visit SuperNurse.ai The content presented in The Super Nurse Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The host and creators are not responsible for any clinical decisions made based on this content. Always adhere to your institution’s policies and consult appropriate healthcare professionals when making patient care decisions.

    25 min
  4. How The Heart Actually Works: Heart Failure, MI & Hemodynamics Explained

    3d ago

    How The Heart Actually Works: Heart Failure, MI & Hemodynamics Explained

    Key Learning Objectives Understand the basic anatomy of the heart and blood flow pathway Learn the fundamentals of hemodynamics and cardiac output Differentiate preload, afterload, and contractility Identify normal and abnormal heart sounds Connect monitor readings to bedside assessment findings Strengthen cardiovascular assessment skills for clinical practice 👉 Watch the video @SuperNurseAI   Timestamps 00:00 – 01:35 Introduction to bedside cardiac assessment and why hemodynamics matter 01:35 – 04:15 Heart anatomy review: chambers, valves, and blood flow 04:15 – 07:10 The cardiac cycle explained in simple terms 07:10 – 10:00 Cardiac output: understanding stroke volume and heart rate 10:00 – 12:45 Preload: what fills the heart and why it matters 12:45 – 15:10 Afterload: resistance, blood pressure, and cardiac workload 15:10 – 17:30 Contractility and factors that influence cardiac performance 17:30 – 19:30 Heart sounds explained: S1, S2, S3, S4, and murmurs 19:30 – 21:20 Translating monitor data into meaningful bedside assessments 21:20 – 22:30 Clinical pearls for nursing students and new nurses 22:30 – 23:22 Final review and key takeaways Key Takeaways ✅ Cardiac output equals heart rate multiplied by stroke volume. ✅ Preload reflects ventricular filling before contraction. ✅ Afterload is the resistance the heart must pump against. ✅ Contractility determines how forcefully the myocardium contracts. ✅ Heart sounds provide valuable clues about cardiac function. ✅ Effective nursing assessment combines physical findings with monitor data. ✅ Understanding hemodynamics improves clinical judgment and patient outcomes.   Want to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com or visit SuperNurse.ai The content presented in The Super Nurse Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The host and creators are not responsible for any clinical decisions made based on this content. Always adhere to your institution’s policies and consult appropriate healthcare professionals when making patient care decisions.

    23 min
  5. 7 Heart Failure Clues Hidden in Plain Sight

    4d ago

    7 Heart Failure Clues Hidden in Plain Sight

    Heart failure can be overwhelming for new nurses, especially when patients present with severe shortness of breath, edema, tachycardia, and alarming monitor readings. In this episode of The Super Nurse Podcast, we break down the bedside assessment and management of acute heart failure, helping you connect pathophysiology to real-world nursing care. Learn how decreased cardiac output leads to fluid overload, how to distinguish left-sided from right-sided heart failure, how BNP and NT-proBNP help guide clinical decisions, and why daily weights remain one of the most powerful tools in heart failure management. Whether you're studying for the NCLEX, preparing for clinicals, or working at the bedside, this episode will help you recognize heart failure early and intervene with confidence. 👉 Watch the video @supernurse  Timestamps (21:50) 00:00 Introduction: Recognizing acute heart failure at the bedside01:55 Cardiac output explained simply03:25 Why tachycardia develops in heart failure04:35 Systolic vs diastolic heart failure (HFrEF vs HFpEF)08:10 Why fluid backs up in heart failure09:25 Left-sided heart failure signs and symptoms11:10 Right-sided heart failure signs and symptoms13:20 RAAS activation and worsening fluid overload15:10 Understanding BNP and NT-proBNP17:30 Entresto and BNP interpretation pitfalls18:45 Nursing interventions and activity pacing20:10 Daily weights, medications, and discharge teaching21:05 Key takeaways and final thoughts21:50 End Key Learning Points Understand the relationship between cardiac output and stroke volume. Differentiate HFrEF (systolic) and HFpEF (diastolic) heart failure. Recognize bedside signs of left-sided and right-sided heart failure. Understand the role of BNP and NT-proBNP in diagnosis and monitoring. Learn why RAAS activation worsens fluid overload. Identify critical nursing interventions for acute heart failure. Understand the importance of activity pacing and energy conservation. Use daily weights as an early indicator of fluid retention. Review current guideline-directed medical therapy for HFrEF. Appreciate the impact of social determinants of health on heart failure outcomes. Want to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com or visit SuperNurse.ai The content presented in The Super Nurse Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The host and creators are not responsible for any clinical decisions made based on this content. Always adhere to your institution’s policies and consult appropriate healthcare professionals when making patient care decisions.

    22 min
  6. MI Symptoms Don’t Always Look Textbook

    5d ago

    MI Symptoms Don’t Always Look Textbook

    Don't Miss This! Atypical Signs of MI Visual Learner? Check out the video on Super Nurse on YouTube! Key Takeaways Not all myocardial infarctions present with classic crushing chest pain. Women frequently experience atypical symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, indigestion, and jaw pain. Older adults may present with confusion, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Patients with diabetes may experience silent or minimally symptomatic MIs due to neuropathy. Early recognition of atypical symptoms can significantly improve patient outcomes. Thorough assessment and clinical suspicion are critical when evaluating high-risk patients. Nurses play a vital role in identifying subtle warning signs and initiating rapid intervention. Always consider cardiac causes when symptoms seem vague or unexplained. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: The heart attack symptoms nurses often miss 01:12 What is a myocardial infarction (MI)? 02:35 Why atypical presentations occur 04:05 Classic vs atypical MI symptoms 05:40 Why women often present differently 07:30 Fatigue, nausea, and unexplained weakness 09:10 Jaw pain, back pain, and shoulder discomfort 10:45 Shortness of breath as a cardiac symptom 12:15 Atypical presentations in older adults 13:55 Silent MIs in patients with diabetes 15:10 Assessment priorities for nurses 16:40 When to suspect a cardiac emergency 17:50 Rapid intervention and escalation of care 18:45 Key takeaways and final nursing pearls   Want to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com or visit SuperNurse.ai The content presented in The Super Nurse Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The host and creators are not responsible for any clinical decisions made based on this content. Always adhere to your institution’s policies and consult appropriate healthcare professionals when making patient care decisions.

    19 min
  7. 5 Life-Threatening Cardiac Rhythms Every Nurse Must Recognize and Treat

    5d ago

    5 Life-Threatening Cardiac Rhythms Every Nurse Must Recognize and Treat

    👉 Watch the video @SuperNurseAI  What you'll learn Understand how the heart's electrical system functions under normal conditions. Learn why symptomatic bradycardia can be dangerous and when atropine and pacing are indicated. Recognize atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (RVR) and understand its impact on cardiac output. Identify PVC warning signs and their relationship to hypoxia and electrolyte imbalances. Differentiate between stable and unstable ventricular tachycardia. Understand why ventricular fibrillation requires immediate defibrillation. Learn why pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is one of the most deceptive rhythms in clinical practice. Apply the critical nursing principle: Treat the patient, not the monitor. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: The monitor alarm every nurse fears 01:45 Understanding normal cardiac conduction and the SA node 03:40 Symptomatic Bradycardia: Recognition and treatment 07:15 Atropine, transcutaneous pacing, and bedside assessment 08:45 Atrial Fibrillation: Understanding the chaotic atria 11:10 A-Fib with RVR and why slowing the heart can improve blood pressure 13:15 Synchronized cardioversion explained 14:10 PVCs: Benign vs dangerous ventricular irritability 16:00 Potassium, magnesium, and electrical stability 17:10 Ventricular Tachycardia (VTach): Pulse vs pulseless assessment 18:40 Stable vs unstable VTach interventions 19:20 Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): Defibrillation and CPR priorities 20:05 Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA): The monitor can lie 20:33 Final lessons: Treat the patient, not the monitor Want to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com or visit SuperNurse.ai The content presented in The Super Nurse Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The host and creators are not responsible for any clinical decisions made based on this content. Always adhere to your institution’s policies and consult appropriate healthcare professionals when making patient care decisions.

    21 min
  8. When the Heart Fails: Attack, Arrest, or Failure?

    6d ago

    When the Heart Fails: Attack, Arrest, or Failure?

    👉 Watch the video @supernurseai  Most people think a heart attack, cardiac arrest, and heart failure are the same thing—but they are actually three very different medical emergencies. In this episode of The Super Nurse Podcast, Brooke Wallace, RN, breaks down the critical differences using simple, memorable analogies and real-world clinical examples. From blocked arteries and electrical failures to failing heart pumps, you'll learn how these conditions occur, how they're treated, and why understanding the difference could save a life. Whether you're a nurse, nursing student, healthcare professional, or simply want to better understand your heart, this episode delivers practical, life-saving insights in a way that's easy to understand. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: The City's Power Grid Analogy01:10 Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Failure03:15 The Plumbing Problem: What Causes a Heart Attack?05:30 Silent Heart Attacks and Diabetic Neuropathy07:15 Diagnosing a Heart Attack: EKGs and Troponin08:40 Real Cardiac Arrest Bodycam Footage Breakdown10:15 CPR, Defibrillation, and Advanced Life Support11:50 Why Paramedics Drill Into Bones (IO Access)13:00 Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)13:50 Ketamine, Paralytics, and Airway Management14:45 Cardiac Catheterization and Coronary Stents15:50 Bypass Surgery (CABG) Explained16:40 Contrast Dye and Kidney Protection17:25 ICU Drips: Vasopressors, Inotropes, and Vasodilators18:45 Why Nitroglycerin Can Be Dangerous19:40 New Hypertension Guidelines and Prevention20:25 DRESS Recovery Framework After a Cardiac Event21:05 The Future of Artificial Hearts and Mechanical Pumps 📝 Podcast Notes Key Takeaways ❤️ Heart Attack = Plumbing Problem Blocked coronary artery Heart muscle loses oxygen Heart is still beating Minutes equal muscle ⚡ Cardiac Arrest = Electrical Problem Heart stops pumping effectively No pulse Requires immediate CPR and defibrillation Death can occur within minutes without intervention 🫀 Heart Failure = Pump Problem Heart becomes weak or stiff Blood is not pumped efficiently Causes fluid backup into lungs and extremities Often develops gradually over time Critical Diagnostics EKG identifies STEMI and NSTEMI patterns Troponin confirms heart muscle damage Rapid diagnosis determines treatment options Emergency Interventions High-quality CPR Defibrillation for shockable rhythms Intraosseous (IO) access when IV access fails Advanced airway placement Emergency cardiac catheterization ICU Management Vasopressors increase blood pressure Inotropes strengthen heart contractions Vasodilators reduce cardiac workload Careful monitoring prevents complications Prevention Matters Blood pressure goal: Smoking cessation Regular exercise Heart-healthy diet Stress management Recovery Framework: DRESS D = Diet R = Reduce Stress & Cholesterol E = Exercise S = Smoking Cessation S = Safe Return to Sexual Activity Want to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com or visit SuperNurse.ai The content presented in The Super Nurse Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The host and creators are not responsible for any clinical decisions made based on this content. Always adhere to your institution’s policies and consult appropriate healthcare professionals when making patient care decisions.

    22 min
See All (164)

3.3
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Super Nurse Podcast is where textbook knowledge meets real-world clinical judgment. Hosted by Brooke Wallace—a 20-year ICU nurse, organ transplant coordinator, clinical instructor, and published author—this show is designed to help you think like a nurse, not just memorize like a student. 👉 Watch videos for each topic at https://www.youtube.com/@SuperNurseAI. Each episode breaks down complex topics—like hemodynamics, cardiac meds, shock, and high-risk scenarios—into simple, visual, and practical concepts you can actually use in real patient care. You’ll learn how to apply the Next Gen NCLEX (NGN) mindset using real-life examples, clinical stories, and decision-making frameworks that bridge the gap between passing exams and saving lives. This isn’t fluff. This is the stuff that keeps your patients safe. Inside each episode: Real bedside scenarios that sharpen your clinical judgment Step-by-step breakdowns of critical nursing concepts “Think Like a Nurse” moments to train your brain under pressure High-yield pearls you’ll remember when it actually matters NCLEX-style questions to test your understanding If you’re tired of memorizing and ready to start thinking, you’re in the right place. 👉 Helping you become the Super Nurse you were born to be.

Information

  • Creator
    Brooke Wallace
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025- Present
  • Show Website
    The Super Nurse Podcast

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