Straight A Nursing: Study for nursing school exams & NCLEX

Maureen Osuna, MSN, RN - Nursing school educator, author, and nursing student enthusiast.
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Straight A Nursing: Study for nursing school exams & NCLEX

In this show, Maureen Osuna, MSN, RN (Nurse Mo) breaks down a wide range of nursing school concepts so they’re easy to understand. Each episode aims to help nursing students improve their study techniques, pass nursing school exams, and feel more confident in clinical. If you’re nervous about nursing school, not “getting it” in lecture, or feeling overwhelmed with all the information you have to learn, this podcast will help you optimize your study time so you can learn more with less stress. While nursing school is challenging, it doesn’t have to be impossible. When concepts are explained in a way that “just makes sense”, nursing students have better recall on exams, feel more confident working with patients in clinical, and are better prepared for NCLEX. Nurse Mo understands the struggles nursing students face and draws on more than 11 years of clinical experience to make nursing school less intimidating. Each episode removes the “fluff” and focuses on the key things a nursing student (and nurse) needs to know about a variety of disease conditions. The show also provides tips for succeeding in nursing school, guidance for students and new nurses, and insider information to help you excel at the bedside.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    ENCORE! #126: The Ultimate Nursing School Pep Talk

    Every other week I'm republishing one of my most popular or impactful episodes and adding an update, new insight, or context that will help you benefit from it even more. This week I'm highlighting Episode 126, which is the ultimate nursing school pep talk that even the best students need sometimes. Listen to this very special podcast episode when you need a pep talk, when you feel like you just can’t go on, or any time you doubt your ability to get through nursing school. Looking for peer support from others going through the same things you are? Join the most positive and helpful nursing student group on Facebook. FREE CLASS – If all you’ve heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES…you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Study Sesh – Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh!  Crucial Concepts Bootcamp – Start nursing school ahead of the game, or reset after a difficult first semester with my nursing school prep course, Crucial Concepts Bootcamp. Learn key foundation concepts, organization and time management, dosage calculations, and so much more. Pharmacology Success Pack – Want to get a head start on pharmacology? Download the FREE Pharmacology Success Pack.  Clinical Success Pack – One of the best ways to fast-track your clinical learning is having the right tools. This pack includes report sheets, sheets to help you plan your day, a clinical debrief form, and a patient safety cheat sheet.  20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide! 💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode! ___________________ The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educational purposes only. No content on this podcast is intended to guide nursing practice and does not supersede any individual healthcare provider's scope of practice or any nursing school curriculum. Additionally, no content on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    24 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    #390: MMM - Is the Patient Sleeping or Obtunded?

    Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm sharing how important it is to assess level of consciousness (LOC) to ensure your patient “isn’t just sleeping.” ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! 20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide! All Straight A Nursing Resources - Check out everything Straight A Nursing has to offer, including free resources and online courses to help you succeed! 💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode! ___________________ The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educational purposes only. No content on this podcast is intended to guide nursing practice and does not supersede any individual healthcare provider's scope of practice or any nursing school curriculum. Additionally, no content on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min

  3. FEB 13

    #389: Three Scenarios of Schizophrenia

    In this episode you’ll see how schizophrenia impacts patient care across all medical environments including a psychiatric hospital, the emergency department and the in-patient setting. Follow along with three patient scenarios that highlight the complexities of caring for a patient with schizophrenia:  Jacob - Experiences paranoia and severe mistrust during an ER visit for an infected wound. Learn how careful communication and specific interventions can aid in his treatment. Daniel - Faces a medical emergency brought on by his catatonic state. Discover the complexities of providing care for a patient who cannot communicate or move. Emma - Shows pronounced symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia in a psychiatric intensive care setting. Hear about the strategies that ensure safety and individualized patient care. ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references. Review Schizophrenia - Review the basics of schizophrenia in this episode FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh!  Straight A Nursing App - Study on-the-go with the Straight A Nursing app! Review more than 5,000 flashcards covering a wide range of subjects including Fundamentals, Pediatrics, Med Surg, Mental Health, Maternal Newborn, and more! Available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Clinical Success Pack - One of the best ways to fast-track your clinical learning is having the right tools. This pack includes report sheets, sheets to help you plan your day, a clinical debrief form, and a patient safety cheat sheet.   💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode! ___________________ The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educational purposes only. No content on this podcast is intended to guide nursing practice and does not supersede any individual healthcare provider's scope of practice or any nursing school curriculum. Additionally, no content on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min

  4. FEB 10

    #388: MMM - Does that Result Make Sense?

    Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm talking about the importance of critical thinking when a lab or vital sign result doesn’t really make sense.  ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! 20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide! All Straight A Nursing Resources - Check out everything Straight A Nursing has to offer, including free resources and online courses to help you succeed! 💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode! ___________________ The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educational purposes only. No content on this podcast is intended to guide nursing practice and does not supersede any individual healthcare provider's scope of practice or any nursing school curriculum. Additionally, no content on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    7 min

  5. FEB 6

    ENCORE! #81: Diving into Schizophrenia

    Every other week I'm republishing one of my most popular or impactful episodes and adding an update, new insight, or context that will help you benefit from it even more. This week I'm highlighting Episode 81, which is all about schizophrenia, a psychiatric disorder that can have debilitating effects. It’s a complicated type of psychosis that has four subsets, each with its own unique profile. In this episode you’ll learn:  The four subsets of schizophrenia and the signs/symptoms of each The four categories of schizophrenia symptoms, including positive and negative How to identify disorganized speech and disorganized thinking How to differentiate between types of “negative symptoms” The common types of delusions you’ll see in schizophrenia The different types of hallucinations your patient could have How schizophrenia is treated How to communicate with a patient who has schizophrenia Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh! Straight A Nursing App - Study on-the-go with the Straight A Nursing app! Review more than 5,000 flashcards covering a wide range of subjects including Fundamentals, Pediatrics, Med Surg, Mental Health, Maternal Newborn, and more! Available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode! ___________________ The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educational purposes only. No content on this podcast is intended to guide nursing practice and does not supersede any individual healthcare provider's scope of practice or any nursing school curriculum. Additionally, no content on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min

  6. FEB 3

    #387: MMM - When is Abdominal Pain an Emergency?

    Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm sharing insight on one of the most mysterious of things in the clinical setting - abdominal pain. Many times it can be something simple and easily fixable like gas pains and other times it’s a true emergency. ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! 20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide! All Straight A Nursing Resources - Check out everything Straight A Nursing has to offer, including free resources and online courses to help you succeed! 💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode! ___________________ The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educational purposes only. No content on this podcast is intended to guide nursing practice and does not supersede any individual healthcare provider's scope of practice or any nursing school curriculum. Additionally, no content on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    5 min

  7. JAN 30

    #386: The Nurse’s Guide to Peripheral Nerve Blocks

    In this episode, we explore peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs), which are a cornerstone of pain management in surgical care. PNBs offer targeted pain relief by blocking nerve signals, reducing the need for systemic analgesics, and enhancing recovery times. From their mechanism of action to nursing priorities, we cover everything you need to know to confidently care for patients receiving PNBs. In this episode, you will learn: What is a Peripheral Nerve Block? Learn about the benefits of PNBs, including reduced opioid use, faster recovery, and suitability for high-risk patients. How They Work: Understand how local anesthetics like ropivacaine and bupivacaine block sensory, motor, and sympathetic nerves in sequence. When They’re Used: Common surgeries utilizing PNBs, such as knee replacements, carpal tunnel repair, and shoulder procedures. How They’re Administered: Single-shot vs. continuous infusion techniques, including the use of portable pumps like the Ambit pump or elastomeric devices. Medications: Local anesthetics and adjuvants like epinephrine, dexamethasone, and clonidine that enhance the block's efficacy. Complications to Watch For: Learn about local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) to nerve trauma and post-op safety risks. Nursing Considerations: Key assessments, patient safety tips, and education to empower your patients before discharge. ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Pharmacology Success Pack - Want to get a head start on pharmacology? Download the FREE Pharmacology Success Pack.  Fast Pharmacology - Learn pharmacology concepts in 5 minutes or less in this audio based program. Perfect for on-the-go review! Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh!  💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode! ___________________ The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educational purposes only. No content on this podcast is intended to guide nursing practice and does not supersede any individual healthcare provider's scope of practice or any nursing school curriculum. Additionally, no content on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min

  8. JAN 27

    #385: MMM - How to Make Highlighting Actually Work

    Let's start your week strong with a quick tip you can incorporate right away. In this Mo's Monday Minute shortie episode, I'm sharing the purposeful highlighting tactics I used as a student to help me get a 4.0 all throughout nursing school. ___________________ FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! 20 Secrets of Successful Nursing Students – Learn key strategies that will help you be a successful nursing student with this FREE guide! All Straight A Nursing Resources - Check out everything Straight A Nursing has to offer, including free resources and online courses to help you succeed! 💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode! ___________________ The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educational purposes only. No content on this podcast is intended to guide nursing practice and does not supersede any individual healthcare provider's scope of practice or any nursing school curriculum. Additionally, no content on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min
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About

In this show, Maureen Osuna, MSN, RN (Nurse Mo) breaks down a wide range of nursing school concepts so they’re easy to understand. Each episode aims to help nursing students improve their study techniques, pass nursing school exams, and feel more confident in clinical. If you’re nervous about nursing school, not “getting it” in lecture, or feeling overwhelmed with all the information you have to learn, this podcast will help you optimize your study time so you can learn more with less stress. While nursing school is challenging, it doesn’t have to be impossible. When concepts are explained in a way that “just makes sense”, nursing students have better recall on exams, feel more confident working with patients in clinical, and are better prepared for NCLEX. Nurse Mo understands the struggles nursing students face and draws on more than 11 years of clinical experience to make nursing school less intimidating. Each episode removes the “fluff” and focuses on the key things a nursing student (and nurse) needs to know about a variety of disease conditions. The show also provides tips for succeeding in nursing school, guidance for students and new nurses, and insider information to help you excel at the bedside.

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