In today's busy society, people aren't typically thinking about aging or elder care. By 2030, there will be more older adults than children under age 5 for the first time in human history. Here's a fantastic podcast with different topics ranging from clinical care of older adults to things that family caregivers need to know. Hosted by Dr. Melissa Batchelor (MelissaBPhD) 'This Is Getting Old' highlights all of the things we need to do to create an age-friendly world - because when things are ...
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The Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club is the most inclusive exclusive hangout for nurse practitioners and aspiring nurse practitioners. Join your host Sarah Michelle MSN, APRN, FNP-C, FNP-BC, and co-host, Anna, as they and their 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 they’ll cover topics such as how to pass your nurse practitioner exam the first time, overcoming test anxiety, writing your ...
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EP: 188 – Tips for Becoming and Age-Friendly Business
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In today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, being an age-friendly business is not just a nice-to-have—it's a game-changer. But what exactly does it mean to be age-friendly? It means tailoring your business to meet the needs of the new consumer majority: people over the age of 40, the group holding the most wealth in our society today. In our latest ep…
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120: How to Approach Cognitive Changes in the Elderly
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Have 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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EP: 187 – Innovation and Entrepreneurship after 50 | Interview with Christy Owens of UTap2
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Did you know that 64% of new businesses are started by people over age 40? In this insightful interview, we sit down with Christy Owens, the innovative mind behind uTap2. Christy shares her journey from the printing industry to pioneering digital business cards, highlighting the unique features and customer-centric approach of her product. In this …
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EP: 186 – Game Over for Incontinence: Pelvic Floor Training Tips
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Understanding Pelvic Floor Disorders and New Technology for Strengthening Your Pelvic Floor Pelvic floor disorders, particularly urinary incontinence, affect approximately 6-10% of the population, and they are often associated with the weakening of pelvic floor muscles. This condition can lead to involuntary urine leakage, which can significantly i…
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119: Empathy and Clarity: A Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Supporting Patients Through Tough Times
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As 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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EP185: Osteoporosis vs. Osteopenia: Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Bone Loss
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"Smoking or having more than two alcoholic drinks per day can contribute to bone loss." —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN WHAT IS OSTEOPENIA AND OSTEOPOROSIS? Losing height and bone density are serious health concerns that often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. With 40 to 50 million Americans living with osteopenia or …
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EP184: Functional Cognitive Disorder vs Alzheimer’s: Key Differences Explained
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“Understanding and addressing Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD) is an emerging field of science.” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN It's usually a good idea to get an evaluation when experiencing issues with concentration, attention, or memory. Recognizing the differences between various cognitive disorders is crucial for appropriate m…
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118: Employment Contract: Don't Sign Until You Hear This
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If 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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EP183: Aging Gracefully with a Healthy Gut Microbiome
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“The gut microbiome is believed to hold the key to healthy aging.” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN The secret to aging well may lie within our gut. Scientists have discovered that maintaining gut health is crucial for overall well-being, including brain health. In this episode, we'll explore the gut microbiome, what it is, and how to k…
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EP182: How Nursing Homes Put Profit Before Patients
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"Many nursing homes are owned by private equity firms that modify operations to maximize profits." —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Nursing homes provide essential care for older adults who need more help than family and friends can give. During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 200,000 residents and staff died, exposing serious problems in t…
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117: When Patient Vignettes Reveal Hidden Challenges
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Anna 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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There 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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EP181: 5 Tips for Traveling with a Person Living with Dementia
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“Be prepared for agitation and anxiety; have snacks, water, and distractions ready” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can also be a smooth and enjoyable experience. In this episode, I provide five essential tips to help make your…
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114: Everything You Need to Know About Advanced Care Planning
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Advanced 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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“Meaningful relationships and social connections are essential components of our overall health” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Many of us deeply value our connections to family, friends, and our wider community, understanding that these relationships are crucial for our mental and emotional health. Renowned athletes like Michael Phel…
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"Just because it's a nursing home, doesn't mean they're doomed to be in there forever." —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Many families face the difficult decision of choosing the right care setting for their aging loved ones. You may have promised never to place your loved one in a nursing home, yet sometimes a skilled nursing facility …
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113: A Clinician’s Guide to Weight Loss Medications
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Over 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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You 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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EP178: 10 Tips for Caregivers of People Living with Dementia
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“If you aren't taking care of yourself, you can't take care of anybody else.” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Caring for individuals living with dementia is a profound act of love and dedication, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. Caregivers often find themselves facing a tough journey filled with uncertainty, frustra…
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EP177: Why Women Have a Greater Risk of Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementia
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“Women are more likely than men to have the mutated gene (APOE4) associated with Alzheimer's disease.” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Alzheimer's disease is a complex neurodegenerative condition with various risk factors. Women face a higher risk due to multiple contributing factors. In this episode, we explore some of the reasons tha…
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111: How NPHub Is Saving Healthcare with Founder, Krish Chopra
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This 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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EP176: State of Alzheimer's Disease Research
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“As a nurse, I'm all about lifestyle strategies and preventing Alzheimer’s from even happening to us” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Alzheimer's disease poses a significant threat to individuals and societies worldwide due to its devastating impact on cognitive function and quality of life. Although a cure has not been found, ongoing …
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110: 3 Steps for Better Diagnostic Reasoning
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Diagnostic 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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“Once diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, on average, individuals tend to live 5 to 8 years” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Lewy body dementia (LBD) is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlooked, yet it affects millions worldwide. Join me as I explain one of the complicated types of dementia. In this week’s episode, we’ll explore…
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EP 174: What is Parkinson's Disease Dementia?
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“Symptoms of Parkinson's disease are gradual and they're very subtle.” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN What is Parkinson's disease dementia? How does it manifest differently from other forms of dementia? Join me in this insightful episode where we answer these questions and discuss more of its symptoms and available medication. WHAT IS…
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109: How to Conquer NCLEX Anxiety and Pass on Your First Try
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If 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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I'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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EP 173: What to Expect When Moving into Assisted Living
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“Understanding the unique needs of each resident requires a holistic approach that goes beyond medical care.” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN In this episode, Melissa Batchelor and Rebecca Adelman explore the crucial topic of managing expectations in assisted living. Drawing from their extensive experience, they shed light on the five …
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All dementias don't look the same; they don't show up the same way that Alzheimer's disease does. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Listen to today's episode where I talk about frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare kind of dementia. I'll walk you through how FTD is different from Alzheimer's disease and share insights into why seeking me…
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108: Heart Month: Congenital Heart Disease & Being a Heart Mom
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For 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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WHAT IS VASCULAR DEMENTIA? Vascular dementia is a type of dementia linked to issues with blood flow to the brain. It ranks as the second most common type of dementia, occurring in about 15 to 30% of all dementia cases. In this episode, we explore its symptoms, risk factors, and the unique challenges it carries. SYMPTOMS AND RISK FACTORS Symptoms of…
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The challenges caused by dementia can affect your ability to function in your daily life. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN What are the different types of dementia and how to differentiate them? Dementia is a group of symptoms that affect memory, language, problem-solving, and thinking skills, impacting your daily life. Tune in to today…
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107: Global Nursing: How Nurse Practitioners Can Make a Positive Impact
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There 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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EP169: Dressing Your Age with Cyndy Porter
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When someone insists that you should “dress your age,” it's inherently an ageist remark. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN What does it mean to be told that you need to “dress your age”? At its core, being told to “dress your age” is an ageist statement. Has anyone ever said something along these lines to you? Or maybe you restrict yours…
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EP168: How Does Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Progress?
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The speed at which dementia progresses varies a lot from person to person. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN How does Alzheimer’s disease and dementia progress? The speed at which dementia progresses varies a lot from person to person based on a lot of factors. Tune in to today’s episode where I’ll talk you through the progression of dem…
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106: How to Succeed on Your First Day as a New NP
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Transitioning 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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EP167: How is Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Diagnosed?
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There is no single test that can determine if you have Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or a blend of both. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Have you ever wondered why it takes so long to get to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia? The good news is that it should take a bit of time – because it is a diagnosis of…
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EP166: Improving Memory by Avoiding These 7 Drugs
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Be especially cautious with anticholinergics if you are concerned about your memory, diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, or want to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Anticholinergics are medications that block acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter in the body. This blocking leads to l…
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105: Why Interdisciplinary Teamwork Matters
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No 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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EP165: 10 Tips for Preparing for a Primary Care Medical Visit
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Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease requires careful planning and consideration, especially when it comes to medical appointments. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease requires careful planning and consideration, especially when it comes to medical appointments. Even helping an aging paren…
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EP 164: Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
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Watch out for warning signs of Alzheimer's when talking to someone you love or even your own self. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Are you or a loved one worried about memory issues? If you answer yes to 1 or more of these warning signs, please make an appointment with your local provider to get your memory checked out. It's a good ide…
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104: Time Management Tips for Creating School-Life Balance
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Ensuring 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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EP163: Difference between Alzheimer's Disease and Forgetfulness
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While forgetfulness is normal, be wary of the warning signs of Alzheimer's and dementia. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Let’s dive into this week’s episode where I’ll be talking about the Difference between Alzheimer’s Disease and Forgetfulness. Forgetfulness happens during those moments when you can't find your phone or you forget wh…
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EP162: Professional Use of Social Media: Interview with Dr. Carole Keim
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Honing in your message is such a valuable communication skill set. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN As a board-certified pediatrician, author, podcaster and social media maven, Dr. Carole Keim has seamlessly transitioned from meeting clients in clinics to connecting with them in non-traditional ways. Dr. Keim has been providing reliable…
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103: How to Save Time as a New Nurse Practitioner
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If 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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EP161: Pitching to the Media: The Basics for Healthcare Professionals
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We need a better way to translate studies and science into something the public can understand. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN As a profession, nursing has struggled to effectively engage with the media, resulting in significant underrepresentation in most news stories. The primary experts sought out for healthcare stories are physici…
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EP160: Alzheimer’s Care: Why You Need a Care Team and How To Build One
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As a caregiver, seeking help is a strength and not a weakness. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN When it comes to being a caregiver to a person living with Alzheimer’s disease, it takes a village. Caregiving can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join me for this week’s episode where I’m talking about Join me for this wee…
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102: A Step-By-Step Guide to the Credentialing Process
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You’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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EP159: Brain Health: The Power of Psychological Flexibility with Dr. Carrie Johansson
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People experience the benefits of aging gracefully when they hold onto positive beliefs and manage 'stinking thinking.' —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Did you know that anxiety and depression are two major mental health problems affecting older adults today, according to the World Health Organization? What's even more intriguing is ho…
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