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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Vital Views is a weekly podcast created by UNLV School of Nursing to discuss health care from a Rebel Nursing perspective. We share stories and expert information on both nursing-specific and broader healthcare topics to bring attention to the health trends and issues that affect us. New episodes every Tuesday. Feedback? Questions? Episode Ideas? Email vital.views@unlv.edu.
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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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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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“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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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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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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“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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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5 Tips for Managing Medications in Alzheimer’s Disease
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Managing medications in Alzheimer's care is a task that requires a delicate blend of organization and empathy. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Staying on top of medications when caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s disease can be very challenging for caregivers - from getting organized, making sure medications are taken each tim…
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How To Call 911 For Someone Living In Another State
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Emergency numbers are the kind of thing you may not fully appreciate until you need them. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Would you know how to contact 911 for a loved one who lives in a different state? Many people assume that if you call 911 in your local area that they would be able to connect you to the municipality that your loved…
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What to Know During Peri-Menopause with Dr. Amanda Tracy
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Improve your perimenopausal symptoms while protecting your brain as well. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Are you in your early 40’s or 50’s and wondering if you are going through perimenopause? If so, check out this episode with Dr. Amanda Tracy as she shares what you need to know during perimenopause and some practical strategies for…
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EP155: Brain Health Tips: BRIGHT MINDS with Barbara Gustavson | Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
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When you have positive beliefs about aging, there's a protective effect above and beyond what your genetics say. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN While our brains undergo changes as we age, it's important to note that these do not necessarily mean we are normally bound to have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. So, let's co…
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EP154: This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism
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Negative beliefs about aging decrease your lifespan by an average of seven and a half years. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN From childhood on, we are barraged with messages that to grow older is a sad thing – that it means decline, decay, and illness. Society is also full of ageist myths and beliefs that impact our health and well-bei…
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EP153: 4 Warning Signs of Breast Cancer and How to Do a Self-Breast Exam
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No matter where you live or who you are, breast cancer could affect your life. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN For nearly 4 decades now, October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. No matter where you live or who you are, breast cancer could affect your life. Understanding what’s normal for you and recognizing the war…
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EP152: Food, Eating, and Alzheimer’s Disease with Haylie Pomroy
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Being a lifelong learner in pursuit of true health and wellness is part of being age-friendly. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN When it comes to managing chronic illness and even preventing it – the key lies in the power of nutrition. The impact of WHAT WE EAT and WHEN WE EAT determines the level of inflammation our bodies are dealing w…
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EP151: Nurse Practitioner School: What Do Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners Do?
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There is a huge national need for psychiatric service providers to help all ages, from children to older adults. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN As a family nurse practitioner, my passion has always been in the field of geropsychology - a specialty that utilizes psychological knowledge and methods to understand and assist older individ…
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EP150: Review of the OasisSpace Upright Walker: 5 Things to Know
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There is limited study on any type of walker in clinical trials. Do your own research and make sure you or your loved ones can use it safely. —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Are you thinking about getting a walker and not sure what you need to know before buying one? In looking into walkers in general, I discovered that a limited amoun…
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EP149: Top 4 Exercises for Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease
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Do you know the best ways to prevent falls as you age? Want to learn more about how physical therapy (PT) can be a game-changer? This information is important for all of us as we age but are especially important for caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s disease. Join me on today’s episode as we learn about low-cost, low-impact ways to stay s…
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EP148: Managing Distressful Behaviors in Dementia
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Thank you for listening to this episode on Decoding Distressful Behaviors! Please enjoy this free download and feel free to check out the rest of my website while you are here! https://melissabphd.com/decoding-distressful-behaviors/ As caregivers, notice underlying causes that trigger behavioral changes in persons with Alzheimer’s. —Melissa Batchel…
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EP147: Alzheimer’s Disease - 10 Warning Signs of Caregiver Stress
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“Caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s disease can be very rewarding AND very stressful.” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN 11 million Americans are caring for a family member or friend living with Alzheimer’s disease and nearly 60% report feeling more emotional or physical stress from being a caregiver. This stress can take its to…
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EP146: Change Never Gets Old! (New Website Launch for MelissaBPhD.com)
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“I’m excited to announce NEW changes to my website and NEW ways we can work together.” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Change never gets old…but websites do! Check out my new website at MelissaBPhD.com to learn more about the new services I am offering, how to advertise or sponsor an episode, and more! Since starting this podcast three…
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"Making the home age- and dementia-friendly can make a difference and positively impact a person's independence and overall well-being." —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FA Did you know that making simple changes to a home can help people with dementia stay calm and thrive? Just as we childproof our homes, creating a dementia-friendly enviro…
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EP144: 4 Tips For Good Care At Home After An Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis
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"Dementia is a medical condition; it's not an identity." —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FA Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to provide honest and clear information about the diagnosis of dementia particularly. About the person's current state and provide anticipatory guidance about what areas of loss and decline can be expect…
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“Motor scooters really can't make a major difference in the life of an older adult who might not otherwise be able to leave their home without one. This impacts their independence and as I found out, it actually impacts their care partners as well.” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Imagine not being able to leave your home and go out wi…
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EP142: Six Exercises To Reduce the Risk Of Falling
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“Falling is the number one leading cause of fractures in the United States, and they're the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death globally.” — Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN In 2022, in the United States, of the top 5 leading causes of death, 3 are chronic conditions – 1. heart disease, 2. cancer, and 5. respiratory di…
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Find Your Calling: Gerontology (With Dr. Kayla Sullivan)
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Gerontology may not be the first choice for young nurses choosing a specialty, but it's arguably among the most important nursing fields. UNLV Nursing professor Kayla Sullivan returns to the show to talk gero and what makes it a vital role.By UNLV School Of Nursing
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EP138: 5 Secrets of Aging with Dr. Mark Williams
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We often hear the phrase "aging gracefully," but what exactly does that mean? Many of us assume that our expected aging process is predetermined by genetics and family history, but that's not entirely true. While genetics play a role, our lifestyle choices and environmental factors also heavily impact our aging journey. The good news is that we hav…
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Dealing With Burnout (With Dr. Susan VanBeuge)
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Burnout among nurses is unique in that it's not just a cause of anxiety and strife but also an effect. UNLV Nursing professor Susan VanBeuge returns to the show to talk about new numbers on reported cases; what nurses and their organizations can do to reduce burnout; and how nurse educators can prepare their students as best they can.…
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EP137: Advance Directives for Transgender People with Ames Simmons
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Conversations about emergency or end-of-life care can be challenging, even for those confident in their preferences. Accepting our mortality can be difficult, and relying on someone else to make decisions during a crisis can be daunting. Nonetheless, these discussions are critical to ensure you receive appropriate care. As individuals who identify …
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Nursing as a Second Career: The Business of Care (With Keila Haynes)
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Keila Haynes joined UNLV Nursing's accelerated second degree program after a career in business. See why she made the transition, including the dramatic moment that made her realize nursing was her calling.By UNLV School Of Nursing
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Being a Preceptor (With Brittany Lynn Perez)
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Bonus Nurse Week episode! Brittany Lynn Perez takes a break from her nurse practitioner courses to share what it means to be a preceptor and why she thinks it's among the most important roles in nursing.By UNLV School Of Nursing
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Part-Time Instructors, Full-Time Dedication (With Gretchen Little, Melanie Sharpley, and Sarah Musovski)
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May 6th through May 12th is National Nurses Week! Today's episode shines the spotlight on part-time instructors, and we have not one, not two, but three interviews sandwiched in one great show. Each part-time instructor explains why they love what they do and how important their roles are.By UNLV School Of Nursing
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EP136: Dementia in Transgender People with Ames Simmons
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While information on Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and cognitive impairment in transgender adults is lacking, research shows that they tend to face more health disparities that are known risk factors for dementia, such as depression, hearing loss, sleep disorders, high cholesterol, and alcohol use disorder. Moreover, the social injustices encounte…
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