I had my first jaw dropping patient last week. You know, working in cardiology, you see a lot of the same thing. Acute coronary syndrome, atrial fib, heart failure...Turn 'em and burn 'em, that's my motto. Thursday, I had my first patient that I was completely side-bombed over. That day, an 86-year-old female presented to the ED for ...

Dear Career Coach: I am wondering if you have any thoughts or advice about finding a job after age 60. I have been in practice for about 18 years. I am finding it rather scary to quit my job because I am worried about whether I will really be able to get another job. What do you think? Dear Mature Job Seeker: Employers are looking for two main ...

Here at the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) 2013 conference in Orlando, leagues of NPs are gathered for 3 days of educational sessions, CE credits and networking.  At today's opening session, hundreds of NPs were welcomed to the Hilton Orlando's Orange Ballroom to launch the week's events. NAPNAP president ...

Editor's note: This blog is written by Anthony J. Hall, RN, BSN, behavioral health charge nurse at Atlanta Medical Center. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) means major changes in the way Americans view health issues and treatment options. While there is increased optimism building around the plan's effect on patient care, ...

So I go from working part-time as a nurse to not really working and just doing clinicals. My preceptors were pretty good about working with us regarding schedules, which was amazing because I have 2 kids and a crazy husband. This was more beneficial than I EVER realized! Now? I realize... Let's see... In my first three weeks, I've gotten ...

I had one of the most difficult days I've ever had from an emotional standpoint at work last week. There was a patient that had close personal ties to our facility that was admitted for new onset a-fib. He was young so we cardioverted him and thought that he would be fine. He had no significant medical history and was in decent physical shape. ...

Wow! What a year this has been and with each opportunity and experience I have been able to share, I have the ADVANCE community to thank for helping me to grow and be a better professional. I have met so many wonderful people who continue to offer support and challenge me with my every day struggles as an NP working in corrections. Over the ...

Last week, NP & PA Student blogger Terry Clarke shared his concerns over the status of nursing. ''I am currently in a class called ‘Societal Forces' as a precursor to my first semester of advanced assessment in the Adult/Gero Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track. The teachers are passionate and well informed. The speakers are excellent, but ...

Over the past month I have had some very challenging patients. I will often question, why and how did someone end up here at the correctional facility? I believe it is better I do not know. Actually, it is none of my business; it keeps the care unbiased and pure and it does not impact how I treat them. If one of the inmates upsets the ...

Q: Please describe the DNP role in your NP specialty. A: I will step up on my DNP soapbox once again to say that completing your DNP serves to open up a new way of thinking, a way to approach your practice. It is not an avenue for developing a new position or making more money. The DNP provides you with the tools and resources to ...