So, I decided to start a podcast about 4 years ago and the pandemic and crippling anxiety about looking like an idiot has led to ADHD paralysis taking hold. Then I remembered, I always look like an idiot and that never stopped me from doing anything before! Besides it’s fall and that’s when people start getting their applications in for NP school and I want to give you my tips and tricks for putting your best foot forward (instead of putting it directly into your mouth). Here’s how you can make sure your application stands out and you don’t let your imposter syndrome get the best of you.

Should you specialize or just do FNP? How do you decide which path to choose when applying to Nurse Practitioner school? I run through some of the more common ones and the pros and cons from my stand point, as well as discuss why I didn't want to be a FNP when I grew up.

Today we are talking about factors to consider when choosing a university/ college to go to for your NP degree.

Brick and Mortar, big or small, online or in-person, there are a lot of choices. It's a lot of money and it is a huge time commitment so there's a lot of pressure to get it right. Elizabeth goes over some of the pros and cons of the various options.

Hopefully, you won't leave feeling more overwhelmed than when you started!

We also talk about some of the challenges of clinical placements (tippy tip of the iceberg, we will definitely have to revisit this one!).

Focusing on getting 100% in school is self-defeating and won't make you a better Nurse Practitioner. How can you let go of fixating on grades and learn how to trust the process after being conditioned to obsess about grades?

Today I am going to explain the difference between formative and summative assessments and talk about the importance of embracing safe failing.

Learning is about growth - not about being perfect.

Nurses are the most trusted profession in America, and are dying by suicide at alarming rates. With up to 60% of NPs burned out or depressed, 23% of nurses considering leaving the profession, and 729 nurses lost to suicide in a single year, it goes beyond resilience training or pizza parties. We have a healthcare system that spends over $250 billion annually on wasteful administrative costs while driving the people who actually save lives to the breaking point (and to leave the profession). Today I am taking a chainsaw to "waste, fraud, and abuse" lives (too soon?).

Why there are 10 administrators for every doctor?

Finally, what NPs and nursing students can actually do to fight back. I really do try to end on a somewhat positive note... I probably fail... Sorry.

TW: Discussion of suicide, mental health crisis, workplace trauma