Tag: All One Nurse

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Beyond the Mic: The NextGen Tutor, Suzanna Valdez, Empowering New Nurses

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” -Mother Teresa

The Importance of Preparing for the NCLEX

In this inspiring episode of the All One Nurse podcast, titled “The NextGen Tutor: Empowering Nursing Students,” Nurse Shenell Thompkins, RN, MSN, had the opportunity to engage in conversation with Suzanna Valdez, RN, the founder of The NextGen Tutor. Their discussion centered on the NextGen NCLEX examination, the importance of mentorship, and methods through which nursing students can cultivate confidence during their journey. The NCLEX serves as the final hurdle in the process of becoming a licensed nurse, and appropriate preparation is critical for success.

Suzanna underscores that passing the NCLEX examination involves more than mere memorization; it necessitates critical thinking, strategic approaches, and self-assurance. She advises students to:

1. Prioritize quality over quantity when practicing questions.

2. Comprehend the rationale behind each answer rather than relying solely on memorization.

3. Foster a resilient mindset and confidence to mitigate test-related anxiety.

Additionally, Suzanna emphasizes the stringent test-taking protocols associated with the NCLEX, advising students to incorporate scheduled breaks and manage their time effectively.

Tutoring is A Powerful Tool for Success

For those encountering difficulties with NCLEX preparation, tutoring can prove transformative. Suzanna articulates how personalized coaching enables students to dissect NCLEX-style questions efficiently, identify key concepts and age-related factors within scenarios, and enhance test-taking strategies to bolster confidence. She recognizes that the objective is for students to pass the NCLEX examination, irrespective of whether they engage a tutor, and acknowledges that many students seek guidance after experiencing a failure on the exam.

Her approach is characterized by a commitment to developing relationships with students, ensuring that they feel supported and empowered throughout their preparation process. Suzanna also notes that outcomes are not 100% guaranteed. While she does not promise that every student will succeed, she emphasizes that her dedication, combined with the student’s effort, often yields successful outcomes.

Key Takeaways of Suzanna’s Interview on the All One Nurse podcast include,

  • Perseverance is everything – Nursing students should never give up on themselves. 
  • Quality practice questions and reading rationales are more important than quantity.
  • Having a mentor can accelerate growth and confidence. 
  • Breaking down NCLEX-style questions and understanding keywords is essential.
  • Quality practice questions and reading rationales are more important than quantity.
  • Mindset matters, and it plays a significant role in exam performance.
  • Strict test-taking protocols and the importance of taking breaks during the NCLEX exam.
  • Instilling confidence in students is a key goal of tutoring and coaching.

Final Thoughts For Aspiring Nurses

Trust in your preparation and purpose. Passing the NCLEX examination transcends mere achievement; it represents a step toward realizing one’s vocational calling with faith, confidence, and knowledge. It is imperative to remember that individuals possess the capability to succeed because they are supported on their journey. Emphasize thorough preparation, seek mentorship, and recognize that every challenge contributes to personal growth for the future.

Have you attempted the NCLEX and faced challenges? It is essential to recognize that many esteemed nurses have faced similar experiences. They often affirm that whether one passes or fails the NCLEX does not define the type of nurse one will ultimately become. Let every nurse practice with excellence.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode on 

🟣Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-gen-tutor-empowering-nursing-students/id1755700754?i=1000668150258

🟢Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/episode/6bRISwgIC0E8aSG066HNuo?si=bpBre7_6SVW6Mgig0oV5eg

🔴YouTube → https://youtu.be/vwtdvp3UY6w?si=o3fA0VaiAuZr9oyx

Meet Suzanna Valdez, RN

Suzanna Valdez is a dedicated NCLEX tutor and the founder of The Next Gen Tutor, where she helps nursing students master exam strategies and develop confidence. With extensive experience in diverse healthcare settings, she has transitioned into nursing education, providing tailored coaching to facilitate student success.

📌 Connect with Suzanna

🌐 The Next Gen Tutor website: www.thenextgentutor.com

📱Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextgentutor

💡TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenextgentutor 

📘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenextgentutor

If you found value in this post, consider subscribing to All One Nurse for additional blog content and updates regarding new podcast episodes, resources, and more. Let us continue to illuminate the path for aspiring nurses throughout their journeys. Please share your thoughts in the comments if this article or episode inspired you!

“Bridging the gap between the stethoscope and the soul.”- Nurse Shenell

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Why Functional Medicine Matters in Autoimmune Care and Supporting Black Women Conversation on the All One Nurse Podcast

“Your genetics load the gun. Your lifestyle pulls the trigger.”- Dr. Mehmet Oz

It was a privilege to sit down with Dr. Phylicia Harris, DNP, FNP-C, FMACP, an expert in Functional Medicine and founder of Functionally Balanced Health, on the All One Nurse podcast episode, “Understanding Functional Medicine and Supporting Black Women with Autoimmune Conditions“. Unraveling the complexities of Autoimmune Conditions and how a holistic approach can transform patient care. 

Autoimmune disease can feel like a mystery- one day your body is thriving, and the next it’s fighting against itself. Traditional medicine often focuses on symptom management. However, functional medicine digs deeper, aiming to uncover the root cause. Dr. Harris emphasizes that understanding lifestyle factors, nutrition, and underlying imbalances can empower patients to take control of their health.  Learn more about autoimmune conditions here  A-Z Autoimmune Disease List.

The Disproportionate Impact on Black Women

According to the Society for Womens Health Research (SWHR), approximately 80% of individuals diagnosed with autoimmune diseases are women, though the gender distribution varies depending on the specific condition. One of the most eye-opening discussions in this All One Nurse episode was about health disparities. Black women face higher rates of autoimmune conditions and often struggle to receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. This leads to more aggressive symptoms and poorer outcomes than with their white counterparts. For instance, African American women are three times more likely to develop lupus than white women and frequently experience more severe symptoms and complications (SWHR.org, 2024). Dr. Harris breaks down the why behind these disparities and how advocacy in healthcare can bridge this gap. 

Key Takeaways of Dr. Harris’s Interview on the All One Nurse podcast include,

  • Dispelling myths–what functional medicine is and isn’t.
  • Addressing  everyday stressors experienced as normalcy in black women. 
  • Gut health and the immune system, and why it matters. 
  • How nurses can support patients seeking alternative treatment options. 
  • The power of knowledge: why understanding your body is the first step toward healing. 
  • Functional medicine is a science-based approach that can complement traditional medical practices.

Final Thoughts

This conversation is a must-listen for nurses, students, and anyone passionate about comprehensive patient care. If you’ve ever wondered how functional medicine can shift the healthcare landscape, this episode is for you. 

🎙 Catch the full conversation here :

🟣On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-functional-medicine-supporting-black/id1755700754?i=1000710555302

🟢On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/66Uk93uNiPJdayWM3TriKJ?si=kmpmO95vSiiwfUrwQAWKIw

🔴On YouTube: https://youtu.be/uF-hJwrqXOY?si=Ek93TSnXRSLIKqF3

What’s your take on functional medicine in nursing? 

What has your experience been like with patients with autoimmune conditions?

Which of these barriers resonates with your experiences? Mistrust in healthcare among Black women, limited access to quality care, gaps in education, or cultural incompetence in medical practice?

Please leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Meet Dr. Phylicia Harris

Dr. Phylicia Harris, DNP, FNP-C, FMACP, is a doctorally-prepared Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with nearly 15 years of healthcare experience. She specializes in helping women struggling with debilitating autoimmune symptoms, guiding them toward relief through root-cause medicine. Her practice, Functionally Balanced Health, focuses on gut health, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions to restore well-being.

Dr. Harris’s mission is simple yet powerful: Autoimmune conditions don’t have to define your life. Through functional medicine, she empowers women to reclaim their health and vitality.

Connect with Dr. Harris

🌐 Website: Functionally Balanced Health 📍 Location: Virtually serving clients in the TN and FL area 📧 Email: info@functionallybalancedhealth.com 📱 Instagram: @functionallybalancedhealth 📘 Facebook: Functionally Balanced Health

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe to the All One Nurse to receive more blog content and updates regarding new podcast episodes, resources, and more! 

At All One Nurse, our mission extends beyond insightful conversations—we’re here to mentor, uplift, and empower nursing students and new nurses through faith-driven support practical guidance. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of clinical rotations, the nursing program, preparing for the NextGen NCLEX, or seeking career clarity, our mentorship programs and All One Nurse podcast offer a space to learn, grow, and connect.

“Bridging the gap between the stethoscope and the soul. Getting back to the human side of healthcare.”

All One Nurse

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Nursing with Heart: My LVAD Experience with Tiffany Cannon, RN

A Thriving Nurse and Patient

There are countless stories of inspiration, and this one has to be in the top 10 for sure! Tiffany Cannon is a Registered Nurse who also wears a Left Ventricular Assistive Device (LVAD). The LVAD is surgically implanted on the left side of her heart through her abdominal wall. It operates on a continuous power source: battery packs. How electrifying is that?!  

“Nursing With Heart: My LVAD Experience with Tiffany Cannon, RN”

Tiffany and her spouse, Xavier, with baby girl Cannon

Tiffany engages in a heartfelt conversation with All One Nurse podcast host, Shenell Thompkins. She shares her journey through heart failure during pregnancy and her experiences in nursing. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of heart health awareness, particularly among Black women. Exemplifying the impact of personal experiences on nursing practice and also, understanding that maternal mortality is 3 to 4 times higher in women of color than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Tiffany’s Journey Through Heart Failure

Tiffany’s story is one of resilience and faith. She faced the daunting challenge of heart failure during pregnancy, a condition that is often difficult to diagnose. During labor, Tiffany was found to have an Ejection Fraction of only 5%, whereas a normal EF is >60%. Her journey with peripartum cardiomyopathy is one of both spiritual and practical challenges. 

Peripartum cardiomyopathy, also known as postpartum peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), is an uncommon condition of heart failure with no other causes. It can happen during the last month of pregnancy, following delivery, or up to five months postpartum. For more in-depth information, including signs and symptoms, go to Peripartum Cardiomyopathy | American Heart Association. 

Tiffany’s experience with the LVAD highlights the importance of comprehensive heart health testing, including echocardiograms and stress tests. Tiffany emphasizes the need for awareness around heart health, especially for women, and encourages others to advocate for their health.

Tiffany and baby girl Cannon

The Power of Compassionate Care

Speaking of advocacy, Tiffany and Shenell discuss the significance of compassion, patient advocacy, and effective communication in healthcare. Tiffany’s experiences in nursing school, her transition to nephrology nursing, personal experience, and her patient interactions have shaped her approach to nursing. She believes compassionate care can significantly impact patient recovery and that understanding patient experiences enhances nursing care. Where Tiffany could have taken the road of disability, she returned to the nursing field to empower other nurses and patients. 

Key Takeaways of Tiffany’s Interview on the All One Nurse podcast include,

  • Black women face higher risks of cardiovascular complications.
  • Heart disease is a leading cause of death among women.
  • Living with an LVAD requires adjustments, but it does not mean the end of life as one knows it.
  • Nursing school can be challenging and requires dedication.
  • Personal experiences can shape nursing practices.
  • Patient advocacy is crucial in healthcare.
  • Compassionate care can significantly impact patient recovery.
  • Effective communication is essential for patient trust.
  • Understanding patient experiences enhances nursing care.
  • Comprehensive testing, including echocardiograms and stress tests, is crucial for heart health.
  • Ejection fraction is a key indicator of heart health, with normal levels above 60%.

In Conclusion 

Tiffany Cannon’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and compassionate care. Her story serves as an inspiration to nurses, healthcare professionals, and patients, reminding us of the importance of heart health awareness, patient advocacy, and so much more. As we continue to navigate the complexities of healthcare, let us remember the impact of personal stories in inspiring hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Tiffany’s desire to share her story to inspire and help both nurses and patients thrive and not just exist for the status quo is a grand gesture. 

Tiffany shares her more in-depth experience in her book A Journey through the Supernatural Healing, available on Amazon. To date, Tiffany has collaborated with Nurse.org on the Nurse Converse podcast (Listen here on Apple podcast) and the Rapid Response RN podcast (Listen here on Apple podcast) to provide inspiration and education to their huge audience of healthcare professionals. Each interview brings a new perspective and awareness.

Would you like to connect with Tiffany Cannon? 

~Kindly email Tiffany @ Tiffany.Cannonjourney@gmail.com 
~Follow Tiffany’s journey on Instagram @ Tiffany.cannon_journey

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe to the All One Nurse to receive more blog content and updates regarding new podcast episodes, resources, and more! 

Check out the All One Nurse podcast for more interviews and inspiration!

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You Better Get One! A Nursing Philosophy.

Do you have a nursing philosophy? 

“A nursing philosophy is a mission statement that outlines a nurse’s values, beliefs, personal and professional ethics as they relate to the nursing profession and their motivation for being a nurse”. -Indeed.com 

As a nurse educator, I developed a teaching philosophy. Check it out below and I encourage you to develop your own nursing philosophy to help motivate you on your nursing journey. Enjoy! 

My Nursing Philosophy

I am very passionate about the nursing profession and my role as a nurse. I desire to teach future nurses the same values, beliefs, and dedication I have toward the nursing profession. What I believe makes a great nurse educator is their qualities, teaching strategies, and recognition of challenges.

I believe a nurse educator’s character should possess an attitude of integrity, accountability, respect, commitment, caring, managing impulsivity, and listening with understanding and empathy. Doing so, demonstrates the respect for thyself, the profession of nursing, and the public.

I believe a nurse educator’s skills and competency are important, adding the ability to combine clinical expertise with a formal background in teaching for students to be successful. Nurse educators should aim to become certified to rid the question of competency, but display competency in their area of practice.

I believe that successful teaching consists of the ability to use a variety of teaching strategies that promote a learner-centered environment. I believe that students should understand that they are accountable for their learning which will affect the lives of others. I want to do so in a manner that is motivating and facilitates learning.  I believe that nurse educators must assess how students learn best and be adaptable, approachable, and responsive to students.

I believe that successful teaching consists of recognition of challenges. There are constant changes within the nursing profession and health care system. We must be aware of external issues like health care reform, changing demographics, technology, and the environment in which nurses’ practice. We must develop a curriculum that remains challenging while also providing opportunities for diverse students to participate in. 

References

What Is a Nursing Philosophy? (With Tips and Examples) | Indeed.com

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Isolated Patients and PPE! Do you really have time?

The answer is No. 

How many times do you just need to silence the beeping pump, or quickly get a blood pressure? Not including all the other “right quick” tasks that may be needed in that patient’s room throughout the day.  However, wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is not a suggestion. It is essential for healthcare workers to protect themselves, their colleagues, and other patients from exposure to transmittable diseases.

What is PPE?

There are many different types, including gloves, gowns, masks, face shields, eye wear, and other protective materials. The type of PPE that is required will vary depending on the type of procedure being performed and the risk of exposure to infectious pathogens, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. 

It is important to use PPE correctly (donning) and to dispose of it properly after use (doffing). Healthcare workers should also be trained on how to use PPE safely and effectively. Do not walk in the halls with PPE on. Even if it is clean, it gives off the perception that it might not be. My most experienced nurses know to “cluster” their care in isolated rooms, but it’s the getting stuck in our ways that is not always the best way and can cause the most harm.

Here’s the bottom line, PPE:

  • Protects you from exposure to blood-borne pathogens, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials.
  • Protects patients from becoming infected by healthcare workers (Immunosuppressed Patients).
  • Helps to prevent the spread of infection, reducing healthcare cost, and improving patient safety.

It is important to note that just like birth control, PPE is not 100% effective in preventing exposure to infectious diseases. However, it is an important part of infection control and can help to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission of diseases.

For more information on PPE, please visit the cdc.gov website.  

Transmission-Based Precautions | Basics | Infection Control | CDC”

Isolation Precautions | Guidelines Library | Infection Control | CDC