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Sarah Michelle NP Reviews (SMNP)
Nurse Practitioner Blog

At SMNP Reviews, we believe in empowering our NP community with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful, confident nurse practitioners. That’s why we’ve created this blog to provide you with all the resources you need to stay up to date with the latest and greatest information to help you excel in your career. Our goal is to make your lives easier by creating a hub where you can find, explore, and delve into the plethora of resources we offer.

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ANCC vs AANP: Which NP Certification Exam Should You Take?

One of the topics we hear students talking about is deciding which certification exam to take: either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam. But what are the actual differences between the ANCC vs AANP? And what do you need to know so you can make

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Telehealth NP Jobs: Tips to Get Hired & Succeed!

Are you thinking of exploring telehealth opportunities as a real deal NP? Intrigued by the possibility of a flexible schedule? Do you have questions on what resources and technology you’ll need to be a telehealth clinician? Then this post is for you, and there’s so much to talk about! We’re going to get into what

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Ep #135: The Importance of Personal Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

I break down the different types of malpractice insurance policies, explain key legal terminology, and share insights on how much coverage you really need.

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Beyond the Bedside: Non-Clinical NP Jobs

When you imagine working as a nurse practitioner, what do you envision? Do you picture yourself at the bedside caring for patients and doing advanced procedures? Do you see yourself working in a primary care clinic seeing patients in pre-filled appointment slots? Well, I’m here to let you know that you have so many more

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How to Navigate Grief and Loss as an NP

While being a nurse practitioner is overwhelmingly positive, there are still hard days at work. Being a part of nursing and healthcare, it’s likely that at some point you’ll encounter the loss of a patient or be involved in other upsetting or distressing events. How do you handle decompressing after a bad day? As an

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Ep #134: Essential Skills and Resources for Success in a Specialty NP Role with Courtney H

Hear Courtney's insights on the essential skills for success in a specialty setting, and her advice for new NPs.

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A Day in the Life of a Long-Term Care Nurse Practitioner

If you work in healthcare, you’re likely aware that older adults are the fastest-growing segment of our population. The “baby boomers” are reaching retirement age, plus people are living longer with more chronic conditions due to advances in medical care and technology. This means we need more qualified and committed providers prepared to care for

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A Day in the Life of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Are you passionate about helping others and looking to increase access to mental health services in your community? If so, you may find a career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) rewarding! To give you a sense of what the role is like, I’ll provide insight into my journey to becoming a PMHNP,

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Ep #133: Navigating the Challenges of Working in a Retail Clinic as a New NP with Kaitlyn D

Discover the ins and outs of working in a retail health clinic, including the most common conditions treated, the benefits and challenges of this setting, and Kaitlyn's top tips for success as a new NP.

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How to Find the Best PMHNP Review Course For You

If you’re here, you’re probably on the brink of an incredible milestone—achieving your dream of becoming a certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)! This journey is about building confidence, mastering the material, and stepping into your career prepared and empowered. Choosing the right PMHNP review course is a big deal. It’s not just about passing

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A Day in the Life of a Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner

I’ve been a family nurse practitioner (FNP) for almost 10 years. In that time, I’ve worked in family medicine, long-term care, and (currently) pediatric primary care. The FNP specialization is so versatile and I love all of the opportunities it provides! In this post, I’ll walk you through what it’s like to work in a

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Ep #132: Essential Tips for Thriving in Your NP Clinical Rotations

We share our top tips for boosting your confidence in clinical rotations and beyond. Whether you're a student just starting out or a new grad finding your footing, these strategies will help you feel more self-assured and capable in your role.

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DEI in Healthcare: 5 FAQs for Nurse Practitioners

You’ve probably heard a lot of talk about DEI in healthcare (otherwise known as diversity, equity, and inclusion). But what does that mean, and why is it important? At SMNP Reviews and Blueprint Test Prep, we believe in the power of DEI initiatives and hopefully that reflects in our NP board prep courses and Qbanks.

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How to Apply for the AANP and ANCC Exams: A Step-by-Step Guide for NPs

Are you preparing to graduate from your nurse practitioner program? Do you have questions on how to apply to take your certification exam through the AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) or the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center)? If so, you’re in the right place! At SMNP Reviews, we’re all about helping you become a

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Ep #131: MSN vs DNP for Family Nurse Practitioners: Which Path Is Right for You?

In this episode, we'll focus specifically on Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) and compare the MSN and DNP educational paths. I break down what each degree entails, how they impact your scope of practice, and the different career opportunities available with each.

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4 Common Communication Challenges for New NPs

There are so many facets to nurse practitioner practice beyond the knowledge to diagnose and manage patient conditions. A large part of NP practice is communication, especially with patients! You’ll be a patient advocate and educator, but it’s not always easy to communicate with confidence, and you might not feel comfortable or prepared to deliver difficult

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