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.
Am I Ready to Take My NP Board Exam?
One of the biggest questions we get around here is “When do I know I’m ready to test?” It’s such a daunting question! You’ve put in so much work already: went through years of NP school, completed hundreds of hours of clinical, took countless exams, and then graduated. But there is still one more test
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Happiest Nurse Practitioner Specialties for Flexibility, Work-Life Balance, & Satisfaction
We talk a lot about the highest-paying NP specialties, and for good reason because compensation matters! But salary alone doesn’t pay for peace of mind, a manageable schedule, or the kind of work that still makes you feel like yourself after a long day. So let’s talk about the specialties that tend to produce the
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The Most Essential Nurse Practitioner Skills: Advice from a Real-Deal NP
“Nurse practitioner skills” is one of the most searched terms for anyone exploring the NP path. And for good reason. While people have a pretty good grasp of what RNs do (starting IVs, administering medications, caring for patients at the bedside, etc.), the nurse practitioner role is still a bit of a mystery for many.
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Ep #166: Diabetes Review for NP Boards: What to Focus On
Hear a focused diabetes review for NP boards that breaks down the key concepts and medications most likely to appear on exams.
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Ep #165: COPD Review: What You Need to Know for Boards
Learn the essentials in this COPD review, including diagnosis, GOLD guidelines, and treatment strategies you need to know for boards.
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CRNA vs NP: What’s the Difference and Which Path Is Right for You?
There’s a good chance you’ve Googled certified nurse anesthetist vs nurse practitioner (or CRNA vs NP) if you’re dreaming about becoming an advanced practice nurse, but aren’t sure what your future would look like. If you’re wondering which path is right for you, it’s important to understand that both paths are incredible and represent the
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CNS vs NP: Which Path Is Right for You?
If you’re an RN looking to level up your career through advanced practice, you might have found yourself googling “CNS vs. NP” at some point. It’s a really common question we hear from nurses considering graduate school! Both the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and the Nurse Practitioner (NP) are types of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
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Can You Ace Our 9 Most Commonly-Missed NP Practice Questions?
Hey NP students! 👋 Looking for some FREE ANCC/AANP practice questions? Take this 9-question quiz with the most commonly-missed NP practice questions from our SMNP Primary Care Qbank! Let’s get started 💪 Our Most Commonly-Missed ANCC/AANP Practice Questions (With Detailed Explanations) Looking for the correct answers to the quiz you just finished? Look no further!
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How to Ask for a Letter of Rec for NP School (Without the Awkwardness!)
One of the most common questions we hear from aspiring NP students is: “How do I ask for a letter of recommendation without it feeling awkward?” Whether you’re a bedside RN with years of experience or a newer nurse making the leap into advanced practice, asking someone to vouch for you on paper can feel
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Ep #164: Alternative Antibiotics for NP Boards: Rapid-Fire Pharmacology Review
Learn how to choose alternative antibiotics for NP boards with a rapid-fire pharmacology review of common clinical scenarios.
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Can Nurse Practitioners Switch Specialties?
Have you been grinding away in your current NP role, but something feels… off? Maybe you love being an NP, but the specialty you’re in just isn’t doing it for you anymore. Or maybe you stumbled onto a job posting in a completely different NP area and thought, “That sounds really interesting!” The good news
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Ep #163: AANP vs ANCC: An Updated Guide to Choosing Your NP Certification Exam
Learn the key differences between AANP vs ANCC and how to choose the right NP certification exam with confidence.
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How I Passed the AANP & ANCC on the First Attempt: A SMNP Reviews Success Story
Preparing for NP boards can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re completing your program, studying for two different exams, and trying to figure out which resources you can actually trust. Hear from Alma, a new real-deal FNP, share her full journey of how SMNP Reviews gave her the structure, clarity, and confidence she needed—not just to
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How to Write an NP Cover Letter For Your Next Job (+ Examples!)
While you’ll find plenty of nurse practitioner cover letter examples online, many you’ll find are out-of-date and don’t provide specific information about what to include. This leaves many NP job applicants like you wondering what to include in their letter, and who they can turn to for sound advice. If you’re looking for better guidance,
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Ep #162: How to Pass Your 3P Exam
Learn how to pass your 3P exam the first time with simple strategies, key study tips, and a clear understanding of what the 3P exam tests.
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NP vs. Doctor: What’s the Difference & Which Is Right for You?
If you’re considering a career in healthcare, you might be overwhelmed by all the possibilities. Especially if you’re not sure what the difference between a nurse practitioner (NP) vs doctor to begin with! If you’re not certain what the distinction is between the two professions, you’re not alone. It’s easy to miss if you’re not
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