SMNP Reviews is now powered by Blueprint Test Prep! Learn More

Sarah Michelle NP Reviews Logo

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.

blog image 1
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.

READ MORE
blog image 1
Introducing SMNP Reviews Timed Study Playlists for Your NP Board Prep

Do you find yourself putting on background music while studying to help you focus? Well, there’s actually science to back it up! Instrumental music can do more than just fill the silence—it can help you absorb and interpret new information, boost your mood, and keep motivation alive on the days when studying feels like…a lot.

READ MORE
blog image 1
Ep #161: Cytochrome P450 System: What You Need to Know

Learn how the cytochrome P450 system works and why it is a pharmacology concept nurse practitioners need to know.

READ MORE
blog image 1
How to Prepare for Your 3P Exam During NP School

If you’re an NP student, chances are that you’ve heard the term “3P exam” before. And if you’re not totally sure what it is or why it matters, don’t worry — you’ve come to the right place!  In this post, we’re going to break down exactly what the 3P exam is, what topics you need

READ MORE
blog image 1
All About Part-Time Nurse Practitioner Jobs

If you’ve been wondering about whether part-time nurse practitioner jobs are actually achievable (or if they’re just a unicorn fantasy), we’re here to tell you: they’re very real, and there are more options than you might think!  Whether you’re looking to scale back from a demanding full-time schedule, add a little extra income on the

READ MORE
blog image 1
Ep #160: Alpha & Beta Adrenergic Receptors Explained: NP Pharmacology Review

Learn how alpha and beta adrenergic receptors work and how to apply them to pharmacology questions on your exams.

READ MORE
blog image 1
Should You Use AI to Study for NP Boards?

If you’re studying for NP boards right now, you’ve probably typed something into an AI tool at least once. Maybe you asked it to explain heart failure in simple terms…or even asked it to write practice questions. You’re not alone! Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and it’s natural to wonder whether it should be part of

READ MORE
blog image 1
How Hard is NP School?

If you’re considering becoming a nurse practitioner, you’ve probably asked yourself a very honest question: Is NP school hard? Can I do it? The short answer is: yes. But, NP school is hard in the way that meaningful growth is hard! It’s demanding, time-consuming, and, at times, overwhelming. But it’s also manageable when you understand

READ MORE
blog image 1
Ep #159: First Year as an NP: Transitioning from Student to Practitioner

Hear what to expect during your first year as an NP, including mindset shifts, orientation tips, and how to build confidence while transitioning from student to provider.

READ MORE
blog image 1
The Live Study Group Just Got a Major Glow-Up (Say Hello to the Flex Upgrade!)

If you’re prepping for your NP boards while working, juggling clinicals, running a household, staying caffeinated, and trying to remember the last time you slept eight hours…hi, welcome. You’re our people! We’ve been working on something BIG that’s going to make your NP board prep even easier to fit into real life. Introducing the Flex

READ MORE
blog image 1
The FNP Pass Rate Is Rebounding. Here’s What This Means for First-Time Test Takers in 2026

If you’re preparing for the FNP certification exam, chances are you’ve come across at least one alarming headline, forum post, or group chat message about the FNP pass rate. Maybe you’ve heard that the exam has gotten more difficult. Maybe someone mentioned the drop in pass rates a few years ago. Maybe you’ve caught yourself

READ MORE
blog image 1
Ep #158: What I Wish I Knew: Lessons from Experienced NPs

Hear lessons learned from experienced NPs, from boards to boundaries and burnout.

READ MORE
blog image 1
What Are the Highest-Paying NP Specialties?

One of the most common questions asked by NP students and early-career nurse practitioners is “What are the highest-paying NP specialties?” Compensation absolutely matters, but higher salaries do come with trade-offs. Higher acuity patients, demanding schedules, emotional strain, and long-term burnout risk often explain why certain NP roles pay more. Below is a realistic breakdown

READ MORE
blog image 1
NP Resume Examples: From New Grad to Experienced NP

If you’re in the NP job market right now, you may be wondering what you need to type at that blinking cursor to convince employers you are the person they should hire. To give you a leg up on the competition, we’re going to share some NP resume examples with key criteria to include depending

READ MORE
blog image 1
Ep #157: The Primary Care Screening Guidelines You Must Know to Pass Your NP Boards

Get a clear overview of the primary care screening guidelines you must know to pass your nurse practitioner boards.

READ MORE
blog image 1
All About Incident To Billing Guidelines for Nurse Practitioners (2026 Update)

Billing and coding is essential to getting paid for the care you provide, but it can also be a confusing and tedious process—especially for new NPs! In particular, incident to billing can seem a little puzzling. And while the core rules haven’t changed much, CMS has issued important clarifications and updates to the incident to

READ MORE