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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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How Much is NP School (& How Do I Pay for It)?

Making the decision to go back to school to earn your degree as a nurse practitioner is a great first step on your NP journey! So now that you’ve made that decision and are super excited to get started, what are the other things to consider? One of the biggest questions you may have right

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Why Did You Become a Nurse Practitioner? We Asked the SMNP Reviews Team 💜

So…why did you become a nurse practitioner? With Nurse Practitioner Week coming up (November 9–15, 2025), we thought it was the perfect time to ask our own team that question! What’s cool about our team (and the NP profession as a whole!) is that everyone came to this practice from a different path. For example,

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Ep #151: Creating a Study Plan That Works for You: NP Board Exam Prep with Kaitlyn D

Learn how to create a effective study plan for your nurse practitioner board exam that fits your life, reduces stress, and builds confidence.

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The Art of Saying No: Setting Clinical Boundaries with Compassion

As a new nurse practitioner (or even a seasoned one!) you may have a hard time saying “no” to patients. As nurses, it’s in our nature to want to make our patients happy and healthy, but sometimes that means we need to tell them what they don’t want to hear. Saying no to patients can

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Ep #150: Maintain Healthy Boundaries with Patients, Employers, and Preceptors

Learn why setting boundaries is essential for nurse practitioners and how to maintain them with patients, employers, and preceptors.

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New ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines for 2025: What to Know for Nurse Practitioners

You may have already heard the news: the updated hypertension guidelines for 2025 have just been released from the ACC/AHA! So, what changed and what does this mean for your NP board exam? Get all the answers from Caroline Grantham, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC in this new video on the SMNP Reviews YouTube channel! We’ll walk

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Ep #149: Zebra Questions: Exam Strategies for the Unexpected with Kaitlyn D

Learn how to tackle unfamiliar “zebra questions” on your nurse practitioner board exam with calm, strategy, and smart elimination techniques.

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Meet the New SMNP Reviews Instagram, Your NP Board Prep Hub!

Big news is coming your way, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you! 🎉 We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Instagram page, completely dedicated to NP board prep, with everything you need to succeed on your nurse practitioner journey. Say hello to your new study companion at @SMNPreviewsofficial!

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Ep #148: NP Board Exam Strategies: Absolutes and Opposites with Kaitlyn D

Learn about absolutes and opposites with Kaitlyn D to so you can pass your nurse practitioner board exam effectively.

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NP School Applications 101: How to Prepare & When to Apply

So, are you thinking of applying for an NP program, but not quite sure what that process is? Let us help guide the way! In this post, we’ll go over when to start applying, how to make sure your application stands out, and prepare for an admissions interview to help seal the deal. 💌 When

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NP Board Prep: Pediatric Asthma Treatment Guidelines

Are you looking for a good review of pediatric asthma treatment guidelines? Then be sure to watch this video by Ashton Glover, DNP, FNP-C, ENP-C, in which she reviews how to treat pediatric asthma in children ages 6-11. It gives you a great overview of the treatment guidelines for kids that age! Here’s a quick

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Ep #147: Dissecting Practice Questions: How to Read the Lead-In with Kaitlyn D

Learn how to dissect practice questions and identify key lead-in phrases to boost your success as a nurse practitioner on the board exam.

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Brain Fuel for NP School: Best Foods & Drinks for Brain Health

News flash: your brain isn’t a vending machine that runs on vibes and espresso alone! When you’re prepping for NP boards, fueling it with the right nutrients is as crucial as your study plan. Below you’ll find the best brain foods and drinks, science-backed nutrients to prioritize, quick meal-prep ideas, and a sample day of

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Ep #146: Your NP Board Prep Hub: Resources and Our New Instagram with Courtney

Join me and nurse practitioner Courtney as we share how SMNP Reviews got started and our brand-new Instagram page @smnpreviewsofficial.

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Understanding Basic COPD Treatment Guidelines in 2025

Are you a student or practicing NP looking to brush up on basic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment guidelines? Then be sure to check out this video by Paige Sensoy, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC! We’ll review the key aspects of the COPD treatment guidelines for 2025, which you can use in your daily practice or

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Analyzing Your AANP or ANCC Score Report After a Failed Exam

At SMNP Reviews, we don’t like to talk about failing the NP board certification exam, but sometimes it happens! There are a few reasons: test anxiety, didn’t complete enough NP practice questions, or didn’t have a good grasp on knowledge in certain content areas. Whatever the reason, let this post help get you back into

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