125. Neurodivergence: An Autistic NP's Lived Experience

Recorded live at the 2024 AANP National Conference, this episode of NP Pulse features a conversation with North Carolina-based nurse practitioner (NP), Meriah Ward, DNP, FNP-BC. Ward was diagnosed with autism in their thirties, and they are now sharing what they’ve learned as both a patient and provider to help inform other NPs as to how they can best treat individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

More than 19 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Yet, due to the underdiagnosis and underreporting of symptoms which should be red-flag indicators of risk and the need for further investigation by health care providers, the prevalence of COPD is known to be much higher. Nurse practitioners (NPs) must be familiar with recent changes in diagnostic and treatment guidelines to impact the high burden of COPD and the significant amount of preventable complications which contribute to more than one-half million hospitalizations, 1.3 million emergency department visits and over 49.9 billion in annual health care costs in the U.S.. This accredited podcast and accompanying clinical resource tool is intended to help NPs: Recognize the diagnosis, assessment and treatment recommendations as delineated in the latest COPD guidelines, including the major changes introduced in the 2024 GOLD report. Differentiate the different treatment modalities for COPD and know when to use each treatment depending on patient group. Compare the emerging treatment modalities currently under investigation for the management of COPD. A participation code will be given at the END of the podcast - make sure to write this code down. Once you've listened to the podcast and have the participation code, return to this activity in the CE Center. Click on the "Next Steps" button of the activity and Enter the participation code that was provided Complete the post-test Complete the activity evaluation. This will award your CE credit and certificate of completion.1.0 CE, 0.5 RX, through 9/3/25.  Click here to register for this activity.  This program is supported in part by an independent medical educational grant from Mylan Specialty L.P., a Viatris Company.

Don’t miss the Signs: Early Recognition and Management of Tardive Dyskinesia In this episode, Amber Hoberg and Dr. Jennifer Sampang bring us an engaging discussion on the complexities of tardive dyskinesia, the significance of early detection and treatment, and the considerable burden it has on patients. As they unwind the mysteries of TD, we get a better understanding of the importance of being vigilant and proactive in detecting it and keeping our patients informed and involved in their treatment plans. Together, through early recognition, informed discussions, and shared decision-making, we can mitigate the impact of TD and improve the lives of those affected. Additionally, a Tardive Dyskinesia Point-of-Care tool will be available on AANP’s Tools and Resources page. To earn 1.0 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credit, you will need the participation code provided at the end of the podcast. To claim your CE credit, log in and register for the activity within the AANP CE Center log in and register for the activity within the AANP CE Center, then enter the participation code and complete the posttest and evaluation. CE credit is available for this podcast through August 2025. This educational activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

NP Pulse returns this week with guest Alexander Wrynn, whose presentation at the 2024 AANP National Conference was entitled “Don’t be Rash: Mastering Penicillin Allergies.” With host Sophia Thomas, Wrynn discusses classifying and managing penicillin allergies, and walks us through what he has learned in his practice about self-reported allergies to this antibiotic.  

Mississippi-based nurse practitioner (NP) Shonda Phelon first encountered the term "Sunday Scaries" from her daughter, who expressed a dread at the weekend ending and the the approaching workweek. Phelon, an expert on anxiety, further explores and discusses how older millennials and Generation Z experience anxiety differently than other generations, and details several ways anxiety can be screened, understood and managed.

Returning guest Vanessa Pomarico-Denino joins host Sophia Thomas to discuss tick-borne illnesses on this episode of NP Pulse, recorded live at the 2024 AANP National Conference. As to why she’s brining awareness to the topic of tick-borne diseases, Pomarico-Denino says: “When you become a consumer of an infection, you then become an expert.” Pomarico-Denino was hospitalized for 28 days with a tick infection and is now committed to sharing what all of us need to know about ticks, and the illnesses — which include but are not limited to Lyme disease — that these tiny parasites spread. She also explores some of the symptoms of tick-borne disease, like body aches, nausea and malaise, and shares tips on repelling and even removing ticks that have found their way into the skin. 

On this episode of NP Pulse, Sophia talks with Dr. John Russell, who has dedicated his career to helping advance the NP role by offering a variety of skill-enhancing courses through his company Skills on Point. One of the exciting courses offered by Russell’s company is the upcoming Hospital and Emergency Procedure Course taking place on Sept. 18 in Reno, Nevada — one day before the official start of the 2024 AANP Fall Conference. The course includes training for the inpatient, emergency and transport settings, and could be a game changer for the NP looking to advance their career. Life learners with all experience levels will appreciate John's hands-on approach to learning — and the excellent value presented in this all-day, immersive course.

Hepatitis A and B combined cause chronic disease leading to the deaths of more than 1.3 million people across the globe. Despite widely available and effective vaccines, the vaccine rates for eligible adults are insufficient to achieve the U.S. goal of reducing new infections by 2030. In this edition of NP Pulse, nurse practitioners (NPs) Audrey Stevenson and Jessica Crimaldi review adult and child vaccination programs, the eligibility status of adults, which populations are most at risk for infection, the NP’s role in promoting vaccines and solutions for vaccines during outbreaks. Finally, NPs will be called upon as vaccine champions in their communities. *This is an accredited podcast* Learners desiring CE credit should listen for the participation code at the end of this podcast. In order to access this course, please visit the AANP CE Center. Additional materials (Provider tool and Patient tool) may be found at: NP Tool Patient Tool   Funder statement: This educational activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from GSK.    

On this episode of NP Pulse: The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, Drs. Mary Koslap-Petraco and Ruth Carrico will discuss meningococcal disease, the maze of meningococcal vaccines, ACIP recommendations and the use of shared clinical decision-making. Meningococcal disease — a life-threatening infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis — demands our attention. It strikes swiftly, leaving devastation in its wake. Still, we have powerful tools at our disposal: MenACWY and MenB vaccines, and a new, game-changing pentavalent vaccine that covers serogroups A, B, C, W and Y. Additionally, a meningitis point-of-care tool will be available on AANP’s Tools and Resources page. To earn 1.0 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credit, you will need the participation code provided at the end of the podcast. To claim your CE credit, log in and register for the activity within the AANP CE Center, then enter the participation code and complete the post-test and evaluation. CE credit is available for this podcast through June 2025. This educational activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from GSK.

Earlier this year, AANP announced the opening of international memberships — the culmination of years of work to extend the benefits of our membership to NPs and APNs living outside of the U.S. To speak with us today about the creation of international memberships, the benefits of joining AANP as an international member and some of the goals of the international membership program is Liz Messner, Vice President of Membership at AANP.