161. Starting the Conversation on Cognitive Health

Cognitive health is the topic of the day on NP Pulse: The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, and joining the podcast is returning guest Shonda Phelon — an academic, nurse practitioner and expert in mental health. Phelon talks about opening the conversation around cognition decline early; the importance of encouraging active brains and bodies; and walks us through the latest updates in testing and cognitive assessment. This podcast is made possible by Eli Lilly & Co.

In August, organizations including the American Heart Association and AANP worked to update the guidelines for the prevention, detection, evaluation and management of high blood pressure in adults. This is the first update on these guidelines since 2017 and will change the way health care providers approach hypertension. To walk us through what has changed are NPs Leslie Davis and Margaret “Midge” Bowers, AANP Fellows who helped draft and publish these important updates. 

Cardiovascular expert Colleen Walsh-Irwin returns to NP Pulse for an in-depth look at hyperlipidemia and the importance of controlling LDL-C levels. Walsh-Irwin also walks us through lipid panels, risk scoring and the many tools NPs have at their disposal to keep patients healthy and informed.  This podcast is made possible by Amgen.

AANP President Dr. Valerie Fuller returns to NP Pulse to speak about the challenges that both misinformation and disinformation pose to health care professionals. Valerie explores what these terms mean, and how NPs can combat both mis- and disinformation in their practice and online.

Youth suicide has become a national crisis, with devastating impacts on families, communities and health care systems. As one of the leading causes of death among adolescents, suicide presents a critical challenge for health care providers. In this third episode of the AANP Adolescent Podcast Series, hosts Dr. Jessica Peck and Ashley Hodges explore the growing prevalence of youth suicide, associated risk factors, warning signs and the essential role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in early identification, intervention and prevention. Through clinical insight, real-world experiences and practical tools, providers are equipped to navigate these complex conversations, reduce stigma and connect at-risk youth with life-saving care.--- Key Points: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10–24. Risk factors include previous suicide attempts, affective disorders (especially major depressive disorder), substance abuse, bullying, access to lethal means and social isolation. Girls attempt suicide more often, but boys typically use more lethal methods (such as firearms). Situational triggers, such as online sextortion or bullying, can prompt impulsive suicide attempts with little warning. Warning signs include changes in sleep, appetite, hygiene, mood, social withdrawal, giving away possessions and expressions of hopelessness. Non-suicidal self-injury (e.g., cutting, burning) is a strong predictor of future suicide attempts. Evidence-based screening tools include the ASQ (Ask Suicide-Screening Questions), PHQ-9A, Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale and the Patient Safety Screener. Creating a safety plan and restricting access to lethal means (e.g., firearms, medications) is essential in prevention. Encouraging emotional literacy and normalizing mental health discussions with teens can foster resilience and trust. Connection, validation and early intervention save lives — NPs play a pivotal role in detection and support. Call to Action for providers and families: Don’t ignore warning signs. It’s okay to ask directly about suicide. Connection is a powerful protective factor. Invite listeners to share this episode and use their voice for suicide prevention. Encourage listeners to check out the episode notes for resources and links. National Resources: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 Megan Meier Foundation: https://www.meganmeierfoundation.org/ To claim 1.0 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credit for this program, log in to the CE Center, search for this program by name and complete the post-test and evaluation by entering the participation code that is given after listening to the podcast.

On this accredited episode of NP Pulse: The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®️, join representatives from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as they provide an overview of the Open Payments program — a national initiative that promotes transparency in health care by tracking payments from drug and medical device companies to certain health care providers. Since Jan. 1, 2021, nurse practitioners have been included as covered recipients. In this session, you’ll learn how the program works, explore key data insights and understand your role and responsibilities. A participation code will be provided at the END of the podcast — make sure to write this code down. Once you have listened to the podcast and have the participation code, return to this activity in the AANP 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 will be available through Aug. 31, 2026.

Kathleen Jordan is a dual-certified nurse practitioner and an expert in emergency medicine and pediatrics. Jordan walks us through how she approaches challenging cases in pediatrics, and how nurse practitioners can use their training and experience to best diagnose and treat young patients who cannot advocate for themselves.   [Disclaimer: This podcast includes discussions of sensitive topics, including child abuse.]

Meet AANP President Valerie J. Fuller At the closing General Session at the 2025 AANP National Conference, Stephen Ferrara ceremoniously passed the gavel to incoming AANP President Valerie Fuller. At the national conference, Fuller also took time to speak with NP Pulse about her professional career so far, the challenges she expects to face as president and her thoughts on why every NP should take advantage of an AANP membership.

Speaking about sleep and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, Stephanie Hosley is a nurse practitioner based in Ohio specializing in treating children with neurodevelopmental and sleep disorders. Hosley joins NP Pulse to talk about the different types of disorders she sees in her practice, including how to first recognize issues early in a child’s life using evidence-based screening. She also emphasizes the importance of listening — especially to parents and families expressing their concerns to clinicians.

On this accredited episode of NP Pulse: The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®️, join expert nurse practitioners (NPs) Jessica Glennie and Corinne Young for an insightful discussion on fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) — a complex and often underrecognized condition. Learn how to identify early signs, navigate the diagnostic pathway and support patients with emerging therapies and holistic care strategies. This essential program equips NPs with the tools to improve outcomes for patients living with ILD. A participation code will be provided at the end of the podcast — make sure to write this code down. Once you have listened to the podcast and have the participation code, return to this activity in the AANP CE Center. Click on the "Next Steps" button of the activity and: Enter the participation code that was provided. Complete the posttest. Complete the activity evaluation. This will award your continuing education (CE) credit and certificate of completion. 1.2 CE, 0.4 RX, will be available through June 30, 2026. This activity is supported by an independent medical educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.