In the third and final episode of a podcast series on medical misinformation, nurse practitioners (NPs) Drs. Ruth Carrico and Paula Tucker delve into actionable strategies for building patient trust and addressing misinformation in health care. They emphasize communication frameworks like the 3 Es (Engage, Empathize, Educate), the 5 As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange), motivational interviewing and shared decision-making. These approaches are designed to shift conversations from correction to connection, promoting understanding, empathy and collaboration between providers and patients. Both hosts stress the importance of humility, patient-centered care and adapting communication strategies to different health care settings. Ultimately, they call on nurse practitioners to incorporate these techniques to foster trust and informed choices in an era dominated by misinformation.

Tool link: MedMyths_3.pdf

In this episode of NP Pulse, nurse practitioners Jessica Crimaldi and Christina Hanson explore the evolving landscape of ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting over a million Americans. With decades of GI experience, Jessica and Christina break down the burden of UC on patients' physical and psychosocial well-being, review distinguishing features from Crohn's disease, and examine the increasing prevalence tied to lifestyle and environmental factors. This important conversation dives into the era of precision medicine, highlighting a new generation of targeted therapies, updated clinical guidelines, and best practices for early diagnosis, management, and shared decision-making. From understanding disease severity and medication classes to addressing extraintestinal manifestations, cancer screening, and vaccination recommendations, this episode is a must-listen for NPs striving to provide optimal, up-to-date care for patients with ulcerative colitis.

On this compelling episode of NP Pulse: The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, Dr. Jessica Peck, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP, FAAN, and guest Dr. Ashley Hodges, PhD, CRNP, WHNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, dive deep into the adolescent mental health crisis, shedding light on the alarming trends affecting today’s youth. From the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the pressure of growing up in a hyper-connected digital world, this discussion explores critical risk factors, early warning signs and practical strategies for nurse practitioners (NPs) and families alike.

This episode also emphasizes the importance of upstream prevention, holistic care, reducing stigma and integrating mental health support into primary care. Drawing from decades of clinical experience, Jessica and Ashley offer compassionate, expert insight on how to recognize and respond to adolescent mental health challenges, while highlighting resources, screenings and training opportunities for NPs committed to making a difference.