NPower Healthcare: APRNs & APPs Improving Access to Quality Healthcare

When Insurance Cuts Care: Homebound Patients at Risk After Humana Contract Cancellation

Host Deb Tedesco talks with nurse practitioner Logan Andrews about Humana’s abrupt, without‑cause termination of his practice’s contract and the real harm it threatens to homebound, rural, and veteran patients across 21 Florida counties.The episode explores Andrews Healthcare Consulting’s mission delivering primary and psychiatric home‑based care, the shock of the contract loss, the patient stories at stake, and practical steps patients, policymakers, and providers can take to protect access to essential services.

Terminated Without Cause: A Nurse Practitioner's Fight for Children

Deb Tedesco interviews Elizabeth Barger, owner of Happy Camper Pediatrics, about the sudden, repeated termination of her Medicaid contracts and the threat this poses to children with complex medical needs in rural Florida.
They discuss contract cancellations without cause, ghost networks, families forced to travel far for care, and Elizabeth's advocacy calling on policymakers and the community to protect access and continuity for vulnerable children.

Unveiling the Power of Nurse Practitioners: Leadership at the Forefront

Welcome to the NPower Healthcare Podcast, where we delve into the evolving roles of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in the healthcare system. In this engaging episode, host Deb Tedesco speaks with Dr. Arlene Wright, a seasoned APP Director, who shares her insights and experiences gained over four decades in the healthcare field.
Explore how NPs and APPs are making significant strides in healthcare leadership, breaking away from traditional roles and providing comprehensive care across various specialties. Dr. Wright sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of integrating APPs into leadership positions, the impact on patient care, and the ongoing journey towards redefining healthcare dynamics.
Discover the importance of collaboration, education, and support in empowering APPs, and how their contributions are enhancing patient outcomes and streamlining healthcare operations. Tune in to understand the vital role these professionals play in transforming healthcare delivery and paving the way for future leaders.

Hope & Joy in Palliative Care: A Conversation with Dr. Lolita Melhado, Nurse Practitioner

Host Deb Tedesco interviews Dr. Lolita Melhado about her journey into palliative care, her book "Hope and Joy, A Bridge Across the Divide," and her work advancing palliative care through education, workforce development, and community programs.
They discuss the role of telehealth and technology, a major HRSA grant supporting diverse nurse practitioner students, and the importance of health equity, compassionate communication, and integrating palliative care into primary care to improve quality of life for people with serious illness.

Leading the Charge: From Clinical Excellence to Policy Change in NP Practice

Welcome to NPower Healthcare, where we shine a light on the innovative work of nurse practitioners. In today's episode, hosted by Deb Tedesco, we delve into the world of connection and advocacy with Dr. Natalie Merino, an acute care nurse practitioner and dynamic leader in Florida's healthcare community.
Join us as Dr. Merino shares her journey of transforming the Florida Nurse Practitioners Facebook group into a thriving online community that empowers thousands of NPs. Learn about her role in professional organizations, her passion for political engagement, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of nurse practitioners.

Revamping Pediatric Care: An Inside Look at NP Dr. Joonie's ExaminaVan

In this episode of NPower Healthcare, join host Deb Tedesco as she chats with Dr. June Bryant, a nurse practitioner affectionately known to her patients as Dr. Joonie. Discover how June transitioned from a cattle ranch upbringing to pioneering mobile pediatric care with her innovative ExaminaVan, a mobile clinic dedicated to providing accessible healthcare to underserved families.
Learn about the significant impact her mobile service has in delivering high-quality medical attention directly to those in need, circumventing traditional healthcare barriers. June shares personal stories about her drive to enhance pediatric care, offering a compassionate approach that feels like home.
Delve into her role as an educator and advocate for aspiring nurse practitioners, encouraging them to imagine healthcare beyond traditional settings and inspiring the next wave of community-focused care providers. Don't miss this episode filled with innovation and hope for the future of pediatric healthcare.

Bridging Borders in Healthcare: A Conversation with Dr. Edward Briggs

Join NPower Healthcare host Deb Tedesco as she engages in discussion with Dr. Edward Briggs, a family nurse practitioner and educator, whose work spans emergency medicine, nuclear medicine, and nursing leadership. Discover how Ed's unique career journey informs his approach to patient care, policy advocacy, and global service.
Ed shares his experiences working with complex medical cases in nuclear medicine and interventional radiology, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practice and systems thinking. He also discusses his leadership roles within the American Nurses Association and the Florida Nurses Association, highlighting the significance of mentorship, coalition building, and policy influence for nurses.
Explore the challenges and opportunities in advancing nurse practitioners' autonomy, particularly in Florida, and learn about Ed's efforts to empower nurses through tools like aprnadvocacy.com. Gain insights into his global mission work in Belize, advocating for equitable healthcare access, and the critical role of political engagement in nursing practice.

Championing APRN Advocacy: A Conversation with Dr. Vicki Stone-Gale

Welcome to NPower Healthcare, where we celebrate the trailblazers shaping advanced practice nursing. In this episode, host Deb Tedesco speaks with Dr. Vicki Stone-Gale, a prominent nurse practitioner and advocate. With over 33 years of advocacy work, Dr. Stone-Gale shares her journey from collaborating with the legendary Barbara Lumpkin to her current roles in various nursing organizations. Discover the importance of understanding licensure and the role of policy in protecting and advancing APRN practice in Florida.
Join us as we explore Dr. Stone-Gale's dedication to educating both future nurse practitioners and seasoned professionals, emphasizing the need for involvement in legislative processes to safeguard the nursing profession. Learn how Dr. Stone-Gale's leadership in the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network and the Florida Nurses Association continues to inspire and NPower the next generation, ensuring a solid foundation for the future of nursing.

Revolutionizing Healthcare Access: NP, Dr. Duellyn Pandis' Inspiring Journey

Welcome to NPower Healthcare, the podcast that shares the inspiring stories of nurse practitioners making a difference. In this episode, we head to Tampa, Florida, to meet Dr. Duellyn Pandis, a pioneering nurse practitioner redefining healthcare access. Discover how she leads vital initiatives such as Passport Health Tampa, the Seafarers Port Clinic, and the Mobile Nurse Practitioner Unit to provide care to underserved populations. Her journey showcases passion, purpose, and the transformative power of mobile healthcare. Join us to learn about the innovative paths nurse practitioners can take to impact their communities positively.

"Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Power of Lifestyle Medicine"

Welcome to another enlightening episode of NPower Healthcare! Join host Deb Tedesco as she engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Kathleen Wilson, a leading family nurse practitioner and Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. This episode delves into the transformative potential of lifestyle medicine, a holistic approach centered on six essential pillars: nutrition, physical activity, restful sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and fostering positive social connections.
Kathleen shares inspiring success stories and practical strategies for nurse practitioners eager to integrate lifestyle medicine into their daily practice, emphasizing the importance of a personalized and root-cause-focused approach to healthcare. She also explores how this model promotes health equity and offers pathways for certification and education in this innovative field.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the concept, this episode offers valuable insights into how small, meaningful lifestyle changes can lead to significant health improvements, creating a ripple effect in healthcare delivery. Listen in and discover how nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to lead this impactful transformation towards a healthier future.