NPower Healthcare: APRNs & APPs Improving Access to Quality Healthcare

Pioneering Change: Dr. George Peraza-Smith on the Future of Gerontological Nursing

Welcome to another episode of NPower Healthcare, where host Deb Tedesco is joined by Dr. George Peraza-Smith, the newly elected President of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA). In this enlightening episode, Dr. Peraza-Smith shares his vision for advancing gerontological nursing, strengthening leadership roles for nurse practitioners, and ensuring high-quality care for older adults nationwide.
Dr. Peraza-Smith discusses the current healthcare challenges in Florida and how nurse practitioners play a crucial role in overcoming provider shortages, particularly in geriatric care. He highlights the importance of advocacy efforts in promoting full practice authority, reimbursement parity, and improved healthcare delivery.
Listeners will also gain insights into the evolving landscape of long-term care, the integration of mental health services, and the significance of disaster preparedness, especially in disaster-prone areas like Florida. Dr. Peraza-Smith emphasizes the essential contribution of nurse practitioners in shaping the future of healthcare for an aging population.

Honoring Healthcare Wishes: The PDMO Movement in Florida

In this episode of NPower Healthcare, host Deb Tedesco sits down with Meredith Fischer, a nurse and passionate advocate for end-of-life care rights. As legislation efforts move forward, they explore the benefits of a Patient-Directed Medical Order (PDMO) and its potential to enhance patient autonomy and improve healthcare delivery for those with serious illnesses. Meredith shares her inspiring journey from critical care to palliative care to policy advocacy, emphasizing how PDMO can bridge gaps in current end-of-life planning tools and ensure patient preferences are honored across all care settings.

Using Your Earned Academic Title: The Impact of Florida's Senate Bill 172

Welcome to NPower Healthcare with your host Deb Tedesco. In this episode, we explore the questions surrounding Florida's Senate Bill 172, which seeks to restrict the use of the title 'doctor' to only physicians and osteopathic physicians, barring nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals with doctoral degrees from using the title in clinical settings. Join us as we discuss the implications with Kathleen Wilson from the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network, being the potential confusion and professional limitations this bill could create.
Dive into the world of advanced healthcare education as Kathleen elaborates on the process and rigors involved in earning a doctorate in nursing and other fields. We examine the possible chilling effects this bill might have on healthcare access and workforce morale in Florida, and what this means for practitioners and patients alike.
Learn how this legislative action fits within the national context and what healthcare professionals and concerned citizens can do to counteract its potentially damaging effects. Stay informed and empowered as we navigate this crucial healthcare dialogue.

Breaking Barriers: HB 883 and the Future of Mental Health in Florida

Welcome to NPower Healthcare, where we spotlight the transformative role of nurse practitioners in shaping healthcare's future. In today's episode, host Deb Tedesco engages in a crucial discussion with Dr. Cindy Parsons, a seasoned psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, about the groundbreaking Florida House Bill 883. This bill, which recently made strides in the legislative process, aims to remove unnecessary practice restrictions for psychiatric nurse practitioners, thus enhancing mental health care access for Floridians.
Explore the critical challenges facing Florida's mental health services, including the ranking of 45th in mental health access and the staggering statistic of over 2.8 million Floridians experiencing mental health conditions. Understand the importance of allowing nurse practitioners to operate at the full capacity of their training and the significant impact this could have, especially in underserved areas lacking adequate psychiatric care.
Listeners are encouraged to take action by contacting their representatives, sharing personal stories, and joining advocacy efforts to support HB 883. Join us as we delve into this legislative journey, emphasizing the importance of modernizing healthcare laws for better patient outcomes across the state.

NPowering Autonomy: Nurse Practitioners Leading their Own Practice

In this episode of NPower Healthcare, host Deb Tedesco discusses the exciting journey of nurse practitioners in Florida who are taking the step towards autonomy by opening their own practice. Our guest, Dr. Monica Barfield, shares her experience as a successful entrepreneur and autonomous nurse practitioner.
We get an inside look at her challenges, the necessary steps for nurses seeking independence, and the transformative impact of Florida's legislative changes on NP practices. Dr. Barfield offers essential tips for navigating the business landscape, from planning and legal compliance to team-building and patient attraction.
Join us as we discover how these skilled healthcare providers are reshaping patient care while balancing clinical expertise with entrepreneurial spirit for a rewarding professional future.

Breaking Barriers in Mental Health: The Role of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners in Florida

Welcome to NPower Healthcare, where we delve into the critical roles of nurse practitioners and advanced practice providers shaping the future of healthcare. In this episode, host Deb Tedesco speaks with Dr. Tom Schlepko, a leading psychiatric nurse practitioner, about the escalating demand for mental health services in Florida amid a national rise in mental health needs.
Discover how psychiatric nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps in the mental health system, providing essential care in diverse settings from community health centers to telehealth platforms. Dr. Schlepko highlights both the challenges and opportunities faced by these professionals, emphasizing the impact of telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and the push for autonomous practice laws in enhancing service delivery.
Join the conversation as we explore the important contributions of psychiatric NPs in meeting Florida's pressing mental health care needs and discuss strategies to overcome barriers such as workforce shortages, access disparities, stigma, and insurance issues. With ongoing advancements, psychiatric NPs continue to play a pivotal role in improving mental health outcomes across the state.

NPowering Healthcare: Nurse Practitioners on the Frontlines of Human Trafficking

Welcome to the NPower Healthcare Podcast, where we delve into the impactful roles of nurse practitioners, advanced practice registered nurses, and advanced practice providers in today's healthcare landscape. In this episode, host Deb Tedesco tackles the critical issue of human trafficking, a crime affecting over 50 million people worldwide.
Join Deb and special guest Dr. Charrita Ernewein, an experienced nurse practitioner and human trafficking expert, as they discuss the vital role healthcare providers play in identifying and responding to trafficking situations. Dr. Ernewein shares her insights on recognizing signs of trafficking, approaching sensitive patient interactions, and raising awareness to prevent trafficking in our communities.
Listen in to learn how nurse practitioners can significantly impact combating human trafficking through vigilance, education, and compassionate care. Discover practical steps for healthcare providers to ensure the safety of potential victims and how to educate both patients and colleagues about this pervasive issue.
Thank you for tuning in to the  NPower Healthcare Podcast. Follow us on Spotify, Podbean, Facebook, and other platforms to stay informed about the vital contributions of APRNs and APPs in addressing pressing health issues.

A Passion for Healing: Exploring the Role of Nurse Practitioners in Burn Care

In this enlightening episode of NPower Healthcare, host Deborah Tedesco takes listeners on a journey into the specialized field of burn care. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Susan Smith, a dedicated nurse practitioner specializing in burn trauma, shares her incredible career story and the vital role nurse practitioners play in the multidisciplinary treatment of burn injuries.
Dr. Smith discusses her path to becoming a burn care specialist, revealing how a life-changing event in her youth inspired her lifelong commitment to this challenging yet rewarding field. As she explains her daily responsibilities, from ICU rounds to surgical assistance and community outreach, listeners gain an understanding of the unique contributions of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in patient care.
The episode also delves into Dr. Smith's international work, where she educates healthcare providers on burn management in resource-limited settings. She shares the challenges and triumphs of adapting to different healthcare environments and emphasizes the importance of creativity and collaboration.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Smith highlights the significance of advanced practice providers (APPs) in healthcare, discussing their roles in expanding access to specialized care and improving patient outcomes. Aspiring APRNs and those interested in global health will find valuable insights and advice on pursuing a career in this field.
Join us for an inspiring exploration of the essential roles nurse practitioners and APPs play in transforming healthcare, both locally and globally.

Inside the World of Nurse Practitioners: A Conversation with Dr. Jean AERTKER

Join host Deborah Tedesco, APRN, in this insightful episode of NPower Healthcare as she delves into the vital roles and impact of nurse practitioners and other advanced practice providers. Today's episode features Dr. Jean Aertker, Executive Director of the Florida Nurse Practitioners, who shares her remarkable journey of over 40 years as a pioneering nurse practitioner.
Dr. Aertker discusses what makes the nurse practitioner role unique, emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care that integrates medical expertise with compassionate nursing. Discover the history of the nurse practitioner role, its evolution since the 1960s, and the significant contributions these healthcare professionals make in various settings, from clinics to telemedicine.
Explore the day-to-day responsibilities of a nurse practitioner and learn why patient education is a cornerstone of their practice. Dr. Aertker also sheds light on the differences between nurse practitioners and physicians, and discusses the current scope of practice for nurse practitioners in Florida.
Whether you're considering a career as a nurse practitioner or seeking to understand their role in your healthcare, this episode provides valuable insights and advice from one of the field's trailblazers. Tune in to discover the dynamic world of nurse practitioners and their crucial role in modern healthcare.