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.

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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.