Nurse Practitioner Chronicles

  Psychiatry & Mental Health Choosing the Right Antidepressant Just Got a Little Easier: What NPs Need to Know About the PETRUSHKA Trial A new decision-support tool helped patients stay on their antidepressant longer and feel better at six months. Here's what it means for your prescribing practice. If you've ever stared at a list of SSRIs and SNRIs wondering which one will actually work for the patient sitting across from you, you're not alone. The antidepressant selection process has long been described as "educated trial and error," and for good reason—we've had limited tools to meaningfully guide that first-line choice. A large new randomized trial published in  JAMA  in March 2026 offers some encouraging evidence that a structured, personalized approach can improve outcomes. The Study at a Glance Cipriani and colleagues conducted a multicenter RCT across 47 sites in Brazil, Canada, and the UK, enrolling 540 adults aged 18–74 with major depressive disor...

The journey to becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is both rewarding and demanding, often requiring countless hours of study, clinical rotations, and patient care. Amidst the busy schedules and responsibilities, it is crucial for NP students to prioritize self-care to ensure their well-being, resilience, and ability to provide exceptional care to others. In this article, we will explore essential self-care practices tailored to the unique challenges and demands faced by nurse practitioner students.       1. Time Management and Boundaries       Effective time management is the cornerstone of maintaining balance. Set clear boundaries for study, clinical hours, and personal time. Establish a schedule that allows for adequate rest, exercise, and leisure activities. Learn to say "no" when your plate is full, and do not hesitate to ask for help when needed.       2. Physical Well-Being       Prioritize your physical health by nou...