This episode explores Alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-associated allergy that causes delayed reactions to mammalian products and is often missed in clinical settings. The conversation with Jeffery Strickler, DHA, RN highlights how Alpha-gal differs from other tick-borne illnesses, the wide range of symptoms nurses may see, and why delayed nighttime reactions are a major clue. The episode also covers hidden risks in medications and medical products and emphasizes the critical role nurses play in recognition, patient education, and safety.

Explore related articles for more information: "Tick-borne diseases in the US" in the July 2024 issue of Nursing and "Mammalian meat allergy: Unexpected danger" in the August 2017 issue of Nursing.

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This episode explores the evolving role of ketamine in mental health care and what it means for the future of nursing practice as psychedelic-assisted therapies move toward mainstream medical use. Rebecca Ivory, DNP, MS, PMHNP-BC, Adjunct Faculty at the University of Delaware School of Nursing in Newark, Delaware, and Jennifer Graber, EdD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, Associate Dean at the University of Delaware School of Nursing, co-authors of the NCPD article, "Ketamine infusion therapy for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation: Nursing care and considerations,"published in the December 2025 issue of Nursing share their insights.

In this podcast episode, Courtney Stathis DNP, FNP-BC, RN and Catherine Wilson-Mooney, MSN, RN discuss the growing use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss and the urgent need to address their psychological, ethical, and social implications. Although these drugs can lead to significant weight reduction, they do not automatically improve body image or mental health, and may even be linked to depression and suicidal ideation. The conversation highlights the role of psychiatric nursing in educating patients, assessing emotional well-being, and ensuring safe use, especially as social media and cultural pressures drive patients to seek quick fixes. Concerns are raised about cost disparities, mail-order or compounded versions, and the increasing prescription to children, whose physical and emotional development may be at risk. The conversation underscores the importance of ethical prescribing, practitioner oversight, and deeper attention to the psychological side of weight management, beyond the physical outcomes.

Read the related article, "The physiologic and psychologic effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists" in the September issue of Nursing2025.

Courtney Stathis DNP, FNP-BC, RN is a family nurse practitioner who received her FNP from CUNY Lehman College and DNP from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her nursing career has included pediatric, telemetry, neuro and surgical stepdown nursing as well as neuro ICU. She has extensive experience as a Stroke Nurse Practitioner with international collaboration with experts in stroke at the University College Cork in Ireland. As an Assistant Professor of nursing at Kingsborough Community College, she enjoys teaching pediatric nursing to her students. She continues to pursue evidence- based research to apply to her practice.

Catherine Wilson-Mooney, MS, RN is a Nurse Educator who received her MS in Nursing Management and Leadership from Walden University and a BSN from the City University of New York at the College of Staten Island. Her nursing career has included medical surgical nursing and operating room nursing with the majority focus of her career in women and children's health and nursing leadership. She implemented and facilitated the first postpartum depression support group in the New York City area in 1996 and started her teaching journey with the City University of New York in 2014. She is an Assistant Professor at Kingsborough Community College and enjoys teaching Nursing the Emotionally Ill and Maternal Child Health Nursing to her students.

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