Pursuing a Passion for Healthcare and Education: A Journey from Medicine to Special Needs Teaching

Pursuing a Passion for Healthcare and Education

Introduction

Sometimes, the journey we set out on takes us to places we never expected but are exactly where we need to be. I began with a dream of medical school, driven by a deep desire to help others, especially children. Yet, as I studied and observed the medical field, I realized that my heart was leading me somewhere else. That journey ultimately brought me to special needs education—a field that became my calling and taught me invaluable lessons I carry with me today.

Discovering a New Path

My initial dream of becoming a doctor stemmed from my love for helping others. However, as I studied for the MCAT, I was put off by the politics involved in medicine and, later, the reality of patient procedures. I couldn’t see myself in a role that didn’t align with my values.

When I was offered a substitute teaching position, I began to see another path. With encouragement from a high school principal, I considered teaching special education, and I eventually committed myself to working with children with intellectual disabilities.

Finding Fulfillment in Special Needs Education

Working in special education taught me to celebrate small achievements. For many of my students, success wasn’t about grades or academic milestones. Success meant remembering their phone number or learning basic daily skills that allowed them to navigate the world with a bit more independence.

"These small victories were significant. Every academic or behavioral accomplishment brought me immense fulfillment and reinforced my commitment to this work."

Lessons in Resilience and Patience

My background in psychobiology and psychology equipped me to understand my students’ unique needs. I developed tailored strategies, always looking for ways to manage behavior and facilitate learning in a supportive environment. But my greatest teachers were my students, who taught me patience, resilience, and an appreciation for every small step forward.

How My Experiences Shape My Work Today

The lessons I learned in special education shape the work I do today in healthcare education. I’ve learned to approach each student or healthcare professional with an open mind, focusing on their unique learning needs. My goal is always to provide a stress-free learning environment that empowers each individual.

Three Key Takeaways from My Journey

• Celebrate the Small Wins: Each step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
• See Each Day as a Fresh Start: Every student deserves a new start every day, free from judgment or past mistakes.
• Believe in Your Path: Life often leads us in unexpected directions, but each twist and turn is an opportunity to grow.

Closing Thoughts

Looking back, I realize that my path to healthcare education was far from direct, but each experience enriched my journey. From medicine to special education to healthcare training, I’ve been lucky to find fulfillment in helping others grow. If you’d like to support my journey to build and leave a legacy, check out our courses at Central Valley Medical Education.

Thank you for reading and joining me on this journey. I hope my story inspires you to embrace your own path with courage and compassion.

Roots and Resilience: A Journey from the Philippines to Building a Legacy in Healthcare Education

Introduction

Resilience is a word often associated with overcoming adversity, and few journeys encapsulate it as powerfully as that of Ms. Paat, founder of Central Valley Medical Education (CVME). From her early years in the Philippines to her career as an educator in the U.S., Ms. Paat’s life story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the strength to overcome challenges. In sharing her story, we hope to inspire others on their own journeys—whether in healthcare, education, or any path that demands resilience.

A New Beginning: Leaving the Philippines for the U.S.

Ms. Paat’s journey began in the Philippines, where she spent her formative years in a close-knit family and community. When her family moved to the U.S., she was a young girl facing an entirely new world. The language, the culture, and even the pace of life were different from what she knew. One of her biggest challenges was learning English—a task that seemed daunting, but one she embraced with determination.

“Learning English wasn’t just about language; it was about building a bridge to my future.”

This drive to succeed helped Ms. Paat find her footing in the U.S. and begin the path to her ultimate passion—serving others through healthcare and education.

Pursuing a Dream in Education and Healthcare

While Ms. Paat initially aspired to attend medical school, life led her down a different but equally meaningful path. She decided to dedicate her life to teaching special needs children, focusing on those with mild to severe intellectual disabilities. For 23 years, she taught in classrooms, working closely with each student and finding fulfillment in helping them thrive.

Her dedication to service didn’t end there. In Los Angeles, she began her career as an EMT and became a Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR instructor. It was through this work that she met her business partner and moved to the Central Valley in 1998, bringing her commitment to education to the healthcare field.

Founding Central Valley Medical Education (CVME)

Inspired by her experiences and a shared vision with her partner, Ms. Paat founded Central Valley Medical Education (CVME) to address a pressing need: quality training for healthcare providers. The challenges of starting a new business were not unfamiliar to her. She had already learned how to adapt and thrive in new environments, and this journey was no different.

Today, CVME offers a range of courses for healthcare professionals, from Basic Life Support (BLS) to advanced certifications like Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Through her work, Ms. Paat continues to impact lives, training healthcare professionals to provide life-saving care.

Three Lessons in Resilience from Ms. Paat

• Embrace the Unknown: Every challenge, big or small, is an opportunity to learn and grow.
• Never Stop Learning: Whether it was learning English or adapting to a new career, her commitment to learning empowered her every step of the way.
• Believe in Your Potential: Challenges don’t define us. It’s our response to them that shapes who we are.

Continuing the Journey with CVME

Through CVME, Ms. Paat has built a company that embodies her passion for education, resilience, and service. Her journey has come full circle, allowing her to support others in building their skills and resilience as they serve their communities.

Whether you’re a new healthcare provider or a seasoned professional, CVME is here to support you with top-quality training and compassionate service. Visit our courses page to learn more about our offerings and see how we can support your journey in healthcare.

Ms. Paat’s story is proof that resilience can carry us through even the most challenging times. From the Philippines to the Central Valley, she’s built a legacy that helps others make a difference. We hope her journey inspires you to embrace your own challenges and find strength in resilience.

For more information on CVME courses and certifications, visit our website at www.https://morethancpr.com/.

Why Nurses Need to Embrace the Business Side of Healthcare

Why Nurses Need to Embrace the Business Side of Healthcare

As nurses, we are often the backbone of patient care, but there’s a growing reality that we can no longer ignore: healthcare is a business. While we prioritize our patients' well-being, there is an entire financial ecosystem that drives the decisions made in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Yet, too many nurses are being left out of this crucial conversation because we don’t fully understand how the business side works—and that needs to change.

If we, as bedside nurses, don’t start educating ourselves on healthcare finance for nurses, we will continue to be seen as a cost rather than an asset. The harsh truth is, when we don’t produce revenue, we’re often looked down upon by decision-makers. Nurses are seen as essential to patient care, but from a business perspective, we’re an expense. That’s not a place we want to be.

Why Understanding Healthcare as a Business Matters

When we understand the financial workings of healthcare, we start to see how decisions that affect staffing, equipment, and patient care are made. It’s not just about providing good care; it’s about providing cost-effective care. If we want to have a seat at the table with executives and administrators, we need to understand how the system works and how we can contribute beyond the bedside.

For example, knowing how reimbursement in nursing works can open doors to new ways nurses can help increase revenue for their departments. When nurses understand how Medicare or insurance companies reimburse based on certain codes, treatments, or outcomes, we can ensure that care is documented properly so the facility receives the appropriate reimbursement. You can learn more about reimbursement policies through CMS Reimbursement Resources.

How Nurses Can Contribute to Business Goals

By learning more about healthcare finance, nurses can become a part of the solution, not just the expense. Here are a few ways we can help increase revenue and be seen as valuable contributors to the business side of healthcare:

• Optimize Patient Flow: By improving patient care processes, reducing unnecessary delays, and enhancing patient satisfaction, we can increase the hospital’s reputation and revenue streams. Resources like HFMA for Nurses provide great insights on how to do this.
• Accurate Documentation for Reimbursement: Proper documentation of care can maximize reimbursement from insurance companies, ensuring the hospital gets paid for all the work being done. More information on improving reimbursement in nursing can be found through the American Nurses Association (ANA) Leadership and Business Management.
• Quality Improvement Projects: Nurses can lead or contribute to quality improvement projects that reduce costs (such as preventing hospital-acquired infections) while improving patient outcomes, making the facility more marketable. You can check out how to get involved with these kinds of initiatives through the Advisory Board.
• Innovate and Advocate for New Revenue Streams: Nurses often identify gaps in patient care. Advocating for new services, programs, or technologies that can fill those gaps could create new revenue opportunities for hospitals. Further your business understanding with courses on Nurse.com Business and Finance.

Shaping the Future of Nursing

If nurses don’t start to take the business side seriously, we will continue to be left out of conversations that affect our daily work and the future of nursing as a whole. Healthcare is rapidly evolving, and it’s not just about care anymore—it’s about sustainability. Those who understand both sides of the coin—clinical care and business—will lead the profession forward.

It’s time we stop being seen as just a cost and start being recognized as part of the marketable team. By learning the business science of healthcare, we can ensure that nurses aren’t just contributing to patient care but are also integral to the growth and financial stability of our healthcare system.

Let’s make sure we’re part of that conversation.

Resources:

• CMS Reimbursement Resources
• HFMA for Nurses
• American Nurses Association (ANA) Leadership and Business Management
• Advisory Board
• Nurse.com Business and Finance

Heart Code Courses: The Future of Skill Development, Time Management, and Cost-Efficient Healthcare Training

In today's healthcare landscape, professionals are continuously seeking ways to enhance their life-saving skills, manage their time effectively, and stay within budget. Heart Code courses—whether you're certifying in BLS, ACLS, or PALS—are emerging as the top solution for professionals looking to stay current. These courses offer a flexible, effective, and cost-efficient approach to healthcare certifications, making them the ideal choice for today’s fast-paced medical environment.

1. Effective Skill Development with Heart Code

Healthcare professionals need consistent, up-to-date training to maintain life-saving skills. Heart Code courses use interactive, online learning paired with hands-on skills testing to ensure professionals retain the most critical information. The engaging, scenario-based format means that learners can practice repeatedly until they achieve confidence in emergency situations.

This method of learning is particularly beneficial for those looking to refresh their skills in BLS, ACLS, and PALS, as the repetitive scenarios increase retention and practical application of techniques. Heart Code courses have been proven to enhance both theoretical understanding and hands-on performance, making them a superior choice for healthcare providers.

2. Time Management for Busy Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals often struggle to balance work and certification requirements. Heart Code courses are designed to save time by offering the flexibility of self-paced learning. The online portion allows students to complete coursework anytime, day or night, and eliminates the need for multi-day in-person sessions.

Once the online learning is complete, the skills session—which can be done in just one hour—fits seamlessly into any schedule. This structure allows healthcare workers to maintain their certifications without compromising their demanding work hours, making Heart Code courses an essential time management tool for professionals in nursing, medicine, and other healthcare fields.

3. Budget-Friendly Training for Healthcare Organizations and Individuals

Traditional certification courses can be costly, both in terms of course fees and lost work hours. Heart Code courses provide a budget-friendly alternative by reducing in-class time and allowing students to complete most of the coursework online.

For healthcare organizations, this means less time spent on training while still ensuring compliance with industry standards. Heart Code courses provide the high-quality education necessary for BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification at a fraction of the cost of traditional in-person training. This is a significant advantage for both individuals and organizations looking to reduce expenses without sacrificing quality.

4. The Future of Healthcare Certification

As healthcare continues to advance, so too must the methods used for certification. Heart Code represents the future of training for healthcare professionals, offering continuously updated course material to align with the latest standards and practices. Additionally, the integration of technology such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into the training process means that Heart Code will continue to innovate and improve.

Healthcare professionals and organizations seeking a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective way to maintain certifications should consider Heart Code courses as the go-to option. These courses offer everything from enhanced skill development to flexibility, making them ideal for any busy healthcare provider.

Ready to Learn More?

Visit our website at Central Valley CPR Classes to explore how Heart Code BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses can help you or your team improve skills, save time, and stay certified.

Elevating Resuscitation Skills: How RQI/Heart Code Courses Enhance Skills, Save Time, and Cut Costs

 

Maximizing Certification Efficiency with the 

RQI/Heart Code Course

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, continuous skill improvement and efficient certification processes are more important than ever. The Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) and Heart Code courses offer a modern solution that not only enhances your skills but also saves time and reduces costs. Let’s explore the numerous benefits of these innovative training programs and how they can make a significant difference in your professional development.

Benefits of the RQI/Heart Code Course

The RQI/Heart Code courses are designed with flexibility and effectiveness in mind. Unlike traditional classroom settings, these programs allow you to complete much of your training online at your own pace, which is particularly beneficial for busy healthcare professionals. Here’s what sets them apart:

• 24/7 Accessibility: Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, the RQI/Heart Code courses are available around the clock. This flexibility means you can fit training into your schedule rather than having to rearrange your life around a fixed class time.

• Real-Time Feedback: One of the standout features of the RQI/Heart Code platform is the real-time feedback you receive while performing your skills. This feedback is detailed and immediate, allowing you to make necessary adjustments on the spot and ensuring that you are practicing high-quality resuscitation techniques.

• Convenient Locations: For hands-on skills testing, you can visit our facilities in Madera or Fresno, where you can access the training sites 24 hours a day. This convenience makes it easy to complete the practical portion of your certification whenever it suits you best.

Effectiveness in Skill Improvement

The RQI/Heart Code programs are not just about convenience—they are designed to enhance the quality of your resuscitation skills. The courses incorporate American Heart Association guidelines, ensuring that you’re learning the most up-to-date and effective techniques.

By providing instant, detailed feedback, these courses help you pinpoint areas that need improvement. You can repeatedly practice these skills, gaining mastery over time, which is a significant advantage over traditional, one-time classroom sessions. The RQI program also measures crucial metrics like chest compression fraction (CCF), a critical factor in increasing the chances of survival during cardiac arrest.

Time Management and Flexibility

Time is a precious resource, especially for healthcare professionals who are often juggling multiple responsibilities. The RQI/Heart Code courses are structured to respect your time. You can complete the online portion at your own pace, breaking it into segments that fit into your busy schedule.

Furthermore, because the courses are available online, you eliminate the need for travel time to a physical classroom, which can be a significant time saver. The hands-on portion, which is still required for certification, can be completed at one of our 24-hour facilities whenever it’s convenient for you, adding an extra layer of flexibility.

Cost Savings

The financial benefits of the RQI/Heart Code courses are also worth noting. Traditional in-person courses often come with additional costs such as travel, time off work, and the potential need for childcare. By taking advantage of the RQI/Heart Code’s online and flexible scheduling options, you can significantly reduce these expenses.

Moreover, the courses are designed to help you retain your certification without the need for frequent renewals, which can further cut down on costs over time. The investment you make in these programs is not only cost-effective but also provides a higher return in terms of skill retention and professional competence.

Conclusion

The RQI/Heart Code courses offer a superior alternative to traditional certification methods by combining flexibility, real-time feedback, and cost savings with an emphasis on improving resuscitation skills. Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking to maintain your certification or someone new to the field, these courses provide a comprehensive and efficient path to success.

Ready to take the next step in your professional development? Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about how the RQI/Heart Code courses can benefit you. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you get the most out of your training experience.

Resources

1. Resuscitation Quality Improvement: Improving Clinicians’ Performance
   This study, published in AACN Advanced Critical Care, highlights the effectiveness of the RQI program in improving CPR performance among clinicians. The research demonstrates that frequent practice using the RQI platform, which provides real-time audiovisual feedback, significantly enhances the quality of chest compressions, a critical factor in improving patient outcomes during cardiac arrest​

   AACN Journals

2. The Impact of Resuscitation Quality Improvement
   This article from Learning RQI discusses how the RQI program has revolutionized CPR training by shifting from a traditional, infrequent training model to one that emphasizes continuous quality improvement through regular, low-dose, high-frequency practice. This approach has been shown to improve both educational outcomes and survival rates after cardiac arrest​(

   LEARNING RQI

3. Research + Evidence Behind Resuscitation Quality Improvement
   This resource offers a comprehensive overview of the evidence supporting the RQI program. It includes studies that validate the program's effectiveness in improving resuscitation skills retention and patient survival outcomes. The focus on continuous quality improvement helps ensure that healthcare providers maintain high standards in life-saving techniques​(

   LEARNING RQI