CVME Insider: Nursing Knowledge That Matters

Why RNs Must Be Present in the OR – California Law & Patient Safety 🩺 Why RNs Must Be Present in the OR: A Legal and Ethical Priority Across California—and especially here in the Central Valley—we’ve seen a concerning trend: freestanding surgery centers and pain clinics allowing LVNs (Licensed Vocational Nurses) to manage operating rooms during procedures involving conscious sedation. This practice isn’t just risky—it’s illegal and unsafe. California law is clear: a Registered Nurse (RN) must be physically present in the OR at all times during procedures involving conscious sedation or anesthesia. Delegating this role to an LVN not only endangers patients but also jeopardizes the LVN’s license and the facility’s legal standing. 📜 What the Law Says The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) states: “The administration and monitoring of moderate sedation requires ongoing nursing assessment and critical decisio...

You're Not a Trauma or Pediatric Hospital? That’s Exactly Why You Should Be Prepared. Let’s talk about something that’s been making me absolutely nuts —and if you’re a fellow ED nurse, I know you’ll feel this in your bones. I’ve had far too many conversations with Emergency Department Directors, Nurse Managers, and even CNOs who push back when I ask why their staff aren’t required to have TNCC or ENPC certification. The answers? “We’re not a trauma center.” “We’re not a pediatric hospital.” “It’s the cost…” Let me be crystal clear: that is exactly why your staff need this training. You’re not a trauma center. You’re not a pediatric hospital. So what happens when a multi-system trauma patient rolls into your adult-only ED? Or when a critically ill child is brought to your doors because the parents panicked and went to the nearest hospital—not the “right” one? Are you really going to tell the parents of a seizing 2-year-old, “So...

Pursuing a Passion for Healthcare and Education 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 t...

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

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 working...

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 loo...

  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 ...