Project Heartbeat

Education

22 01, 2026

LVN Career Path in California

January 22nd, 2026|Categories: Career Programs, Education, Vocational Nursing (VN)|

LVN Career Path in California Choosing a healthcare career is a major decision, and vocational nursing offers a practical, patient-focused pathway for those who want to work directly in clinical settings without committing to a four-year degree. In California, Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) play an essential role across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care environments. This guide explains the LVN career path in California, including typical responsibilities, work settings, advancement options, and who vocational nursing is best suited for. What [...]

21 01, 2026

LPN vs LVN in California: What Relocating Nurses Need to Know

January 21st, 2026|Categories: Career Programs, Education, Vocational Nursing (VN)|

LPN vs LVN in California: What Relocating Nurses Need to KnowIf you’re a nurse relocating to California—or exploring practical nursing programs—you may notice something confusing: California doesn’t use the term LPN.Instead, the state licenses Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs).While LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) roles are very similar nationwide, there are important naming, licensing, and scope-of-practice differences you need to understand before enrolling in a program or transferring your credentials.This guide breaks it all down.LPN vs LVN: [...]

31 10, 2025

2025 AHA Guidelines: BLS, ACLS & PALS Changes

October 31st, 2025|Categories: ACLS, BLS, Education, PALS|

The American Heart Association released its comprehensive 2025 Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care in October 2025, marking the most significant update to resuscitation science in five years. With 760 specific recommendations spanning adult, pediatric, and neonatal life support, these guidelines introduce critical changes that every healthcare provider needs to understand and implement immediately. At Project Heartbeat, all of our BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses have been updated to reflect these latest 2025 guidelines. Whether you're due [...]

23 09, 2025

HeartCode Complete vs. RQI: Best BLS, ACLS & PALS Training

September 23rd, 2025|Categories: ACLS, BLS, Classes, Education, PALS|

HeartCode Complete vs. RQI: Understanding the Best Training Solution for BLS, ACLS, and PALS Certification In the world of healthcare, staying current with life-saving skills like Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is not just mandatory—it's crucial to saving lives. As resuscitation science evolves, so do the training methods. Two of the most popular and effective American Heart Association (AHA) options available today are HeartCode Complete and RQI (Resuscitation Quality Improvement). [...]

24 04, 2025

Effective Patient Communication and Cultural Competency for LVNs in California

April 24th, 2025|Categories: Career Programs, Vocational Nursing (VN)|Tags: , |

Introduction: Communication at the Heart of Care In California’s diverse healthcare settings, effective patient communication is a core skill for every Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Whether you’re working in Oakland, San Francisco, or anywhere in the Bay Area, your ability to communicate clearly and sensitively can make a world of difference in patient outcomes and satisfaction. At Project Heartbeat, we emphasize these vital skills in our LVN program to help you thrive in real-world practice. The Importance of Communication [...]

24 04, 2025

Medication Safety and Common Clinical Pitfalls for LVNs

April 24th, 2025|Categories: Career Programs, Vocational Nursing (VN)|Tags: , |

Introduction: Why Medication Safety Matters for Every LVN Medication administration is at the heart of the Licensed Vocational Nurse’s daily responsibilities. In California, where LVNs often serve on the front lines of patient care, medication safety is both a professional obligation and a legal requirement. At Project Heartbeat in Oakland, we make sure our LVN students master this critical skill—because even a small error can have serious consequences. The Top Medication Errors and How to Avoid Them While LVNs [...]

24 04, 2025

The Evolving Role of LVNs in California’s Healthcare System

April 24th, 2025|Categories: Career Programs, Vocational Nursing (VN)|Tags: , |

In the dynamic healthcare landscape of the San Francisco Bay Area, Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are becoming increasingly vital contributors to patient care. As healthcare delivery models transform across California, the scope and opportunities for LVNs continue to expand, creating exciting pathways for those entering this rewarding profession. California's Unique Healthcare Landscape The Golden State's healthcare system faces distinctive challenges and opportunities. With over 39 million residents and some of the nation's most diverse patient populations, California demands a [...]

25 03, 2020

Healthcare Certifications: Do I Have to Have Hands-on Training?

March 25th, 2020|Categories: Advanced Nursing, Career Programs, Classes, Education|

Today, training for nearly any job or learning for any class can take a variety of forms. While lectures were once de rigueur for most of those studying for health care professions, students and professionals can now find a myriad of ways to learn about up-and-coming research, hone their life-saving skills and advance their careers. From online courses to apps, the sky seems to be the limit on educational materials. However, in the health care world, hands-on training still remains [...]

20 03, 2020

Problems with Excessive Ventilation During ACLS

March 20th, 2020|Categories: ACLS, Advanced Nursing, Education|

At some point in your career, you have probably dealt with a patient who was hyperventilating. This is generally referred to as respirations greater than 20 per minute. When respirations become much faster than that, oxygen levels drop and your patient begins to feel lightheaded or dizzy. However, even when your patient cannot control his own respirations, such as during or after a code, he may still be hyperventilating due to rescuer attempts. There are three main reasons why you [...]

13 03, 2020

The H’s and T’s of ACLS

March 13th, 2020|Categories: ACLS, Education|

When treating any patient, it is important to recognize what underlying concerns could be causing the present issue. Not only will this help you decide upon the correct treatment method, but also it will help you treat your patient in a more time-conscious manner. This is particularly important when treating patients with life-threatening conditions. When you learn ACLS, you will be clued in to what is commonly called the H’s and T’s, which is a [...]

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