Have you wondered what the differences are between vocational and registered nursing programs? Both are educational trajectories, right? Each program leads to a nursing career, yes? Both courses may be launching pads for higher levels of nursing—for sure. Perhaps, and most confusing, either vocation may be achieved by completing an associate degree and obtaining licensure. […]

Today, being a nurse is considered a noble and respected role. So much so that a recent Gallup poll named it the most trusted profession in America for 22 years in a row.1  But this was not always the case. By contrast, centuries ago, nursing was not only non-certified but not respected or vetted. At […]

Nurses are in demand everywhere. If you want to make a real difference in society and be part of an exciting career, you should enter nursing now. One entry-level way to begin your nursing career is as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).  An LVN typically: Monitors patients’ health by checking their blood pressure, body temperature, […]

What are vocational nursing programs, and how did they begin? The origins of the practical/vocational nurse role go back to the past practice of self-taught individuals working in home care as early nurses. These persons held no license and little formal training. Moreover, they assisted with basic care (ADLs like bathing) and light housekeeping duties […]

Dr. Guillermo Paredes, MD.OB/GYN; ARDMS (OB); (AB), RVT, affectionately known as “Dr. G,” has been with Gurnick Academy since 2006.  World Health Organization Of noteworthiness, Dr. G worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) in the jungles of the Amazon, with a focus on infectious disease research. He became engaged with the WHO through a government […]

  “Having a budget, for many, has a straitjacket connotation,” says financial expert Dave Ramsey. However, he says, “This is the wrong way to view a budget or any cash flow plan. Having a budget doesn’t mean you can’t order a pizza when you want one. It just means that you have a plan for […]

Cardiovascular sonography, a.k.a. echocardiography, is a specialized area using ultrasound technology for cardiac purposes. Simply put, an echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. Like traditional ultrasounds, an echocardiogram uses sound waves rather than radiation to produce images.  What Are Echocardiograms? Echocardiograms enable physicians to examine valves, determine heart size, and assess how well these […]

License to Nurse! Have you ever watched the popular movie License to Kill, a James Bond spy film? Or have you listened to the spoof song “License to Chill,” sung by Jimmy Buffett? Maybe you’ve heard someone jokingly ask if you have a `license to parent.’ Inferred, even into popular culture, is the notion that […]

In a recent blog article, “Five Trends Transforming the Continuing Education Landscape,” Kate Ressler, from National Healthcare Association (NHA), lists some emergent trends within continuing education (CE). These are listed especially as they relate to allied-healthcare education. 1. Online Solutions Likely to Expand    First, Ressler cites that professionals have traditionally attended in-person meetings, courses, […]

A Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN)* role requires someone dedicated to assisting others. While this type of nurse has many responsibilities, their foremost duty is to meet patients’ needs. The Licensed Vocational Nurse often aids supervisory staff in providing optimum ongoing medical care within wellness communities. Working in hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing facilities, and private homes […]

Constitution Day, also known as Citizenship Day, is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens via birth in the United States or through naturalization. The day is observed on September 17, the day the Constitutional Convention’s 39 delegates came together to sign […]

The Entry-level Licensed Vocational Nurse  Working in hospitals, healthcare centers, and nursing homes, Licensed Vocational Nurses* (LVNs) provide care under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs).1  An LVN’s primary responsibility is to meet patients’ ongoing needs while giving optimum care. These duties include taking vitals, charting, monitoring patients, and relaying accurate, timely information to […]