Acls

Specialties CCU

Published

Hi Everyone,

I will be taking ACLS in three weeks. This is my first time taking it. I am reviewing the algorithm's, reviewing the pharmacology as I go. Plus I am reviewing the contents of the CD-ROM. Just having a little difficulty with Fine-Vs-Course Vfib, and Rentry-SVT, but starting to understand.

Any suggestions for studying?

Specializes in geriatrics.

I'm due to take the ACLS class next Monday and Tuesday. I bought the book today and feel like I'm completely out of my depth. Any advice? Should I go ahead and take it, or cancel and apply the money to a different class?

Specializes in ICU.

Here's a great resource:

EKG, ACLS, BLS, Hemodynamics Education Analysis | richACLS

It's not free - but it is an EXCELLENT way to study ACLS.

Personal preference, I don't just want to know WHAT to do during a code, I want to know why I'm doing it, what exactly is happening in the heart and with the electrical system, etc.

This website has great animations of arrhythmias and helped me understand why we do what we do.

Specializes in ICU.

Another good resource:

RichACLS.com

Specializes in floor to ICU.
That link doesn't work.

In regards to the ACLS, i haven't even finished nursing school and i am certified. The algorithms are not difficult and you are allowed to use your algorithm sheets in your megacode. (think about it, no one is going to get mad at you for looking at that sheet during a code!) The only portion of the class that was closed book was the exit exam. If your hospital is anything like the one where i took mine (Heart Hospital of Austin), you will find that the instructors are there to guide you, it isn't the ACLS of yesteryear where you have to know all of the advanced practice portions of the algorithms as well as getting a MEGAcode at the end where you see every rhythm and must convert them before you can pass. I studied for about 2 weeks before the class (that was reading over the course manual and reading ahead in my med/surg book about arrythmias because we haven't even covered cardiac in my nursing school yet!) http://www.skillstat.com/Flash/ECG_Sim_2004.html here you go, this is how i taught myself to recognize rhythms for the class.

Now then I felt PALS was a little more difficult, but in the end, it was the same experience I had with ACLS. Just familiarize yourself with your information, write down any questions that you might have in advance and breath! You are a few weeks away from certifying!

I have been searching for this site! Thanks. i couldnt remember the name

+ Add a Comment