Acls

Rollins · Mar 3, 2005

ACLS Certified does not = able to perform ACLS.
I think it's either the very first question on the test or the very last and it goes like this:
When a student is issued an ACLS card, this implies:
a) experitse in ACLS according to the standards of the AHA.
b) licensure to perform the procedures taught in the course.
c) qualification to perform the procedures in a hospital or prehospital setting.
d) successful completion of a course in ACLS according to the standards of the AHA.
ACLS is exactly what bobnurse is saying....an exposure to the protocol.
We have many nurses in our ICU who are not yet ACLS certified. This is changing as our unit has decided to mandate everyone to be ACLS certified after they've been on the unit for one year.
I've renewed my ACLS 3 times over the years. It really didn't sink in until this last time. The first time I was completely lost. The second time was fun and I could grasp the info a little bit more having some ICU experience. The third time was a blast!
Codes NEVER go "by-the-book in the ICU. I really don't see what having the certification proves.
By the way, the answer is d.

That's kinda what I'm saying. What good is the little piece of paper saying you are ACLS certified, if you can't perform it or even actually retain what the class taught you? I'm agreeing with ya'll, people get the certification, but what good is it if you don't know how to use it?

begalli · Mar 3, 2005

... but what good is it if you don't know how to use it?

I think the point is exposure. Familiarizing.

I think my biggest point is that codes don't go by the book in the ICU. Not that we don't follow the algorithms to some extent, but they never start from the beginning and go to the end.

The drugs used in the ICU are the drugs of ACLS. We are constantly investigating why someone's pressure is dropping, or giving amio blouses for a-fib, or ordering chest x-rays for crappy 02 sats, tachycardia (tamponading?).

I feel like some nights are just one long continuous code. With epi drips and external pacemakers, chest tubes and electrolytes, intubations and morphine.

Hope I'm making sense. I'm still up after a very long night at work!! :yawn:

Rollins · Mar 3, 2005

I think the point is exposure. Familiarizing.
I think my biggest point is that codes don't go by the book in the ICU. Not that we don't follow the algorithms to some extent, but they never start from the beginning and go to the end.
The drugs used in the ICU are the drugs of ACLS. We are constantly investigating why someone's pressure is dropping, or giving amio blouses for a-fib, or ordering chest x-rays for crappy 02 sats, tachycardia (tamponading?).
I feel like some nights are just one long continuous code. With epi drips and external pacemakers, chest tubes and electrolytes, intubations and morphine.
Hope I'm making sense. I'm still up after a very long night at work!!

I know what you mean, 2-3 patients with at least 4 drips each, CVP's, A-Lines, PA Lines, ventriculostomies(sp), halos, ARDS, multi-organ failure, Blakemores, JP's, Vents, the list goes on and on. And a nurse that isn't even ACLS certified???? This is my whole point, how can a nurse in an I.C.U. (CVICU in the original post, I think) take care of these type patients if they don't know the basics of Advanced Life Support????

ernurseafterall · Mar 3, 2005

Honestly, you shouldn't be working I.C.U. of any kind without ACLS. I've never worked in a facility where they allowed non-ACLS certified nurses to work in I.C.U. How do you know how much drug to be pulled up or given, or to give what drug for what rhythms? Why is this patient in PEA? If a patient goes into VFIB, do you shock first (how many joules) or push meds. These are just a few examples. You must know these things in order the give appropriate care for your patients, especially in an I.C.U setting.

Actually I am not working in the ICU..in the ER...fully "supervised" by another ACLS nurse. I am not allowed to transport patients up to the floor by myself. I am just beginnning my career but I am confident that I can learn a lot from those around me and all the courses and hands on they are giving me. You have to start somewhere. Believe me, my ER has taken many steps to make sure I am not in over my head.

tridil2000, MSN, RN · Mar 9, 2005

I think the point is exposure. Familiarizing.
I think my biggest point is that codes don't go by the book in the ICU. Not that we don't follow the algorithms to some extent, but they never start from the beginning and go to the end.
The drugs used in the ICU are the drugs of ACLS. We are constantly investigating why someone's pressure is dropping, or giving amio blouses for a-fib, or ordering chest x-rays for crappy 02 sats, tachycardia (tamponading?).
I feel like some nights are just one long continuous code.
HAHAHAHA!!!!:chuckle :chuckle :chuckle :chuckle
so freaking true!
then the sun rises!
With epi drips and external pacemakers, chest tubes and electrolytes, intubations and morphine.
Hope I'm making sense. I'm still up after a very long night at work!!

and fwiw, i think all critical care nurses should get acls after 1 year on the job. it's a reasonable start for a standard.

SthRNBelle · Apr 1, 2005

Try http://www.acls.net You can actually run a code online and it has all your protocols for each rhythm. It has helped me lots. good luck!

Amy RN

Hello everyone. I am just curious about something. I graduated from nursing school in May. I have been working in a CVICU since September. I oriented for about 2 1/2 months and have been on my own for about the same amount of time. When is a good time to take ACLS? I feel like I should be taking it now. Thanks for you input in advance.

witnurse · Apr 2, 2005

Try http://www.acls.net You can actually run a code online and it has all your protocols for each rhythm. It has helped me lots. good luck!
Amy RN

I just came back from ACLS. I wish I had known about this site before :rolleyes: I have been taking ACLS every 2 years for more years than I care to remember. It has certainly gotten a lot easier to pass but I am not sure that is a good thing. We used to have to run a successful mega code before we "passed". Any opinions? Or is this more sour grapes from an old nurse who thinks everyone should have to walk to nursing school in barefeet in a blizzard up a mountain backwards? Just Kidding.

hollyster · Apr 3, 2005

I just came back from ACLS. I wish I had known about this site before I have been taking ACLS every 2 years for more years than I care to remember. It has certainly gotten a lot easier to pass but I am not sure that is a good thing. We used to have to run a successful mega code before we "passed". Any opinions? Or is this more sour grapes from an old nurse who thinks everyone should have to walk to nursing school in barefeet in a blizzard up a mountain backwards? Just Kidding.

ACLS has changed drastically since I started instructing. Back then 50% of a class would fail. If you did pass you were ACLS Certified. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BEING ACLS CERTIFIED ANYMORE. Now we are supposed to remediate until the person passes. When they pass they are an ACLS PROVIDER, NO CERTIFICATION. They took the certification title away when the changed the standards.

I would recommend that after taking ACLS, take part in any code that is called, you can not own the skills unless you practice them. In my facility we(ccu nurses) are the code team. I think that all nurses should take ACLS no matter were they work.

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