Help with ACLS

Specialties CCU

Published

  • Specializes in Quality, Cardiac Stepdown, MICU.

Hey all, I'm a new grad starting on a PCU/cardiac tele floor, and I need my ACLS stat. I have the book and I did about 67% on the pretest. Other than read and reread the book, does anyone know of any other resources (preferable online, and free!) to help me wrap my head around all these drugs and procedures? I'm good with rhythms, but all the algorithms and pharm have my head spinning. Any mnemonics/study aids help you remember? Thanks in advance! :heartbeat

augustluv4

21 Posts

I got some useful reviews from this web where I got my ACLS certified. Under classes/ACLS and check out the links. Hope u find them useful. :)

http://www.pro-cpr.com/

Nyla Maddox

7 Posts

If you have an iPhone, Download CPR game!!! It even has the new c-a-d order. I feel totally prepped for codes. Definitely made me feel competent and it has explain actions for reasoning behind actions! Involves everything real time from chest tubes- blood transfusion- to even the option of attempting a thoracotomy!

Have fun!

Specializes in ICU, CVICU, E.R..

go to this website: http://acls-algorithms.com/

Nothing will get you better prepared than the content on this website. Review the basics, practice the megacodes as well as the megacode videos and you'll be prepared and confident to handle a CODE without an MD available. Handling a CODE is the easy part. Deciphering when to administer treatment modalities on unstable patients prior to coding is the tricky part.

Once you've gone thru the megacodes a few times you'll be amazed at your skill level. You'll know the dosages of Epinephrine, Atropine, Vasopressin, Adenosine etc.. to give as well as starting dopamine, epinephrine or amiodarone drips. The ACLS book is too much info to take and indirectly makes you think the ACLS algorithms is much more than what it really is. A lot of the algorithms are basically the same.

You have to pay a small premium to access the full website, but if you have a few friends who are interested in the ACLS course you guys can divide the cost and share. I had 6 of my co-workers open up our computers, Iphones and an Ipad at work and we can all access the site.

Try the non-member practice megacodes and you'll be hooked.

Our ACLS instructors were very strict and the 6 of us passed easily. Some applicants had to repeat. Good luck!

Specializes in ICU, CVICU, E.R..

Unfortunately I presume those topics would be useless for ACLS prep.

Specializes in ICU, CVICU, E.R..
If you have an iPhone, Download CPR game!!! It even has the new c-a-d order. I feel totally prepped for codes. Definitely made me feel competent and it has explain actions for reasoning behind actions! Involves everything real time from chest tubes- blood transfusion- to even the option of attempting a thoracotomy!

Have fun!

Unfortunately majority of those topics will be useless for ACLS prep. The OP is asking how to get ready for the ACLS and would benefit from a source that focuses only on the ACLS algorithms.

Specializes in ER, progressive care.

For me, it was just read, read, and read again! Rewriting information helps me retain it, even though it is time consuming. Just keep studying those algorithms and pharm and you will get it. I have the ACLS Manual for my iPhone, which is basically the entire ACLS manual in a portable form. Nice to have as a resource.

Also remember that during the megacode testing, you should be allowed to have those ACLS pocket cards with you to use. I didn't end up using them but they were there for guidance if needed.

delphine22

306 Posts

Specializes in Quality, Cardiac Stepdown, MICU.
Also remember that during the megacode testing, you should be allowed to have those ACLS pocket cards with you to use. I didn't end up using them but they were there for guidance if needed.

Oh, that is so awesome. I've been paranoid that I would forget the dosages. Thanks for the tip!

Specializes in Emergency/Trauma/Critical Care Nursing.

my fave site is based on the most recent AHA guidelines and has 4 free online megacode simulators that you have to do compressions, know what meds to give and when, etc. I advise reading the tutorial prep first b/c the simulator goes strictly by the guidelines.

Go to WWW.TRAUMAMEDIC.COM, on the left click LINKS/QUIZZES, and its one of the top links for ACLS megacode simulator.. hope it helps u!

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