PALS class

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in ER, progressive care.

So I'm taking PALs relatively soon and I have been going through the manual but the amount of information seems overwhelming. For anyone who has taken PALS recently, what should I expect? Is it similar in format to ACLS? Was one easier than the other? I heard that PALS was actually easier for most than ACLS. I know the key thing is that kids are more likely to have respiratory problems/arrest as opposed to cardiac problems/arrest with adults.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Did your instructor(s) give you the link to the online pretest? That should give you an idea of what to expect. But in general, if you can pass ACLS, PALS shouldn't be a problem. Just remember that the Broselow tape is your friend! :) Know your 1 and 2 rescuer CPR for infants and kids, too. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Yes I did the preassessment, it's actually a requirement for our ACLS and PALS classes. Thanks for your input! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family practice, emergency.

Infinitely easier than ACLS, just know your dosing and indications for Epi, Adenosine and Amiodarone. If you can pass ACLS this won't be a challenge! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, trauma.
Infinitely easier than ACLS just know your dosing and indications for Epi, Adenosine and Amiodarone. If you can pass ACLS this won't be a challenge! Good luck![/quote']

I must be the exception...PALS was a beast for me. I studied before but kept mixing up the med dosing amounts (was thinking adults) and had a really hard time managing a mega code. I think sick kids just scare me.

I passed only missing one question on the written exam, and passed the mega code thanks to a very supportive instructor. It all sort of came together when I stopped thinking cardiac and focused more respiratory since most kiddos don't have a positive cardiac history. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm sure you will be just fine. I'm still in nursing school and I just finished PALS last Thursday because my employer offered it. It is centered around knowing good BLS, a few medication dosages for the written exam, and algorithms.

Since I finished literally days ago...

The primary meds are epinephrine, amiodarone, adenosine.

The algorithms are for cardiac arrest, shock, and respiratory distress/failure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Thanks for your replies, everyone! Took my class and passed. It wasn't that bad, really. Just glad it's over and done with it because it was a long day for saving plastic mannequins :lol2:

Yes, I agree with the primary meds - epinephrine, amiodarone, adenosine. Those are really the only ones you need to know including dosages. And of course fluid resuscitation, 20mL/kg boluses.

My advice for those who haven't taken PALS before? Know your algorithms, but also look up on the core cases in the PALS manual.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment