stupid question from a student

jhushon · Dec 13, 2004

Hi everyone,
I was hoping that eventaully I will be an ER nurse, but that is a goal for the future, right now I'm trying to figure out this whole school thing. I will graduate with a BSN in 2 years.
Anyway what are these certificates? ACLS, PALS, ENPC, and TNCC?
how long to they take to get? and are they al mandatory or recomended? are they specific for ER or other areas too?
i know that time learning on other floors is recomended and I'm willing to take the time to make sure I do this right, so thanx, SR

:)

All of the certifications you mentioned are a good idea (and some mandatory) to work in the ER. But don't worry about that stuff now. Just concentrate on what you're doing.

ACLS is mandatory in every ER I've worked in, (I'm a traveler and have worked in about 15 ER's) However, when I started in ER, the department gave me 6 monthes to get it. (by the way it stands for "advanced cardiac life support" and teaches you what to do in the event of cardiac arrest etc. It is a 2 day class)

PALS, TNCC and ENPC are very useful classes, but not mandatory in all ER's. It just depends on the patient population they serve.

I know there are a lot of departments that will hire you right out school into the ER but I found my year working on the general M/S floor very helpful. Just getting your skills down pat and learning priorities and honing critical thinking goes a long way.

Hope this helps

diddoms · Dec 13, 2004

There is no such thing as a stupid question, just dumb answers.

Heartattaq · Dec 14, 2004

Hi everyone,
I was hoping that eventaully I will be an ER nurse, but that is a goal for the future, right now I'm trying to figure out this whole school thing. I will graduate with a BSN in 2 years.
Anyway what are these certificates? ACLS, PALS, ENPC, and TNCC?
how long to they take to get? and are they al mandatory or recomended? are they specific for ER or other areas too?
i know that time learning on other floors is recomended and I'm willing to take the time to make sure I do this right, so thanx, SR

ACLS- Advanced Cardiac Life Support

PALS- Pediatric Advanced Life Support

TNCC- Trauma Nursing Core Course

ENPC- Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course.

I know the first three can be obtained in a weekend I am unsire of ENPC.

The ER I work in does not Mandate that you have them but they really push us to get them. We do however have to have Cardiac Arrest Response (a toned down ACLS) and Lead two interpretation

Katnip, RN · Dec 14, 2004

The ER where I work requires ACLS and PALS. Don't worry about getting that yet. We're given 6 months to get it after starting work, and the hospital pays for them. DON'T pay for them out of your own pocket.