Nurses New Nurse
Published Oct 30, 2005
QuilterLPN
105 Posts
any thoughts on how to get ready for ACLS, when I've never had it before? I just finished PALS, and it wasn't that hard, but I've heard that ACLS is harder....
irshnrse
40 Posts
It is more intense than PALS, but not too bad. Just study the book and pre-test and you will do great!!
nursejohio, ASN, RN
284 Posts
I just took ACLS, had the megacode on Thursday and passed (even though my patient died.) It really wasn't as bad as I was afraid it was gonna be, and I passed just fine. Just make sure you know Vtach, Vfib, Asystole and PEA. Those are the main ones you'll be tested on. Good luck :balloons:
KatieBell
875 Posts
Everyone passes ACLS these days. It used to be a very very difficult class- Best thing to do is to actually read the book ahead of time, and then to learn which rhythms are lethal arrhythmias and what to do about them.
In general it is a pretty fun class.
Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN
697 Posts
The best way is like everyone has said, Read the minute you get you book. The good thing is they no longer fail anyone. Every one passes I first took ACLS in 1986 and then it was terrifying. I just freaked out but I passed. study your arrythmias.
I do have one thing to add...When you're defibrillating your pt, make sure you clear the table I don't know about other testers, but one at our hospital is notorious for sneaking a hand or foot onto the table. If you don't notice, and deliver the shock to both the pt and the tester, it's immediate failure. If you remember to do nothing else, clear your table! Good luck again
As far as clearing the table just say, "I'm clear, you're clear, we're all clear", every time and you won't forget!!
HappyNurse2005, RN
1,640 Posts
I was afraid of ACLs, but really, it wasn't bad at all. First of all, you are in a small group w/ a few other people. They told us that in real life, you are never alone, so go ahead and ask for help from your other participants in the group if you need it. SO if we were stumped we could ask another participant.
We were also allowed to use our books in class. We could also use the book onthe test, but we couldnt talk to each other during the test.
They also spoon fed us some of the answers. ONe guy in particular was talking about a commercial tube restraint. Stressed how important it was. Stressed that we might see that again, say, at about question 4. Then as the test was being passed out, he said "ya'll better not get #4 wrong, or you fail"
Of course, they took the stress out of it, which made it easier to pay attention and learn. I really did learn.
Corvette Guy
1,505 Posts
ACLS Simulator
Have fun!
Just Jojo
22 Posts
Hi everyone!
I am supposed to complete the ACLS, but am not sure which book to buy as a study guide. Is one more preferred than the other? Thanks....
sjrn85
266 Posts
Get the ACLS Provider book from AHA. Your testing site should be able to provide it for you; actually, it should be given to you ahead of time as part of the course curriculum.
ctunurse
30 Posts
I am also waiting to take ACLS. I work on a cardiac telemetry unit and I passed cardiac dynamics but am terrified of ACLS.