Nurses New Nurse
Published Sep 11, 2011
mo2rn, BSN, RN
293 Posts
Hi all i need some advice i am a recent grad and would like to know if it is necessary to do a iv therapy class and a acls class i checked it out and it is quite expensive. JUst want to know if it will make a significant difference in gaining employment.I have been told that employers usually offer such course or will pay.
MamaCJRN
37 Posts
If the area of nursing you are working in requires a certification (ACLS, PALS, NRP, etc) the hospital will normally send you to the class and pay for it. I never had to take an IV therapy course, just learned OTJ :)
Hope this helps.
sbostonRN
517 Posts
I took ACLS just after graduation but it did not help me get a job. In fact it was a huge waste of money because I ended up working in a nursing home and we call 911 for all codes and do BLS until they arrive. I held off on IV certification and was glad I did because my employer is paying for me to go to a 2-day class this week. They also paid for me to get TPN certified. So unless you're planning to go into a specialty like critical care, I would hold off. I've been told by a few recruiters that it doesn't really give you an edge over another applicant.
Thanks for the advice
picurn1972, RN
27 Posts
dont waste your money
applewhitern, BSN, RN
1,871 Posts
Some job descriptions do say "ACLS required." Some employers pay for this, but others expect you to pay for it and then they re-imburse you when you pass the class. I do not see the need for an IV therapy class, unless you want to take one for PICC lines and such.
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN
1 Article; 20,908 Posts
ACLS....I'd wait.....for IV's....A bunch of links......
http://tinyurl.com/45y9pp6
Music in My Heart
1 Article; 4,109 Posts
I did ACLS, PALS, and a vascular access course immediately upon graduation. I'd do the first two again, just because I know lots of other people are, and because it forces you to get it together because you're doing it with experienced nurses. I wouldn't bother with the latter.
I don't know if the certs helped me in my job hunt but I was gainfully employed and doing my first M/S crash cart inventory withing 6 weeks of licensure.
It may not help, I suppose, but it really couldn't hurt... and it helps you sharpen your knowledge base.
Thanks all and Esme12 those links are great:yeah: