New grad Suggestions on IV therapy class and ACLS

Nurses New Nurse

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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.

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Specializes in OB-L&D, Post partum, Nursery.

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.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.

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.

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Thanks for the advice

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Specializes in PICU, SICU.

dont waste your money

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Specializes in ICU.

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.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

ACLS....I'd wait.....for IV's....A bunch of links......

http://tinyurl.com/45y9pp6

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

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.

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Thanks all and Esme12 those links are great:yeah:

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