[pani]

Hello everyone. I am just curious about something. I graduated from nursing school in May. I have been working in a CVICU since September. I oriented for about 2 1/2 months and have been on my own for about the same amount of time. When is a good time to take ACLS? I feel like I should be taking it now. Thanks for you input in advance.

[Celia M]

It sounds like you're ready. It's really not that difficult, and most instuctors make it a fun learning experience. Good luck

[begalli]

I agree with the above poster. Now that you've had some exposure to the drugs in your CV experience, it will be easier to grasp and will reinforce what you've learned on the job.

Have fun with it!

[pani]

Thank you guys for your response. I was told before that I should wait at least six months before I take it. Just wanted to know what other people thought. Thanks!

[11:11]

Go read the book and memorize your meds.

Five months, six months whats the difference?

Have you been on codes? Do you feel fairly comfortable. Are you proficient with your basic arrhythmias?

You should be ready-

11

[tridil2000]

Originally Posted by pani

Hello everyone. I am just curious about something. I graduated from nursing school in May. I have been working in a CVICU since September. I oriented for about 2 1/2 months and have been on my own for about the same amount of time. When is a good time to take ACLS? I feel like I should be taking it now. Thanks for you input in advance.

i'm an acls instructor and i think you sound ready.

always remember your basic airway info. also, just know your rhythms and how to treat them.

always treat the patient, not the monitor!

good luck! you'll be fine!

[ernurseok]

I am an ER nurse. I became TNCC, ENPC, and ACLS certified all within 1 year of getting my RN license. I got ACLS last. I think it is a must for anyone in the ICU. It makes working codes much easier. It poses different scenerios and solutions. Working in the ICU, it is often the nurses that run the code until the doctors arrive from the ER. It will help you greatly. Good luck.

Originally Posted by pani

Hello everyone. I am just curious about something. I graduated from nursing school in May. I have been working in a CVICU since September. I oriented for about 2 1/2 months and have been on my own for about the same amount of time. When is a good time to take ACLS? I feel like I should be taking it now. Thanks for you input in advance.

[Tweety]

I took it several months ago. I was very anxious about it, but did very well. I agree that it's important to get the book and study it prior to going into the class. No time like the present. Good luck!

[bobnurse]

Im and ACLS Instructor as well, and i tell students such as you, that you will retain approximately 35 percent of the ACLS class down the road.....So you need to take it really 3 times to get it all down. Some more and some less.....ITs a lot of information to take in during a 2-3 day course.......So if you dont do well during the first class, take it again....Everyone taking it for the first time should retake it in a few months rather than wait the full 2 years.......

[NurseFirst]

Originally Posted by bobnurse

Im and ACLS Instructor as well, and i tell students such as you, that you will retain approximately 35 percent of the ACLS class down the road.....So you need to take it really 3 times to get it all down. Some more and some less.....ITs a lot of information to take in during a 2-3 day course.......So if you dont do well during the first class, take it again....Everyone taking it for the first time should retake it in a few months rather than wait the full 2 years.......

Does that mean the full course, or the re-cert course?

Thanks,

NurseFirst