Cpr Vs Bcls

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Ok I give up what is the difference between CPR- medical professional and BCLS?

Stupid I know but I have my CPR for Medical Professionals and see ads for BCLS obtained within blah blah of hire date.

Any ideas?

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Is it BLS? I just took Basic Life Support-professional rescuer tonight through the AHA...

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Specializes in Critical Care.

CPR is just the generic name for CardioPulmonary Resuscitation involving chest compressions and respirations.

BLS Healthcare Provider is a specific certification provided by the American Heart Association that requires written and skills demonstrations on not only CPR but other basic skills healthcare providers are expected to provide such as the use of ambu bags with and without oxygen, and AED usage.

There are a billion different CPR courses from more than a few different organizations, some more reputable than others, but unless you take an AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers course you aren't BLS certified.

Does this make sense?

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Specializes in OB - RN, nursing instructor.

I am a AHA instructor. The poster above said it well. If you plan to work in patient care , you will most likely need BLS. Most establishments require it and usually list it in the job description as something they expect you to have. Most accredited programs include this certification in their courses. I usually only teach CPR to office staff, medical coder/billing and such.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I never looked at my CPR card... duh!! Would have answered my questions. But we did have to take the written and got to practice with o2 and the AED. :imbar Thanks for answering.

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