Acls

[leosrain, BSN, RN]

Hi all!

I work on a busy Surgical Oncology unit. We have an occasional code on our floor which is run by the hospitals code team (as opposed to the unit nurses).

My question is...has anyone out there on a surgical floor taken ACLS? Was it useful?

Thanks!

Sean

[caliotter3]

I have just taken ACLS because I plan on getting my first job in acute care and I feel that it could not hurt. Although I hope I never need to use it, I feel better having the experience of practicing the actions and learning about the meds, learning how to read EKG strips again, and using the equipment. Do I anticipate ever joining the team that does codes? No. But I feel better prepared to work on a med/surg floor.

[leosrain, BSN, RN]

Thanks Caliotter3! That helps a lot actually.

[oMerMero]

Taking ACLS can't hurt. You will need to know how to read EKG strips first though. That can be a little difficult if you don't actually use them at work. The important thing to remember during a code when you are on a medsurg unit is start BLS, you don't have to wait for the code team. But I say if you want to take ACLS, go fot it. I find it to be very interesting.

[flashpoint]

Anyone can take ACLS and benefit from it! ACLS isn't intended to train you to read a million strips and run a code single handed like it used to be. Now, ACLS is intended to help you work a code with the help of your coworkers and to take away the fear of the big red cart.