ACLS should always be 2 days and in person!

[Emergent, RN]

I'm of strong opinion that courses like ACLS should NEVER be taught via a computer program. Worksheets, reading materials, practice tests are okay, but not the course itself.

I also feel strongly that everyone should ALWAYS complete both days. No skipping day one if recertifying. Even in the ER, codes are rare. These skills are too important the teach in a half-assed fashion.

[Kyrshamarks, BSN, RN]

Codes are "rare"? Not where I work. we have an average of 3 to 4 a week. Sometimes many more.

[guest769224]

Codes are "rare"? Not where I work. we have an average of 3 to 4 a week. Sometimes many more.

Same with my ER. 75 bed, level 1

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

The computer program is a PITA. I like the old way better.

[VANurse2010]

Uh, no. Two days for initial certification? Sure. One day is sufficient for renewal.

[Emergent, RN]

3-4 codes a week in a big ER is not a lot. Most of our codes come in with a code in progress. It's much more unusual for some of the other scenarios presented by ACLS, especially when your patient population dominated by lots of non-emergencies.

My point being, ACLS, PALS, etc, are important courses. The trend towards doing it online is not a good one. We should not water down these vital courses.

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

I do think the new way of presenting it online is really cool. I tried to kill a couple of the patients by choosing hare-brained interventions (like giving atropine for tachycardia), but the computer program kept them going.

[anon456, BSN, RN]

Having just performed compressions on an infant recently at work, I can tell you that practicing on the mannequins was essential for me to know what to do. My hands remembered from my training. How can you practice these things without touching mannequins and other skills like applying pads and drawing up meds in real time?

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Codes are "rare"? Not where I work. we have an average of 3 to 4 a week. Sometimes many more.

Mine either. 50 bed community hospital.

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I disagree! I have been a medic for going on 12 years and have done ACLS for just as long, and I feel there is not need for a two day ACLS course for the experienced provider. I agree that newer providers or those who do not use ACLS often should go for the full day or two days, but I definitely do not feel myself and other people who use it fairly frequently should have to sit through two days of class!!

I am guessing you must be fairly new at ACLS OP??

Annie

[AdobeRN]

I disagree - if you are experienced why waste your time to do the 2 day course - I think you should take what works for you - when I was working in the hospital I did the 2 day PALS certification course just because we rarely used those skills (I worked pedi Med-surg & our hospital did not have a Pedi ICU - if kids were in bad shape we transferred them out).

I no longer work in the hospital and work as a school nurse I don't ever use those skills (thankfully). PALS is not required for my job but I keep my certification current - I do take the 2 day course just to stay on top of things.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Initial certification should be two days hands on, for sure. And your ACLS instructor's course should always be in person, even the recerts. The discussions about "How would you handle this guy with crummy attitude" or "How would you answer this question?' are valuable. But ACLS provider recerts -- one day is plenty.