ACLS should always be 2 days and in person!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

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.

Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

I just did the recert yesterday. 1 day was plenty. I've been doing this for years and have attended a lot of codes. If you don't feel confident I guess the option exists for you to sign up for the 2 day class each time instead of the 1 day.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

I just used the computer program to recertify and hated it (I spent so much time trying to learn where all the buttons were on the menu, and kept getting dinged for things like not specifying to flush the IV after starting it- when I consider flushing PART of an IV start, plus it was not necessary to specify flushing in the PALS computer simulation I had just taken), but I agree with Horseshoe that it's a complex skill set for which the existing training is either not nearly enough or way too much, depending on the nurse's work setting.

When I was a floor nurse dealing with a handful of codes a year, even the two-day in person course wasn't enough to make me confident in a code, and now that I'm an ER nurse who sees codes weekly or more often, even just doing it on the computer made me want to bash my head in to the wall in boredom and frustration.

We do our BLS certification on the computerized dummies now on our own time, though, which I thought was pretty cool, both that we can just go to the lab whenever is convenient on our own, not have to come in for an instructor-led session, and that they can actually tell you your exact percentage of good compressions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
You do realize that ACLS renewal is traditionally 1 day? The initial cert is 2 days? As for codes in the ER, it depends on the ER. Our ER sees codes frequently because we have a cath lab.

I do not agree with how they do ACLS at my current facility. I had to renew early and another girl who was hired with me never took the class before. They had us in the same class but split us up later on. I think renewals and initial ACLS classes need to be separate. They also forgot to give her a book so I had to give her a quick run down of the drugs.

After reading this thread, I think it would be nice if one had the choice between 1 and 2 day recertification when they signed up. Someone who feels comfortable in their skills could sign up for the one day, but someone who feels they need two days could sign up for that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I took my ACLS in one day (10 hours). Learned a great deal. Glad I didn't have to do 2 days. Anyone in Costa Mesa, I took it at NEC. Excellent instructors. Made it fun and informative.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Two days In ACLS...... I would shot myself. I work in a busy ED also. Not only do we perform codes on a regular but we transcutaneous and cardiovert. In the ED you see codes, svt, symptomatic bradycardia... Etc, others things that keeps you using your skills learned in ACLS, no need for two days. A one day refresher is plenty

Haha I would shoot myself too! One day refresher is plenty!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree completely. No matter how many times you do it in your head, the real thing is very different. Even in practice sessions. Someone is watching, it's important, nerves do kick in. The real thing is stressful and the more you physically practice in front of people the better your mind will go on auto pilot. 45 years Critical Care. Been there, done that taught that for 7 years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm taking mine over a 2 day period only because the one day option was from 9am-9pm. There's no way I would sit in a class for 12 hrs and be able to retain anything by the end of the day.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

I work in a step-down unit and we are required to have ACLS. We get pulled to the ICU and go down to the ED during trauma alerts. We typically have about 3-5 codes per month (hospital-wide). We use the online certification & renewal for ACLS and it is NOT enough! Some of my nurses have never been to a code, and when they go they are totally clueless! It got so bad during one code, afterwards our Clinical Educator had a mandatory "where do the pacer pads go and how to turn on the machine" education (seriously! the whole code was run with only the ECG lines attached and the AED in the OFF position for a severe bradycardic event).

We as a whole keep requesting that the training be in-person and for the two-days (for initial) but it falls on deaf ears. I'm told that it is much cheaper to do it this way. That may be true, but cheaper isn't always better and when lives are on the line you want personnel that are highly trained!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree that ACLS has been dumb downed (or is it dumbed down?). There are kind of two parts to the ACLS concept. Wittnessed sudden cardiac or respiratory event in the public area or in a hospital. What is the best immediate response within the first 5 to 10 minutes that will save a life.

It has to be simple basic interventions, these simple basic steps keep the heart/brain functioning. Good quality compressions (BLS), airway support, (good bag/mask is better in the first 5 - 10 minutes than trying to intubate). Electricity, an AED or the crash cart. These are more emphasized and taught now in ACLS than part two when the patient can be transferred to a higher level of care. What drugs do we need, is it a Wenkebach or Mobitz II, do we need a pacemaker, even intubation should be delayed until part two.

I don't know about you nay sayers but I have strong memories from ACLS of years ago...lets intubate, what drugs to give, staring at the cardiac monitor..what rhythm is that, taking precedence over good quality bag/mask or compressions.

I think what is being taught now is more effective. I think I have the AHA association to back me up on that?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I really have mixed feelings about this. With my PALS recert coming up soon, I'm really glad I only have to go for one day. I've done the live classes and the computer classes, and I think they both have their pros and cons. I had fun trying to kill my patient when I did the computer based training, so it made the whole experience less grueling. On the other hand, live classes provide the opportunity for Q&A, and sharing "war stories", which I really enjoy.

I've seen some people pass ACLS that have no business passing, and felt that ACLS should be tougher. But on the other hand, scaring the daylights out of people and making them cry isn't a good teaching technique either, and it makes people even more nervous in real life situations, which can impede proper, timely interventions.

In the end, I don't think it matters much, so long as people learn the material and are prepared to act appropriately when needed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

For new providers, those that don't have codes frequently, and when the new changes come out for ACLS and PALS it should be a two day class. For experienced providers, ICU, CCU, Trauma, and ER absolutely recert should be one day. The dummy computer program only teaches you how to point and click!! Everyone should have face to face and hands on no matter one day or two day class.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/PACU.

We need mock codes in our units. They are either never or rarely done in all the hospitals I've worked at, which has been many. For someone who has taken the class many times, this would be much more useful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment