ACLS=not having to have BLS?

Published

At my last job we were required to get our BLS even if we had ACLS (ACLS includes BLS) my current job we do not have to take BLS separately if we have ACLS. What does your job require?

I'm required to have a current BLS and an ACLS and renew both every 2 years. I actually just took ACLS in July and I couldn't even start the class until I showed my valid BLS Card. BLS is reviewed in ACLS but it's not a two for one class, so you'll have to stay valid with both.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
BLS is included in ACLS ... if we have ACLS they give us the certs for both.

This is how our hospital has recently started doing it - you get BLS and ACLS when you take the ACLS recert class.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
So do I have to keep my BLS current to re-take ACLS?

Yes.

Where I take it you have to show proof of BLS to take ACLS or PALS. You can renew your BLS while you are there one hour before the actual ACLS course starts but it is a testing situation only. You walk in are given scenarios and perform them, no coaching and you take the written test.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am pretty sure in order to take ACLS you need to have your BLS card... I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure you still need a CPR card.

Yep, you must have BLS to take the ACLS class . . . sometimes, the AHA class will include BLS recert as a part of the ACLS class.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
So do I have to keep my BLS current to re-take ACLS?

If you take ACLS with AHA, you will have to have a current BLS card; either initial course or retake.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg.

Where I am we took the written BLS test one mornig after shift then a couple of days later we did the BLS station during ACLS. We did PALS a week later.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

You have to have current BLS to take ACLS,...we alternate and take one one year the other the next.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

American Heart Association ACLS courses require that you have a current BLS card to attend UNLESS they are offering BLS along with the ACLS on the same day.

otessa

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.
So do I have to keep my BLS current to re-take ACLS?

You sure do! No BLS Card = Not allowed to take or recert ACLS!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion