ACLS certification

[jwconn1104]

Hey! I'm relatively new to the site, and I have a question for any of you who have gotten/are educated about the ACLS certification.

Basically, I'm a first year ASN student and I'm hoping to get my ACLS certification over the summer before things get crazy again with school next year. I'll be taking some classes, but I should have time to go through the initial certification course. I'm not the brightest person in the world, but I'm not about to downplay myself either.

My question is this: Is it feasible? I have close to zero ECG experience, but I'm willing to study before starting the course. I spoke with an AHA rep the other day, and she informed me that they would educate me on how to read ECGs while at the course, but she is an AHA rep, and they want my money just like anyone else.

Please tell me if you think it's feasible, and let me know if you know of any ECG/pre-ACLS study materials that are out there.

Thanks!

James

[EDRN-2010]

For $100, through the AHA you can buy the course online. Then you can learn it at your own pace. After you go through the material, do practice code scenarios, practice quizzes, etc, you take the final exam. Once you pass the final you just need to go take the skills test in person. I spent 2 months during my senior year of nursing school on the online portion, practicing identifying rhythm strips, codes, medications, etc and easily passed the skills portion at my local hospital for $40. I liked the online package because I could look at the EKG strips over and over, look at and print the algorithms as much as I wanted, and never felt rushed to learn it all in 2 days. Online is not for everyone but for me I certainly feel I retained a good amount studying at my own pace.

Good Luck! I am no genius and if I can do it (with no previous medical experience) you can too if you really want to.

Thanks. I think I'm going to go for it. One of my friends has an ACLS book, and I think I'm going to learn some basic rhythms via AHA course. I should be able to do it. I'm just going to have to make some time, I suppose.