ACLS Certified. So now what?

[us2uk4u]

I just received my ACLS certification last week. What will this allow me to do exactly as an RN? To be honest, I just signed up for it because I was informed it will look attractive on my resume. I have to say it was definitely not an easy class.

[JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN]

It will allow you to respond to codes and know what you're doing.

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

A lot of jobs like CCU, ICU or ER require ACLS, so yes, it will look good on a resume as well as provide you with extra knowledge.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I am sure this is not you OP. But, so many are getting certified for this and that that it's become like getting a girlscout badge. Someone I went to school with told me that she was sure that nobody would actually ask her to help in a code. She got ACLS certified so it would help her get a job. That's all.

[klone, MSN, RN]

It will allow you to respond to codes and know what you're doing.

In theory, anyway. I got my certification over a year ago because it's required as part of my job doing PACU care. In reality, I would have no clue.

[strawberryheartRN]

I got ACLS certified because I want to go into critical care so yes on a resume it shows that you took initiative. But honestly the class was so fast paced if I have a chance to take the class again at my hospital or something I would definitely sit in on it. In the meantime Ive been studying EKG stuff and the icufaqs.org book has some good tips and scenarios for codes...helps me feel a little bit more prepared. I most definitely would not feel prepared to be the one RUNNING the code tho!

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

ACLS gives you the basics of running a Code. It's up to you to understand the concepts behind what they do and why. ACLS won't help you much in the way of interpreting EKG strips. You're just supposed to recognize what the lethal arrythmias are and know how to react to those in a standardized way. Some facilities and EMS systems have their personnel do things in a way that is different from "standard" ACLS... but all personnel are expected to follow that protocol/Standing Order.

After doing these classes a few times, it really will feel like you're taking some kind of merit badge course...

Take an ACLS course for some education in running a code. If you have some Paramedics or Physicians in the course, pay attention to them and how they organize things. The most important thing... don't panic. Keep your head about you, watch the monitor for rhythm changes, watch the patient because sometimes the equipment doesn't work right, and remember the ABC's... When all else fails, go back to ABC and look at the problem.

And know that sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing.

[Perpetual Student]

In theory, anyway. I got my certification over a year ago because it's required as part of my job doing PACU care. In reality, I would have no clue.

You at least have some idea of what to do, I'm sure. Study your hospital's P&P regarding codes, review your algorithms, and familiarize yourself with your unit's defibrillator.

One nice thing about working in the PACU is that there is usually help available quickly. In the full-on codes I've been in there has been an anesthesiologist present for a couple of minutes prior to the patient going into VF or PEA. The pre-code indicators are usually noticed because the PACU RN is able to stay right on top of the patient, allowing early intervention (and often prevention of an arrest). Review the bradycardia algorithm and be prepared to intervene appropriately for the symptomatic patient (i.e. know how to start pacing).

[Tait, MSN, RN]

I took ACLS to increase my confidence during codes and critical situations on my floor.

You get out of it what you put into it in my opinion.

[JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN]

In theory, anyway. I got my certification over a year ago because it's required as part of my job doing PACU care. In reality, I would have no clue.

Good point. Despite being ACLS certified and participating in many codes, I never felt like I truly knew exactly what I was doing until after my 1st recertification class. When I was able to fly through that without questioning my answers, I felt a lot more like I knew ACLS.

[PackerBackerRN]

Did you not pay attention to the class? The whole purpose of it is to show how to run a code and know what medications to give and when to give them. It also teaches you when to shock someone and with how many joules. This is the basic information you need to be able to participate effectively in a code, which will ideally save the patient's life!

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

ACLS gives you the basics of running a Code. It's up to you to understand the concepts behind what they do and why. ACLS won't help you much in the way of interpreting EKG strips. You're just supposed to recognize what the lethal arrythmias are and know how to react to those in a standardized way. Some facilities and EMS systems have their personnel do things in a way that is different from "standard" ACLS... but all personnel are expected to follow that protocol/Standing Order.

After doing these classes a few times, it really will feel like you're taking some kind of merit badge course...

Take an ACLS course for some education in running a code. If you have some Paramedics or Physicians in the course, pay attention to them and how they organize things. The most important thing... don't panic. Keep your head about you, watch the monitor for rhythm changes, watch the patient because sometimes the equipment doesn't work right, and remember the ABC's... When all else fails, go back to ABC and look at the problem.

And know that sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing.

don't forget the 5 H's and T's