ACLS class as a student? good or pointless?

procrastinator911, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2012

thank u very much nurseladybug12. The interviews are what I'm worried about, I will take take ur interview tips :-). The acls class was a christmas present from my boyfriend

procrastinator911, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2012

thank u all very much for ur thoughts on the subject :-)

VANurse2010 · Dec 25, 2012

Pointless - it's better in context with a little bit of experience and it's hard to remember all of it anyway if you don't regularly deal with codes.

applewhitern, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2012

I don't understand why anyone would say "you don't really need it." I have worked at hospitals where each floor handles their own codes. You can have a code anywhere; you don't have them just in the ER, OB, or ICU. ACLS has been so "dumbed down" now, it is really quite easy today. We used to be required to intubate both adults and babies, but not anymore. Most of the "respiratory" stuff has been removed from the way I remember it in the 80's. Not all places of employment have "code teams." Plus, even if you do, there can always be 2 codes going on at once. Go ahead and get the certification, and keep it current. You would rather be the nurse who has ACLS and PALS, rather than the one who don't.

on eagles wings, ASN, RN · Dec 25, 2012

Its a good class, especially if you plan on working in a critical care area. I'd do it!

essT · Dec 25, 2012

I got a number of certifications before I completed my BSN including ACLS, PALS, and NRP. I learned a lot from all of them and it was a good way to continue to synthesize and apply what I'd learned in my critical care classes. Though I think I will retake whichever courses apply to my area of nursing when I start working, I do not regret jumping in while still in school. My classmates and I were able to get a great group discount on the courses and shared manuals.

I got interviews for the first two jobs I applied for, and I can't help but wonder if my certifications and professional organization affiliations contributed since I don't have hospital experience. One of the applications wanted an essay about certs and continuing education specifically, saying it showed commitment to the profession. Can't help but agree. Asking "if it's worth it" depends on how one defines "worth it," and I have no regrets.

on eagles wings, ASN, RN · Dec 25, 2012

I got a number of certifications before I completed my BSN including ACLS, PALS, and NRP. I learned a lot from all of them and it was a good way to continue to synthesize and apply what I'd learned in my critical care classes. Though I think I will retake whichever courses apply to my area of nursing when I start working, I do not regret jumping in while still in school. My classmates and I were able to get a great group discount on the courses and shared manuals.
I got interviews for the first two jobs I applied for, and I can't help but wonder if my certifications and professional organization affiliations contributed since I don't have hospital experience. One of the applications wanted an essay about certs and continuing education specifically, saying it showed commitment to the profession. Can't help but agree. Asking "if it's worth it" depends on how one defines "worth it," and I have no regrets.

this. so true! it does show commitment to the profession & knowledge.

medicbren · Dec 25, 2012

WOW...that's all I can say...WOW

Firstly, now I understand why codes in the hospital are run horribly. No one wants to learn the proper methods unless they are compelled to by job requirements.

Secondly, I am an AHA instructor with specialties in BLS, ACLS, PALS and NRP. I also am an instructor for ASHI in BLS, ACLS, and PALS. I am also a 20 year paramedic currently finishing my BSN.

I hate to say it, but nurses and docs that cross my path are usually the least prepared and most apprehensive about the algorythms. I fail them the most often due to pure inability to pass. Currently, with the new course design it is practically impossible to fail!

I say this not to be mean, but to bring awareness that these are not "maybe" courses. If you are planning on working in a hospital/ECF and you are touching a patient you need these classes. Saving a life shouldn't be about job interviews and "is it worth it." OF COURSE IT"S WORTH IT!!!

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2012

Pointless. You won't remember squat about it unless you have some solid clinical experience to hang that hat on to help you remember it. I agree with ^ that codes aren't being run as well, but IMHO that's because a lot of students think it would be swell to take ACLS when they can't even recognize Wenckebach or a noncapturing pacer on a short strip. We used to laugh at new grads who thought they'd be taking charge of the floor in six months; now we chuckle at the ones who confidently declare they've taken all these advanced certifications and think that should make them irresistible to an HR department. Please.

Wait until you've had some experience, then have your employer pay for it. You will have much more to be confident about.

Do-over, ASN, RN · Dec 25, 2012

Pointless. You won't remember squat about it unless you have some solid clinical experience to hang that hat on to help you remember it. I agree with ^ that codes aren't being run as well, but IMHO that's because a lot of students think it would be swell to take ACLS when they can't even recognize Wenckebach or a noncapturing pacer on a short strip. We used to laugh at new grads who thought they'd be taking charge of the floor in six months; now we chuckle at the ones who confidently declare they've taken all these advanced certifications and think that should make them irresistible to an HR department. Please.

Wait until you've had some experience, then have your employer pay for it. You will have much more to be confident about.

I agree.

I took ACLS many years ago while pursuing a paramedic license (before I was practicing as anything) and was completely lost. Didn't go back after the first day. Granted, the course was harder then.

I took it again a couple of months after starting my first RN position and I did well, and it helped, but it wasn't until I worked for awhile and participated in codes/rapid responses and then re-certed that I began to feel comfortable with the skills.

As far as becoming more attractive to empoyers, I don't see why it would help. Frankly, I think brand-new nurses are only going to be capable of chest compressions during codes and hiring managers are going to know that whatever knowledge you gain is purely academic and not really going to be useful to you or the unit until there is experience to go with it.

Plus, if you aren't working - save your money. Your future employer will likely pay for the class AND pay your hourly wage while you are taking the class.

medicbren · Dec 26, 2012

I didnt have clinical experience back in 1992 when I took my first ACLS course. Thats a crap reason and an excuse to not challenge yourself. Your primary focus going into this profession is SUPPOSED to be providing good patient care. If you don't know how to do badic CPR, draw up the appropriate epi dose, lido/amio dose and can't tell a ventricular from atrial rythym then you have no business working in this profession. Its not hard...geesh. I am shocked a forum of supposed professionals are telling a new nurse not to come prepared and educated. I shared this thread with my EMS/Nursing friends... Suffice to say we are surprised but then not at the same time.To the question asker: spend $200 bucks, get at least your ACLS. Call the FD in your area, you may be able to get it for free or on the cheap. Take what you will learn in those 2 days and maintain it. Trust me, both for your patient's sake and your own. You don't need 30 years of clinical experience to understand it and learn from it!

Do-over, ASN, RN · Dec 26, 2012

Would you really expect a new-grad nurse to be able to quickly and compentently draw up meds or interpret a rhythm during a code or rapid response? Of course not, and most certainly not if it was their own patient that was coding. And no, that doesn't mean that they "have no business in the profession". None of us leapt from our mother's wombs as a competant nurse.

Being new is more than enough of a challenge. Save the extra certifications for after you have at least a few months on the floor.

Of course, if you really think it will help you get a job, then, do what you got to do.