ACLS class as a student? good or pointless?

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I will be graduating in May with my BSN in nursing. I don't have any healthcare experience at all, except maybe volunteering years ago. I was in the military 4yrs ago (so I have that experience). A lot of other students are working in healthcare and I'm not. I was thinking of taking an acls certification class in a few weeks. I really wanted to take the pals certification class (well both of them) since i hope to work in peds but the pals is a little more expensive. Anyway, I was hoping this would help build my resume. Any thoughts?????

Thanks for all the opinions. Just for clarification, I don't expect to get a job based on certifications. I would just like to have something extra besides clinical experiences. I do have a general interest in learning the concepts to better myself. And I don't expect to know everything from the class. I just hope it helps me understand a little more. And as far as the "pointless" in my question I just meant as a student and learning the concepts, will it be too hard to grasp concepts since I'm not working in the field. Thanks for all the advice!!!

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

I would never advise a student to pay out of pocket for ACLS or PALS. In my region - employer-paid courses are standard for those that need them to work, and a lack of current certification does not deter employers otherwise inclined to consider candidates who are either new grads or with experience in other areas who are not familiar with ACLS or PALS.

The responses on this thread stating that it is not necessary for you to take the class as student at your own expense are referring to this point ... not that ACLS/PALS is not needed to successfully work in acute care areas where it is required.

Lots of resources available to begin to learn the concepts, without paying for a class. Taking the class with fellow new hires where you will actually be working will be more valuable.

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You do not need ACLS to understand basic CPR. That's what BLS is for, and ACLS is not required in all areas of acute practice.

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!
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well took my acls class and passed w/o retake. I enjoyed the class. Glad I did it, especially since we are covering cardiac during our first week back to school and will be going over arrhythmias, hopefully it gives me the upper hand come time for the test lol

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I graduated from nursing school with my BSN in December and recieved my ACLS certification the summer prior to graduation. I have worked on a busy oncology/step down unit for 5 months and not only did my certification (along with 2 years of telemetry monitor experience and 4 years on PCA experience) assist in landing my job, but it has also has served me greatly in several code experiences where I have personally initiated ACLS protocol (after being off orientation for 3 days in fact). Likewise, I have RNs with decades of experience come to me personally for assistance in rhythm identification and treatment plans for such rhythms. Although cardiology is my personal niche (I will be attending the University of Michigan Ann Arbor this fall for my ACNP degree with a specialty in cardiology) I think it is safe to say that new grad status does not equal incompetence/unconfidence. You know yourself - go for it, stride to be the best and it is a very helpful certification to hold for anyone working in direct patient care. Best of luck!

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hi! don't bother and don't waste your cash. also, a lot of the acls material won't make sense unless you have been in a code situation, have experience with meds (like epi!) and unless you're going directly to ED/ICU/etc it would make more sense to have your hospital pay for it (and pay your salary for you to attend!). Want to build your new grad resume? get a CNA (or whatever your state calls a licensed nursing aide) job STAT.

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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![/quote']

Exactly this!!!!! This new grad "wasted" money and got ACLS, PALS, ENPC and is scheduled for TNCC- and what did it get me? An ER job, that's what. Additionally, I have been an L&D nurse for 6mon while getting the certifications. They were challenging, but just because I'm knew doesn't mean that (a) I didn't understand or (b) I was "lost".

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Yes, employers do pay for these classes- but in a saturated market if I were the manager I'm not spending additional funds when there are new grads available who have already taken initiative and gotten their certifications.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Specializes in ICU.
Yes, employers do pay for these classes- but in a saturated market if I were the manager I'm not spending additional funds when there are new grads available who have already taken initiative and gotten their certifications.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

Exactly! There are so many candidates for any given position because the market is so oversaturated with new grads that know nothing beyond nursing school that I think in some jobs even one extra certification might make the difference between getting hired and not hired. I was just looking at one hospital in my state that requires ACLS for all of its ICU job postings... and I want to work in ICU badly but I don't have my ACLS certification yet. Why would they hire me over someone who already does when they specifically list that it's necessary? I feel like I shouldn't even bother applying until I get the certification. I'm going to pony up the cash and take an ACLS class next month.

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I was always told that it shows initiative and a desire to progress yourself and improve.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Specializes in Maternal Newborn.

Many jobs I see posted, say ACLS and/or PALS required. The school I'm attending next month for ABSN (Samuel Merritt University) suggests you take these courses during or shortly after the program. Any additional certifications/volunteer/etc. may make your resume "stand out" especially compared to other new grads.

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Specializes in Emergency, LTC.
well took my acls class and passed w/o retake. I enjoyed the class. Glad I did it, especially since we are covering cardiac during our first week back to school and will be going over arrhythmias, hopefully it gives me the upper hand come time for the test lol

I feel it definitely helped me understand my course curriculum better. However, I just interviewed for an ER Residency position and the manager really wasn't SUPER impressed I had gotten it since they provide the classes upon orientation anyways.

So I guess it really depends on the Hospitals and region whether they find it desirable or not.

-emerjensee

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