acls classes easier then pals?

[aeronursenj]

I may be moving to the ICU from the pediatric ER and have heard numerous opposing opinions. I have to take my ACLS for the new unit and was told by some that ACLS is easier then the PALS, while other people tell me that ACLS is harder. Any opinions?

Thanks

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

I think that they were both equally they same, I learned a lot from both, I think I learned more from the PALS instructors as they had a lot of expereince and where I went for my PALS class it was run differently

[noelia23RN]

I have not taken PALS but I will soon since I want to be a CRNA. From what I have heard they are pretty comparable. I do think ACLS is pretty easy though, but I might just think it because I deal with it on everday basis. The first time though is a little bit nerve wrecking because you don't know what to expect, but believe me everything makes sense, don't worry about it, you'll do fine!!!:)

[wsuRN09]

They were about the same for me, but it may depend on your instructors and/or where you take the class. However, if you've passed one, the other shouldn't be a problem for you.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

acls was easier for me my first time because i only cared for an adult population up to that point. when i first took pals i had never cared for pediatric or infant patients. now that i have cared for both in an er setting, i think both will be relatively the same when i renew.

[Fribblet]

Going to second all the posters who said they were pretty much the same.

[katkonk, BSN, RN]

I found PALS to be much easier than ACLS. However, it often depends on your instructor and how much detail they require you to know. The difficulty of ACLS classes varies widely, depending on the instructor and the rigor of the training.

[ObtundedRN, BSN, RN]

Regardless, ACLS is pretty easy. I've never heard anyone say that it was difficult. So if anyone tells you that it is more difficult than PALS, don't worry, it is still a very easy class.

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

About the same for me too. I enjoyed PALS much better though since I primarily work with the kiddos

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

Neither of them is difficult IMO. They have both been very much dumbed down in the last 10 years. I think PALS is a cake walk, almost to the point of their being no reason to even take it. Once you have had ACLS, there is no new information in PALS.

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

I have taken both ACLS and PALS numerous times and didn't feel either one was too difficult. Since you primarily worked with peds, ACLS might be a little harder. Just make sure you review the material before the course and you will do fine. Good luck:nurse:

[RNKPCE]

I take them on alternate years and neither are too hard. They reinforce each other. I use more ACLS in my job then PALS which probably makes ACLS a little easier.