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

[danh3190]

I think they're both easy. PALS has less emphasis on meds and you're pretty much always right if you make sure you have an airway, give O2, and reassess.

[back2bRN]

They are both easier than they were in years gone by...they are still both challenging if you DON'T prepare!!! So yes they can be simple but do the book work, walk through the scenarios and you will be well prepared.

[TravelinCEN]

I am both an ACLS instructor and PALS instructor. There is actually a great deal of difference between the material; however, both are about the same degree of difficulty.

PALS scares people more because it the patient is a child. Most students say that although they value every life, working on and possibly loosing a child would be horrible. So, that it the main fear.

As for the comment that the content has been "dumbed down".... I will be the first to tell you that the intimidation factor has decreased in classess. There is much more of an emphasis on team concept in resuscitation. That does not mean that we have decreased the quality of the content.

I say this with all seriousness, please study. Please know be familiar with with what may happen. You may have to work on my kid one day....