ACLS....is the exam hard?

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hey guys got a question:D

just passed NCLEX and now im getting an ACLS after my BLS so that i can write something in my resume hehehe....

just a quick question though to anyone who has passed ACLS....

is it hard? is there a high chance of probability of failing or will it be just like BLS? is the questions just like NCLEX?:D thanks for replying guys

I did it back in 1991, it took about 20 minutes and was VERY intense. I am not sure what they are like now. Its where a simulated patient that has coded ( had a heart attack ). You go through the motions of what steps you would take, such as intubation, checking lung sounds, CPR, IV start, assesing the patient and EKG, giving cardiac meds, etc.

Here is a link to a youtube video of 2 paramedic instructors doing a megacode demo to help prepare their students

seeing this video makes me want to move my lesson date hehehehe...this is intense...thanks for sharing!

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

The questions are not like NCLEX. The questions are the same style as BLS. If you already passed NCLEX you will do fine!

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Specializes in LDRP.

Definitely not anything to stress over! Yes, you will need to pay attention, and yes you will need to study the material they give you, but if you're paying $200+, they're going to make sure you get certified. I'm still in nursing school, haven't even taken the NCLEX yet, and I passed the ACLS test after studying for about 30 minutes for it. It was like a cardiology and EKG review from advanced med/surg, and I didn't even have to study as long as I would have for an advanced M/S test.

As for the "mega code," I'm sure it's different for each place, but my ACLS instructor just had us each practice chest compressions and ambu-bag breathing on the dummy, and asked our class questions about what we would be expected to do if a patient were experiencing symptomatic bradycardia, v-tach, SVT, asystole, PEA, etc.

Put in some effort and study, and you'll do fine! :clown:

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Specializes in Telemetry, Step-Down, Med-Surg, LTC, PACU.

I am doing mine Tuesday... and starting to freak out lol! I am trying to prepare a bit for the class but have never been in a real code so I feel like I am going to be like HUHH?

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95% of Acls is being able to interpret the rhythm correctly. Once you can do this, you have one of four algorithms to apply: pea/ asystole, pulses vtach/ vfib, too fast or too slow. The algorithms are pretty straight forward once you've selected the correct one. In a real code, it will be the docs ordering the meds/ defibrillator. I highly recommend skill stats online ecg simulator for practice before your course starts

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