ACLS, how much prep for the class

RED1984, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 18, 2014

I took it in March, it was fun! Don't really need to know heart blocks at all. Do NEED to know the algorithms, main drugs, and how to detect NSR, A-fib, V-fib, PEA, and Asystole on the monitor. I skimmed through the whole book the night before the course and passed without difficulty. Mind you, I had just finished our Cardiology unit in nursing school so most of the info was still fresh in my mind.

Good Luck :)

RED1984, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 18, 2014

Oh- and look at the check offs in the back of the book. That's what you're tested on (practical) and there's a 50-60 multiple choice test portion as well.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jul 18, 2014

are you doing the didactic portion online or with a book? We pay our staff 10 hours to do the online portion plus the skills lab. That should tell you something. Some people look at the material more frequently or work in areas where it is used. Others don't, so they have a harder time. Almost everyone passes though

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2014

I take the renewal in 2 weeks. I plan on studying for atleast 3-4 days. Hope it helps me to pass !

RN9742 · Jul 18, 2014

I took it before I graduated and had to take an online pre-test first. I also took an EKG class prior to the acls, i really think that helped. There are a ton of YouTube videos that are super helpful as well. Aside from that i just went over the book the best i could. I passed no problem.

blondie1887 · Jul 19, 2014

I took it before I graduated and had to take an online pre-test first. I also took an EKG class prior to the acls, i really think that helped. There are a ton of YouTube videos that are super helpful as well. Aside from that i just went over the book the best i could. I passed no problem.

yea, that would have been a great idea but I didn't think of it until too late. I already learned all the dysrhythmias but don't know AV blocks, are these are hard. I am taking a 2 day class from 8:30 to 4pm. I am spending today reading the book then going to spend the next few morning going over ekgs and online stuff. I hope this will prepare me well enough because my parents paid for this class and don't want to ask for more than one class if I fail.

Dranger · Jul 19, 2014

Absolutely none IMO, the rhythms aren't difficult...very very basic.

blondie1887 · Jul 21, 2014

Absolutely none IMO, the rhythms aren't difficult...very very basic.

So there's nothing funny looking? like the st segment elevation? I have been reading the book, a few hours each day, almost wondering if I'm wasting my time reading the whole things.

RNKPCE · Jul 21, 2014

Has become much easier than when I first started taking it. Being the team leader for the the scenarios is so much easier too. You have a team to help you. If you use all or some portion in your RN position you shouldn't have to study too much. If the material is new or you don't use it on your unit you will need to spend more time. Know how to recognize VFib, VTach, Aystoler, PEA, SR,SB,ST and the algorithms that go with them. Study any practice questions and use the web site skillstat for extra practice.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 21, 2014

The rhythms presented in class and tested on can vary, depending on the presenter.

I have had to call a SVT vs PAT, complete heart block vs a slow second degree block, etc. Can be a little tricky even for a fossil like me.

If you know your basic arrhythmias, you can take some time to learn the ones you are unfamiliar with.

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2014

SkillStat EKG. The easiest way to remember the 3 A drugs is to view them as drinking. Top of drink = more = atropine. Down your drink = less = adenosine. Amiodarone is the odd one out.