ACLS for New Grad BSN RN

[cosmicnurse]

Hi Everyone,

I know there is some information out there with regards to whether or not being ACLS certified is an advantage in the recruitment process, however I couldn't find anything recent / specific. Just as an overview, I am a soon to be BSN grad with zero nursing experience, residing in highly competitive nyc, so I'm a little curious to know if being ACLS certified will be an advantage in helping my resume stand out? It costs a lot of money, and I am aware many hospitals do provide this certification if there is a need for it. I just want to do everything within my means to support my endeavor of getting hired, so if this is going to help, I absolutely don't mind taking the course. Do you guys think I should?

Thanks in advance for your feed back and advice! I'm so appreciative.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

I'd personally let the employer cover it. Where I am they not only pay you while you take the course but also give you an additional prep course so you know what to study before the day that you take the course and test.

If the area is saturated with experienced RNs it may be wise to look further away from NYC, possibly with an affiliated hospital and get your first year or two in (an your certification). Then try to transfer to NYC or apply to another hospital in that area. I know relocating can be stressful, but it's not forever if finding a new grad position proves hard.

[cosmicnurse]

I'd personally let the employer cover it. Where I am they not only pay you while you take the course but also give you an additional prep course so you know what to study before the day that you take the course and test.

If the area is saturated with experienced RNs it may be wise to look further away from NYC, possibly with an affiliated hospital and get your first year or two in (an your certification). Then try to transfer to NYC or apply to another hospital in that area. I know relocating can be stressful, but it's not forever if finding a new grad position proves hard.

Thank you so much for the advice. I agree, will hold

Of on the ACLS for now. Also, I am definitely looking at areas outside of the city, as you said, I should bag a few years of experience and then come back. Thanks again.

[babychickens]

I think it depends on what specialty you are planning on entering. In my case, my professors and future charge nurses have recommended it because I want to work in the ED. I, too live in a saturated area and I've been told having that certification will help, as well as any other, come interview time.

[SoCal Nurse]

If you've got the dough, I'd say go for it. Otherwise I'd let a future employer pay for it. My hospital doesn't recognize outside certs and so they recert all new hires. This policy was started when they discovered fraudulent cards being passed off as genuine by new hires.

[inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

ACLS may be better pursued with a bit of real-world experience.