ACLS/PALS before passing NCLEX?

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I just graduated with my ADN last week! Only problem is....trying to find a job! I've applied to many hospitals and still have a few to apply to after taking the NCLEX and getting my license. I just want to stand out. I have good grades but haven't worked during the two years of nursing school and only have work experience as a massage therapist, waitress, and retail. What do you think about me taking an ACLS or PALS certification course? Do you think this will help me in landing a job? I'm trying to find out if I can even take one of these courses without my license. I'm planning on taking the NCLEX by July. Any recommendation or advice? Thanks!

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I've been told to put the ACLS/PALS on hold until after I take the NCLEX. My advisor said that I have enough on my plate and to add more can just add more stress that I really don't need. I value her advice and will heed it as well!

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Specializes in Emergency, Critical Care Transport.

I've had ACLS/PALS for 6 months now, and I am finishing school next week.

It certainly helped me get my job. That being said, I've been an EMT since 2000, so I've been doing BLS for 9 years.

I had a great class, found the course to be a great review of my cardiac drugs/usages, and found the basic CPR review very helpful. I love reading ECGs, so that part was not difficult for me. Depends on what you feel would be fun vs stressful.

Hope that helps.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Critical Care.

Hi! Congratulations on graduating...I just finished up my ADN as well, and I'm taking the NCLEX this month. I'm in the same boat as you..I had a great job during school but it was in an optometry office which isn't exactly related experience. There have been a lot of people in my class having trouble unless they were an LVN or a CNA. I actually already got my ACLS and it was great. I feel like I would at least know what to do in a code, and it's one less thing I have to worry about when I get hired. I think it would look good, however it's kind of expensive and I'm sure once you got hired they might pay for you to take it. I see a lot of ads with "must finish ACLS within one year of being hired". If you take it before though, be sure to contact the instructor first and let them know you are a GN. Some people in my class had problems with non-student friendly classes but the one I went to was great and they were super nice about me being new. Good luck, we will all find jobs I'm sure! The best luck I have had so far has been in neuro/ortho rehab...not a major hospital like I hoped for but it would be great experience. Good luck on your NCLEX! I'm scared!!

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Specializes in PACU.

I haven't noticed a difference one way or the other (I still haven't landed a new job for when I'm an RN, but I'm not too worried, as I'm being considered for some and I have an awesome job that I want to keep part time, anyway), but I took ACLS just after Christmas and am graduating in less than a week now. I found it to be MUCH easier than I expected (I spent a LOT of time studying it, I was afraid I'd look like a retard), and very interesting.

If the money isn't a problem and you want an ER, critical care, etc. job you should take it. That is assuming you're adequately prepared for the NCLEX and just need to study some to keep fresh. As far as preparing for ACLS goes, learn your rhythms, algorithms and basic pharmacology of the drugs included and you should be fine.

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