Acls, Pals

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

I work on a med/surg floor, but we take all patients, any age. I am sometimes the only RN or any nurse for that matter on the floor. (Small hospital, right now it is 18 beds on the floor) I just found out that I need to take ACLS and PALS. I was wondering how hard these classes are, what to expect, and if I need to do anything to prepare. I do not know how to read telemetry. :chair: Thanks in advance.

[KatieBell]

Personally, I do not find the classes difficult, but you do need to know how to read lethal rhythms to pass. So, first, the hospital may want to send you to a good telemetry class.

Good Luck

[PedsER-RN, BSN, RN]

each course consists of lecture, skill stations, and testing.

acls is advanced life support for adults. you learn algorithms (sp?) and treatments for each one. the class lasts a few days and at the end you have a written test and a 'mega code' where you're given a scenario with a dummy and you have to go through the resuscitation and interpret the ekg, vitals, etc. pals is similar. it's the advanced life support for peds and the class also lasts several days. with kids, the #1 cause of cardiac arrest is respiratory failure (rather than heart conditions, like with adults), and usually with kids the rhythms you see most are svt, brady, and asystole. you also have to be able to interpret ekgs and know the treatments for each and be able to demonstrate that on a written and practical exam.

good luck

[Hoozdo, ADN]

I work on a med/surg floor, but we take all patients, any age. I am sometimes the only RN or any nurse for that matter on the floor. (Small hospital, right now it is 18 beds on the floor) I just found out that I need to take ACLS and PALS. I was wondering how hard these classes are, what to expect, and if I need to do anything to prepare. I do not know how to read telemetry. :chair: Thanks in advance.

I just took ACLS this week. If you don't read strips it might be kind of difficult. If you can get the ACLS book ahead of time that would help you immensely. The "hardness" also depends on who is teaching the course and how much of a stickler they are.

Good luck :)

[chadash]

I haven't taken the class yet either, and do not know what to expect, but I would recommend the ACLS Provider Manual from the American Heart Association. I have read through it and cannot imagine how I could go into the class if I hadn't. If you are a RN, I am sure you will breeze right through it! (I snailed through it!)

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

Thank you all for replying! I ordered a book on reading strips. I guess I will be studying......