Acls required?

shodobe · Oct 17, 2003

You know I just let mine lapse because I work in the OR and never had the oppurtunity to use it. I f you work in the ER or ICCU then it would be needed but I can't see the need on most floors. If you call a CODE then the code team, which usually consists of ER nurses, MD, RT and ICCU nurses, they usually take over on Mega Codes. Most ORs that require it usually do so for conscious sedation and I have a anesthesiologist in the next room if needed. I think it is a personal choice. If your hospital requires it then they must give all nurses time to get it. I had no problem with the class except for the EKG part. The class is taught with little or no stress so if you have to take it don't worry their not out to fail you, at least where I work. Good luck, Mike

New CCU RN · Oct 17, 2003

Well #1 question... are they paying for you to attend the class, if so... just do it.

Secondly, I am curious why you don't feel you need it. Your patients could code and those skills are quite valuable. Granted, you will not be a code team responder but exposure to it and some basic knowledge can make things go smoother... this is the opinion of someone who responds on the code team to the rest of the hospital........

Good luck....

New CCU RN · Oct 17, 2003

another thought would be this... i know our hospital has a seperate mock "acls" course without the cert where they cover the basics but not as in depth ....it isn't a cert course just a course where you can get ceu's and be furthered exposed to code scenarios...

diablo · Oct 20, 2003

This course is the whole kit and kaboodle.We have to do a mega code,everything!! Lpns do respond to codes in our facility. We participate, but we don't direct the code, or intubate! I don't mind learning the drugs,etc. I could certainly do without the stress of the mega code. The course is only two days!!

Katnip, RN · Oct 20, 2003

I'd take it anyway. It won't hurt, and you might need it if you move to another facility. Even if you never intubate, you may end up being the person who runs that code until someone more senior comes along. It's been known to happen.

SmilingBluEyes · Oct 20, 2003

The only concern I have is this:

if you work in an area where you don't use the skill, beware. I do. I work in OB....we have had to have ACLS training for years, no one using it. Yet once you are CERTIFIED to have that training, you are HELD TO THAT STANDARD of care. SO, IMO it is a very double-edged sword. Yes, it is GREAT information, but if you never use it and can't apply it exactly as you should when and if the situation arises, watch out. Buy one of those small pamphlets that has the algorythms and be sure you have it with you, reviewing it from time to time.

By the way, I voiced my concerns to my nurse manager and she agreed, it was a risk. After discussing it with Risk Management, this was reviewed. Starting next year, we will have to only have BLS, NRP, STABLE and be certified in FHM, not ACLS. We also have to be familiar withAORN/ PACU standards of care for our csections. I think this is best.

Coldfoot · Oct 20, 2003

Couple things about ACLS, and I'm sure a guru will weigh in also. ACLS is not a certification any more. AHA had several suites filed against them and have dropped the "certification". Basicly the card says you stayed awake through the class, testing, and reteaching as needed.

For all intensive purposes you cannot fail this class. You may need to be remediated a couple times, but you will eventually pass.

IMO ACLS is something that anyone involve intamatly in the care of patients should have. Even if you are not primarily or actively involved in a CODE, this training will give you a better idea of what is going on and what you can do to help a code team.

As far as the class, yes it's only 2 days but it's really no big deal. I took acls the first time with very little training/experiance and passed. Study the area's you're not familiar with and study the algorythms and you'll do fine. The handbook is a good study aid also Good luck and don't worry.

New CCU RN · Oct 20, 2003

Originally posted by diablo
This course is the whole kit and kaboodle.We have to do a mega code,everything!! Lpns do respond to codes in our facility. We participate, but we don't direct the code, or intubate! I don't mind learning the drugs,etc. I could certainly do without the stress of the mega code. The course is only two days!!

The megacode is just practice.... I guess in my opinion, any practice or learning experience will make you a better asset to your patients. Just because you aren't the person directing the code or intubating doesn't mean that your knowledge of what is going on won't help.

For instance, in my hospital, the CCU nurses respond to codes in the rest of the hospital. There are many times were you cannot find the nurse who was caring for the patient. It is understandable that it is a stressful situation when you don't deal with it often, but it also makes things harder when we are trying to piece together what happened. Also, it helps when all the bodies in the room have an idea of what should be going on.

ACLS does not mean that you will have all the answers (in my opinion). Nor does it mean that you should be on the code team. It simply means that you have some basic knowledge of what to do in a code. Even if it is just familiarity with drugs so that you can hand it to someone to give it that will help.... :)

Also you mention that you respond to codes in your facility as an LPN... then absolutely you should have the basic knowledge from ACLS.... gaining familiarity with the information will simply make it so that you are able to focus better....

LilgirlRN, ADN, RN · Oct 20, 2003

If nothing else you can use ACLS for CEU's. There are so many components to this course, I've been ACLS for 16 years, you learn so much that you can apply to taking care of your patients and not just in life threatening situations. It helps you learn to think about what to do if you find yourself in one of those situations. You will not be asked to run the code, but you will know what needs to be done next and can assist the doctor and the RN's in having everything needed for your patient.

sjoe · Oct 20, 2003

smiling writes: "if you work in an area where you don't use the skill, beware. I do. I work in OB....we have had to have ACLS training for years, no one using it. Yet once you are CERTIFIED to have that training, you are HELD TO THAT STANDARD of care. SO, IMO it is a very double-edged sword. Yes, it is GREAT information, but if you never use it and can't apply it exactly as you should when and if the situation arises, watch out."

Also this prepares you to float, voluntarily or not, to other wards and not be able to use the excuse that you don't have your ACLS or other appropriate training. What, in other words, are your facility's motives for doing this? What is your union's position?

Otherwise, it is good and potentially useful stuff to know, as is most advanced training.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Oct 20, 2003

All our nurses are required to have ACLS. The course is free to employees. It follows a dysrhythmia course, also free. Amazing how much we forget when we don't use it frequently!