ACLS requirement

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Sep 16, 2014

Do you NEED it? Probably not, unless the job you apply for spells out that requirement. SHOULD you have it? If you want to be a competitive applicant, and other equally-qualified applicants have this cert, shouldn't you have it too?

Do you know nurses in the facility you're interested in?

QuarterLife88, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 16, 2014

I was hired as a new grad at a hospital without one. I've been at my job for a year and I'm just now doing my ACLS through the hospital at their expense.

sistrmoon, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2014

I've been a nurse 7 years without it. It's on my to do list but it's not required for my position.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2014

The hospital systems in the large metro area where I live will hire nurses into med/surg without ACLS certification. However, those who aspire to be hired onto critical care units or other 'desirable' specialties (ER, OR, surgery, etc) will be rendered more desirable applicants if they already possess ACLS certification.

ILUVFLRN · Sep 17, 2014

I am an OR nurse and was required to obtain my ACLS certification within 6 months of employment. This was stated in my contract and was paid for by the hospital.

firstinfamily, RN · Sep 17, 2014

I am getting ready to re-certify in ACLS, I let mine expire when I left critical care. Now that I am looking for positions and most of my background is ICU, IMC, PCU I feel I would be more attractive as an employee if I had the ACLS, so I am paying for it at this time. I have found courses on line with the local paramedics training facility. I can take the course on line and then arrange a time for the actual hands-on training. I am a little anxious about it because it was always a big stressor in the past. However, once you have it, it is wise to keep it current. I do think it makes you more marketable.

nurse4ever08 · Sep 17, 2014

If required yes. You should have it to be more marketable