ACLS for soon to be GN? Advice please.

[sh1901]

I'm hoping to get some advice regarding ACLS. I'll be graduating in December and they are offering an ACLS course for us to take in October so that we would have that certification when we graduate. Do you think that it is worth the effort mid-semester to take a weekend to get my ACLS certification or should I just wait until after graduation?

Any advice would be great. Thank you so much!

[wsuRN09]

Yes, take it. I took ACLS and PALS after graduation and while they did not help me get my job they did bump me to the next level on my employer's pay scale, which is nice.... oh and I have used what I learned from the courses several times already in the 4 months I've been working. Definitely useful certs to have.

[Murse406]

Having it before I graduated definitely helped me get interviews/offers in a tough market.

just an extra note: The above is true but although it has been more difficult lately due to the economy, my region hasn't been as hard hit to get jobs as a lot of other areas in the country

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Yes take the ACLS course and after that take PALS. (maybe after you graduate) I did wish I had looked the book over before going into the class first! I was able to do the heart rhythm strips however but one person missed on those so that is something to review first. The test has several rhythm strips you have to name. I liked gaining the knowledge that I did for that class and it is really useful. :)

[frann]

and whats the worst that can happen?

if you don't quite pass you will do remediation where you come back and the instructor runs through scenerios with you