ACLS as a student?

I graduate in December.

I am at the end of my 5th semester, which is our final semester w/ theory content. Next semester is strictly clinicals and projects.

My question is - Would it be valuable for student nurse to obtain ACLS/PALS certification?

I have learned all theory and have learned all cardiac rhythms, interventions, drugs, etc.

I saw an online certification option @ http://www.aclscertification.com/

I was wondering if it may help me get a job after graduation?

I am BLS certified, which runs out in December... I have to renew that, also.

If you put no- please add why not

Edited Jul 26, 2014 by SN2014

[JustBeachyNurse, RN]

Online only certification is not useful. New grads & students need the class. AHA requires a skills demonstration for a bona fide AHA endorsed course completion card.

Even AHA has the classroom component online ( intended for experienced practitioners and motivated self learners) but requires an in person skills demonstration for BCLS, PALS & ACLS.

Relevance depends on your area. Most facilities include applicable training in orientation (ER would include ACLS & PALS, ICU include ACLS, etc) most require a current BLS card. Some look at the additional certs as initiative and a desire to work in a particular unit, others look at them as overkill as the card is not as relevant without experience. Just like if you took an online IV therapy class but never successfully inserted an IV what good is the "certification"?

If your desire is ED then ACLS & PALS is useful. If your desire is psych or L&D not so much.

[SN2014]

I had my doubts about it being online.... Wonder if that's even a legit option? Maybe the site is a scam...

[JustBeachyNurse, RN]

They usually say "follow AHA curriculum" not "authorized AHA training center " or upon completion receive an AHA course completion card. A true AHA training center says AHA authorized training center. The initial classes are 2-day classes

[klone, MSN, RN]

If your desire is ED then ACLS & PALS is useful. If your desire is psych or L&D not so much.

Just want to comment on this - every L&D job I've had has required ACLS as well as NRP. L&D generally provides its own PACU services so ACLS is necessary.

[SN2014]

They usually say "follow AHA curriculum" not "authorized AHA training center " or upon completion receive an AHA course completion card. A true AHA training center says AHA authorized training center. The initial classes are 2-day classes

sneakkky sneakkky!

I would love to work in the ED

the hospital I'm interested in working at states

"

• Certifications as required by individual unit/area." in their job requirements for their full time ED positons
  
  I wonder if they do not offer the training themselves, to new grads?
  Maybe it would be beneficial for me to pursue it on my own
  

[klone, MSN, RN]

No, they will most certainly offer the certification classes - they will not expect a new grad to already have it. Staff have to recertify every 2 years, so hospitals expect that there are always going to be staff needing to certify/recertify.

[MallysMama]

I did ACLS before I graduated and found it helpful. But I've definitely understood it more and applied it better since I've had work experience. But I say Go For It!! Never hurts up have it on your resume- even if your first job doesn't require it.

[JustBeachyNurse, RN]

The classes cost around $300 each. I know I didn't have that kind of extra money as a student so that was my deciding factor.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

I did my ACLS over spring break at an AHA authorized facility for $95. I graduate in 11 days.

[JustBeachyNurse, RN]

I did my ACLS over spring break at an AHA authorized facility for $95. I graduate in 11 days.

For $95 I would have done it in a heart beat! Classes in my tri-state area vary between $250-400/ class depending on instructional agency.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

While it can be a good thing for a nursing student to do, I'd recommend doing it just before the last semester or in the last semester. You want to have finished Peds and you want to have a good grasp of EKGs and common code meds before you take PALS or ACLS. I would not recommend doing the online/skills check course for people that have never taken the course before. I've done both ACLS and PALS multiple times over the years, so for me the online didactic/in-person skills check hybrid course would be an option.

If you do decide to take a hybrid course, be very, very diligent about the course info and find a way to practice the skills because you won't be taught how to do them on skills day.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

It may be helpful but I wouldn't worry about it. Some places won't certify new grads of RN till they have their licensure but usually you can find one training center that will. Ultimately, if the job requires it they will offer it 90% of the time. I had mine back from when I was a paramedic and I was glad I coughed up 120 to recert in pals since mine expired when I transferred to the ICU. Then I found out the hospital would have charged me 5 bucks to recert.

Not really. I got my ACLS the last semester of ADN program. Didn't really need it.

[ORnurseCT, DNP, APRN, NP]

I was going to do ACLS before my last semester, because I had just finished an amazing cardiac rotation with a cardiac DNP instructor. I was advised to wait. I am doing it now two years later, and I regret not doing then. Back then it was all fresh, now my employer is paying. Being a nurse for 2 years hasn't made it easier, if anything I find it harder. I say set yourself apart and learn as much as you can.

I did it my last semester of BSN program. It was nice to have time to really study heart rhythms in depth. It was a 2 credit class and we certified acls at the end. Perfect!

BSN 2014

I don't think the certification itself has much meaning for a new grad. The only way to become competent and confident in a code situation is to go through code situations.

However, I do think that the class itself is beneficial, particularly if it's taught by a good teacher, because you will be exposed to numerous case studies and scenarios -- both from the teacher and from RNs who are re-certifying.

I don't think the certification will help you get a job but I think the classroom experience *could* help you on interviews.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I don't think ACLS really goes in depth with the heart rhythms...

I tell people to play with EKG Skill Stat.