ACLS

Published

To anyone who has taken this course could you please tell me what to expect. I will be taking it on Thursday at 10am and its an 8 hr course. The guy told me I could get a book when I get there that seemed kind of weird to me and then they have a "study guide" on the website but it just covers the BLS aspect. However, I did google and found a website for ACLS that has sample quizzes and algorithms on it. If anyone could just tell me what to expect and if there is a book that I can go get tonight I would really appreciate it.

TIA

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac care/Ortho/LTC/Education/Psych.

That is totally inappropriate!! Yes, there is a book - A BIG book that you need to study . We get those books like 2 months before the classes and we have 2 days 8 hours classes with review of medications, different strips and megacode scenarios. I do not think that having one day class , and getting book the same day will really help you in this endeavors. Did you try to look in a local library or in your hospital library? I looked through internet and there is a lot of sites that deals with it. I know from our book that we had to recognize different ECG strips and medications BEFORE coming to the class. This situation that you describe is totally weird.Maybe depend what agency is certifying it,.. but still.... I am confused....Good luck to you .

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiac.

I would definitely get the book before class, it would be very helpful. Is this class thru the American heart assoc? They have an AHA acls book and cd, which are very good. The class is quite intense, but you will learn a lot. I recently became acls certified thru my employer, and it was split into 2 days. If you are not able to get the book beforehand, I would recommend using online resources. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't think its "totally inappropriate" depending on how the class is set up and what your experience. At the ACLS I just took, we spent the 1st day going over information in the book, and the second day testing out. In fact, I didn't study or look at my book other than in class. They give you a card with all of the alogrithms. There's only a handfull of meds, and major rhythms (like asystolie, v. tach, v. fib, 1, 2, 3 heart block, svt, but they go over more in class). Obiviously, if you're taking this class with no critical care experience it's going to be harder. You'll be fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes its through the American Heart Association. I am kind of terrfied that its only one day because I figured it would be two sessions unless I have to pay for this class and then take the next class they have available. I know there are books but when I went to barnes and noble I didn't find the book there. I am using online resources and I don't have a car during the day so going to a local hospitla is out of the question. One last thing is the up to date book 2006?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I don't think its "totally inappropriate" depending on how the class is set up and what your experience. At the ACLS I just took, we spent the 1st day going over information in the book, and the second day testing out. In fact, I didn't study or look at my book other than in class. They give you a card with all of the alogrithms. There's only a handfull of meds, and major rhythms (like asystolie, v. tach, v. fib, 1, 2, 3 heart block, svt, but they go over more in class). Obiviously, if you're taking this class with no critical care experience it's going to be harder. You'll be fine.

Yeah no criticla care experience but I've been doing the quizzes and reading through books I have and I have been getting them right. I've worked on telemetry so I know how to identify some strips.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Are you sure you didn't sign up for a renewal course by accident?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

Im sorry...What was the second poster referring to? Whats inappropriate here?!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Are you sure you didn't sign up for a renewal course by accident?

Yes I am positive. The certification class is $165 and the recertification is $135.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Im sorry...What was the second poster referring to? Whats inappropriate here?!

Yeah I didn't think it was inappropriate I was just wondering what to expect. And as the other person stated before about getting the info such as the cards before hand I think that is how this course is set up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in neurotrauma ICU.

I think that poster meant that it is inappropriate that you only get 1 day of training. That does seem short for an original certification. I would highly recommend memorizing the algorhythms, if you can follow those you can pass the test. good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I think that poster meant that it is inappropriate that you only get 1 day of training. That does seem short for an original certification. I would highly recommend memorizing the algorhythms, if you can follow those you can pass the test. good luck.

Okay thanks for the info my fellow nurses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion