ACLS

Check if any libraries in your area have any books or videos about ACLS. The library at the community college in my area has several videos that are helpful especially if you are a visual learner. In addition, they may have books or study guides that present the information in a different or simpler manner. Good luck!

I was nervous when I took the course, too, but it's really not that bad. I studied the manual, and it was fine. Everyone worries about the test, but if you passed your nursing board, you can pass the test. It's one of those things: do it once, and it won't be a big deal when you're up for your recert in 2 years. I was more nervous about the megacode than I was the test (since I'm a good test taker), and was more nervous doing something dumb, getting nervous in front of people I don't know lol. (how dumb is it that I was more nervous for a fake code? lol, I'm really calm during actual codes lol). But I ended up doing well, and it was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the megacode.

Point being: nothing is ever as bad as we think it's going to be. And, when something is bad, it's generally not the times/things we're expecting lol.

Best of luck! It's a good thing to have. Hope you enjoy your new job!

Thanks:)

I sweated taking ACLS. When it came down to it, it was not that bad. The megacode wasn't bad either.

ACLS used to be horrible. All memorization and in front of MD's.

You should be able to ask questions during the first sessions. Don't be shy. Others are probably wondering the same thing. Pay attention to the checklists that are in the manual and be able to do tasks in that order. Also, pay attention to the red boxes labeled "critical concepts". Lots of questions come from there. Take the online test multiple times so you get exposed to more and more questions (some you will see again!). Talk the code out loud. In a real code that is what we do. (well, sometimes more like screaming than talking). Most people who bother to worry about the course do well. Good luck!

The megacodes were done in teams for my class, so I wasn't alone. In my class, each person on the team rotated roles - and the newbie (me) was last to run the code. In other words, I got to see 3 other experienced RNs/RTs run a megacode before I did.

I always like memory tricks (but I don't know if these are still correct with the "new"ACLS... A few I remember -- PEA = Push Epi then Atropine. Atropine = "zero point five(mg) if alive (bradycardia), otherwise give 1mg.

Hopefully, your experience will be like mine - my trainers wanted us to learn and I did.

I also took a basic ECG recognition class right before - this helped me tremendously.

This reminds me, my next one is coming up - probably should study a bit.

Good luck!

ACLS used to be horrible. All memorization and in front of MD's.

The first time I attempted it years ago (I was working on becoming a paramedic then) I quit after the first day. The class was full of physicians and experienced RNs and I was completely lost. I was doing it as part of my program requirements, but had only student clinical experience at that point. I was glad that I had been working on the floor for a couple of months before I took it as a nurse.

I always like memory tricks (but I don't know if these are still correct with the "new"ACLS... A few I remember -- PEA = Push Epi then Atropine. Atropine = "zero point five(mg) if alive (bradycardia), otherwise give 1mg.

They have gone away from using Atropine during a cardiac arrest event, typically only given for bradycardia now. You will still see it given, though.

Be sure to know your H's & T's. Otherwise, just keep going through the algorithms. My ACLS class was in one day instead of two, and for the first part we went around in groups and discussed the bradycardia algorithm, tachycardia algorithm and cardiac arrest. During the megacode you should be in a group and each person takes turn being the code leader. I was nervous at first but looking back, it wasn't that bad. Good luck!

I'm currently in my last semester of my BSN program, will grad in Dec. Can I obtain ACLS certs now??? Or do I need to have my official RN license first? If anyone knows... Thanks in advance!

I became ACLS certified right before my third semester of nursing school. You don't need your RN license to become certified.

you can go get your ACLS now, you do not need your registration. If this is a good time for you go do it

Thanks. With prayer and studying, I passed. You were right it turned out fine, the anticipation being the worst part.