ACLS?

[bredu95]

Hi!

So technically I am still a nursing student, but I wanted some advice/opinions.

I am in an ABSN program, and I just got hired as a CNA on a SICU unit. I definitely lean towards ICU post grad. 

With that in mind, would you guys recommend I get my ACLS prior to graduating (I graduate in December of 2022)? Will it give me a "leg-up" or look better to employers or give me a better chance for ICU as a new grad?

Thanks ?

[Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN]

Technically? Are you a student or not, LOL? ACLS is for people with licenses or certifications (RN, EMS, MD, etc.)

In my opinion, no learning is ever wasted, but... you will be in a much better position to actually learn, understand, and retain ACLS after you have worked SICU for a few months. Wait until they send you to their next class after you're hired into SICU as a nurse. Most of the better critical care units do that. When you interview for your nursing job, you can say that you considered taking it while you were a student but that you felt you'd learn, understand, and retain the material better after getting your feet on the ground in critical care. They will be impressed by your understanding that.

Also, remember that  being a CNA in SICU isn't remotely like being the RN there, and they may or may not be hiring new grad nurses directly into critical care by the time you pass NCLEX. Having been a CNA may not be the big leg up you expect because of that.

Good luck!

[bredu95]

42 minutes ago, Hannahbanana said:

Technically? Are you a student or not, LOL? ACLS is for people with licenses or certifications (RN, EMS, MD, etc.)

In my opinion, no learning is ever wasted, but... you will be in a much better position to actually learn, understand, and retain ACLS after you have worked SICU for a few months. Wait until they send you to their next class after you're hired into SICU as a nurse. Most of the better critical care units do that. When you interview for your nursing job, you can say that you considered taking it while you were a student but that you felt you'd learn, understand, and retain the material better after getting your feet on the ground in critical care. They will be impressed by your understanding that.

Also, remember that  being a CNA in SICU isn't remotely like being the RN there, and they may or may not be hiring new grad nurses directly into critical care by the time you pass NCLEX. Having been a CNA may not be the big leg up you expect because of that.

Good luck!

I AM a student. I put “technically” because I posted this in the NEW GRAD section and not the STUDENT section. I am WELL aware being a CNA in the ICU and being an RN in the ICU are two different things. I am saying that I have always been drawn to acute care, and I am enjoying and learning a lot being in the ICU. I am fortunate to work with nurses that have no problem teaching nursing students (such as myself). 

[beenursexoxo, BSN, RN]

Anyone can get their ACLS cert. You don't need a license. It's a great course!