ACLS vs. BLS

[jjc1121]

Hi,

I am a little confused about ACLS and BLS. If I have an ACLS, do I need to get a separate BLS or does ACLS already cover that? My BLS will expire in a month.

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

Not sure about the US but in the Uk if you are ALS certified then it covers your BLS too, I would get some American advice though because we do things a little differently.

[strugglingnurse]

Most jobs require BLS. Some require ACLS. In order to take ACLS you must have completed BLS within the last year or two years I think. So yes, you need both separately. ACLS builds on the principles of BLS. You cant learn ACLS without first being proficient with BLS.

[RNKPCE]

No they are separate certifications. They expect you to be proficient in BLS when you attend ACLS

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

I love this place I always learn so much about how different countries do things.

[RNKPCE]

Up until 2007, I think, you did receive your BLS card when you did ACLS. Now in the US they make you do it separately.

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

One of the real realizations is that for all of the technology, electricity, pharmacology... it's still the basics (like hard, fast CPR) that make the biggest difference. Some of the most important aspects of ACLS involve the basics of BLS (minimizing interruptions in compressions, etc), which is why BLS is important to maintain in addition to ACLS.

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

You need BLS to take ACLS. I wish they would include some type of BLS recert within ACLS so we don't have to keep track of two certifications.

[sjt9721, BSN, RN]

This is what I know as a BLS/ACLS/PALS Training Center Faculty for AHA:

BLS includes adult/child and infant content, use of AED, and relief of choking.

ACLS does not include the above & is more specific. ACLS is primarily focused on the adult victim and incorporates the BLS skills.

Currently the AHA does not require a person to have a valid BLS card to take ACLS; however, you are responsible to know the BLS skills. (Where this may differ...is if a particular course director decides to make "current BLS card" a requirement.)

Also...about getting a BLS card at the same time as ACLS...to my knowledge, the AHA has never endorsed or promoted that. (It could happen though, if the specific course was planned to provide the content from both courses at one time.)

ACLS isn't designed to be a 2-for-1 simply because it doesn't cover the entire content of BLS.

[sjt9721, BSN, RN]

You need BLS to take ACLS. I wish they would include some type of BLS recert within ACLS so we don't have to keep track of two certifications.

I'd like to move that direction with my ACLS & PALS classes...

[RN1982]

Most hospitals require BLS to work on any unit or in any department. If you work in critical care, OR or radiology, you will/might need ACLS. Critical care you definately need ACLS.

[Babs0512]

This is a bone of contention with me. For my position in critical care, I am required to have ACLS, PALS, TNCC, PNCC AND BLS. This seems like a complete redundant waste of time.

I cannot pass ACLS or PALS without knowing BLS, so, stands to reason that if I can pass those coorifices, I must know BLS and shoudl be exepmpt from taking it. Alas, that is not the way it is in our hospital.

Sometimes I think managment beleves "Well, we've always done it this way, so it must be the correct way." Very annoying.