Anyone a ACLS instructor?

[askater11]

Why I ask??? Today I went to ACLS for re-certification....prior to the test the instructor said, "The ACLS instructor course usually cost $450 but now they're offering the course for $200. The course is independent from the hospital."

And first I thought wow that would be cool....and I could keep up with my ACLS. I currently work step-down so there's "codes" but not as "many" as ICU or E.R.

I feel comfortable that I know ACLS....but I don't have extensive "in the field" experience with codes. I want to become more knowledgable and in 4 years work in CVICU but now working step-down works best for me. I feel "comfortable" in my position....I have a lot going on "outside" of the hospital scene so I don't want a huge change....like transferring into ICU....which I so wish to do. (but will not for 4 years....) I guess I'm getting the itch to learn something new.

What was your over-all experience being an ACLS instructor? Did you enjoy it? Give me any details you know. And recommendations.

I just want to do something.....and learn more stuff....And I've taken ACLS and read the ACLS book from 1st page to last that I feel "comfortable" with the information....but I know there's soooo much more to learn.

I'm rambling.....I'll stop now.

[medscience]

I have to agree, you do sound like a Grumpy Old Man, and you must have made your wife a nervous wreck! I am all about the new standards, just as the rigid nurses that trained me years ago have come to adapt to new ideas and technology so must I. Working a code alone or working as a team, the concept should not make the potential rescuer so intimidated that they cannot cope. A person should feel they can be in control, and will not have to go it alone, in a professional environment. I always resented the stringent way I was taught because as I worked in the field I found it to be entirely different and a gross exaggeration of the work involved. Yes it is hard and serious business, but why add to already unavoidable stress? I do not know any nurses, Paramedics, emt's etc. with any level of awareness who take their work lightly. And in my experience, we sift out those who are "trained" and still cannot do the work. Thats not a lack of teaching, I have been in plenty of classes twenty years ago and today, that simply can only get the message to the students that want to hear it. With your background and experience you have so much to offer, you should consider going back and adding something to the class instead of going in and gloating and trying to humiliate others, as you said you'd enjoy doing. :redbeathe