BLS or ACLS new Grad

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 8, 2011

ACLS does not include BLS. Retake your BLS. If you can afford ACLS, go ahead and take it. PALS is a good idea if you're going to be applying to units where you are likely to encounter pediatric emergencies. Those two courses are not cheap to take on your own...

RNChristy · Jun 8, 2011

Yes, definitely get recertified in BLS. The ACLS depends on what field you are looking for (but this nice to have on you resume). If intersted in any Pediatric nursing, I would also definitely have PALS. I took BLS and ACLS right after nursing school before even applying to jobs so this made me seem more motivated that waiting for someone having to tell me that was something that's needed for the job. Christy

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2011

Wow....... is this really what it's comming to these days? Hospitals shirking their responsibilities? Once upon a time hospitals hired you and trained you.......I haven't gone to an orientation yet that they didn't do BLS. I'm not sure if hospitals require all pedi nurses to have PALS and ACLS if you aren't in critical care isn't required. If something is required to m under fair wage to maintain your position it is required by FEDERAL law for the facility to pay for it. Is this what hospitals are requiring before they hire nurses to save more money and poop on the nurses?? B Ut if it helps you get a job....I say go for it.

Wow......sad

beatrice1 · Jun 8, 2011

*Esme I am assuming that most hospitals train for this but when you are applying for jobs they all say "BLS required" so I'm not taking any chances by being left out because of one little requirement.

Also, I was looking into a homecare job that requires you to have this as they do not offer it at there site.

Bea

caryrey02 · Jun 8, 2011

Id say if you can afford ACLS it is much better. With the job market as bad as it is these days it makes you a better prepare candidate, also there are places that will give you both cartifications for almost the same price of ACLS alone, thats how I did it... check nursing unlimited and good luck!!

CharlieTaco · Jun 8, 2011

Every place you apply to will ask for your BLS card. They will expect you to bring it when you are interviewed and if you don't have it, you won't get hired. ACLS does not replace BLS and is not an upgrade, it is totally different.

RNlovesherPharmD · Jun 8, 2011

It was my understanding that you had to have BLS to take ACLS. Regardless, you shouldn't have let you BLS expire--take that first!

The others should be on the job training. Although, it wouldn't hurt if you can afford it.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2011

Wow....... is this really what it's comming to these days? Hospitals shirking their responsibilities? Once upon a time hospitals hired you and trained you.......I haven't gone to an orientation yet that they didn't do BLS. I'm not sure if hospitals require all pedi nurses to have PALS and ACLS if you aren't in critical care isn't required. If something is required to m under fair wage to maintain your position it is required by FEDERAL law for the facility to pay for it. Is this what hospitals are requiring before they hire nurses to save more money and poop on the nurses?? B Ut if it helps you get a job....I say go for it.
Wow......sad

My facility will help me keep myb BLS cert but I was expected to have it from the start. My classmates who did ACLS on their own did well on the job hunt, getting jobs in ICU and ED. I don't think this is about hospitals "shirking" anything but making yourself stand out in a sea of new grads.

Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2011

You MUST keep your Healthcare Provider BLS current if your take any position with clinical duties.

You MUST have a current Healthcare Provider BLS to even take an ACLS course.

Sure, many facilities will offer renewal courses - but, most all want BLS current when you walk in the door. As a new grad without clinical experience, I think ACLS may not hurt you - but, I can't see a huge benefit. And unless you are good with cardiology and ECG rhythms, I think you may find the course very difficult and discouraging (to some). I also think a new grad could be overwhelmed trying to put ACLS into a clinical context.

Good Luck!

:angel:

ninja2011 · Jun 9, 2011

Wow....... is this really what it's comming to these days? Hospitals shirking their responsibilities? Once upon a time hospitals hired you and trained you.......I haven't gone to an orientation yet that they didn't do BLS. I'm not sure if hospitals require all pedi nurses to have PALS and ACLS if you aren't in critical care isn't required. If something is required to m under fair wage to maintain your position it is required by FEDERAL law for the facility to pay for it. Is this what hospitals are requiring before they hire nurses to save more money and poop on the nurses?? B Ut if it helps you get a job....I say go for it.
Wow......sad

Sadly,

There are even programs where having certification prior to being considered are a requirement. In san diego there is a hospital that even requires a 600 dollar Regional perinatal class before you can even be considered.

I would do ACLS and PALS if I was you and anything else you can get certified in to be more marketable.

StayLost, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2011

You must have a valid BLS card for your ACLS certification to be valid. If you are certified in both BLS and ACLS and your BLS card expires, your ACLS certification becomes invalid until you re-certify.