BLS/ACLS renewal question

[MJRRN]

So I'm trying to get my BLS and ACLS certs renewal periods to sync up. I'm renewing my ACLS in January '19 but my BLS isn't up for renewal until 2020 (renewed it at the beginning of the year). Does anyone know if I can renew my BLS a year early so that both renewals will fall in the same year?

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

My hospital went to a system where every ACLS renewal course came with BLS renewal; so, even though BLS wasn't up, it was renewed with ACLS, and it came with a new, future BLS renewal date.

In other words, I don't see any problem if you wanted to move your ACLS renewal.

[chare]

Yes, as long as your facility will allow you to enroll, you can renew your BLS early. If they won't, you always have the option of completing it elsewhere.

[MJRRN]

Thanks!

[klone, MSN, RN]

I believe your BLS automatically renews when you complete your ACLS certification.

[chare]

I believe your BLS automatically renews when you complete your ACLS certification.

Some facility's have structured ACLS and/or PALS renewal to include a BLS renewal, but the AHA courses aren't structured to include BLS recertification. Some facilities, mine included are now allowing the units to not require BLS as long as the nurse maintains a current ACLS and/or PALS course cimpletion.

When you consider that good, effective BLS is one of the few interventions shown to be effective, it seems problematic to me that this is where they want to focus.

[LovingLife123]

I believe your BLS automatically renews when you complete your ACLS certification.

It doesn't with me. I had to renew my BLS last year even though I'm ACLS certified and have been for almost 2 years. I dont understand why that is.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

I believe your BLS automatically renews when you complete your ACLS certification.

Unfortunately it does not (unless that has changed in the past year or so). Before my hospital switched to the combined ACLS/BLS course, the instruction for the ACLS course was "BLS is a major component of ACLS. Make sure your skills are sharp. We will not specifically cover BLS protocols in this course."

[JKL33]

We are set up to maintain BLS/ACLS/PALS, etc., separately.

Officially, that is not necessary and there is an option to incorporate BLS into ACLS. Otherwise AHA just says that you must be proficient in BLS.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Most hospitals combine the two.

Yes you can renew early. However, will the hospital pay for you to renew early is another qurstion. Look and ask HR what the rules are if you get paid to go to class.