BLS or CPR/AED

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone, I had just recently passed my nclex-rn, and I was wondering what most hospitals ask for when applying..do they look for the BLS or CPR/AED certificate? I went on the AHA website and saw both courses available, and was wondering which one I should apply for since their course description looks somewhat similar? Is there any advantage over the other? I am also wondering if I should do get my ACLS and PALS, is that a good idea also while looking for a job? Thank you guys!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

If you want to you can take your BLS/AED AHA......although usually as apart of orientation it is provided by the facility at THEIR cost. I wouldn't get into ACLS or PALS.....don't put too much on your plate being a new grad....if you specialize later get them...congratulations! Welcome!

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Both my nursing school and EMT class requires BLS For Healthcare Providers, which is CPR/AED. How did you go through nursing school without having your CPR certification?

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Both my nursing school and EMT class requires BLS For Healthcare Providers, which is CPR/AED. How did you go through nursing school without having your CPR certification?

I am originally from new jersey, but took up nursing in the philippines because of the waiting list over here...we have a CPR certification there, but it isn't the same as here, so I have to do it over again..

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Specializes in Cardiac/Progressive Care.

Maybe I'm just confused, but where I live, BLS IS CPR/AED. And I had to maintain my certification for nursing school...

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oh okay, thanks guys..on the website onlineaha.org, it offered 2 courses, the BLS and then the CPR/AED course..and I was confused because they seemed like the same thing...the reason i am not certified here is because i studied in the philippines and they have a different certificate...so i need to get my BLS certificate here

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Specializes in ICU,ED, Corrections, dodging med-surg.

Make sure it's tailored for THE HEALTHCARE PROVIDER . I made that mistake many years ago and had to do it over at the hospital. (was thinking it was cpr/aed...must be all good..nope):o

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Typically healthcare organizations teach and require American Heart Association CPR for the Healthcare Provider which is BLS and covers CPR for all age groups as well as choking and AED.

The American Red Cross equivalent is CPR for the Professional Rescuer.

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I teach BLS for the AHA. When you go to the AHA website and view the course catalog, the original poster is correct...there is an option for "Heartsaver" CPR and AED. This is intended for the general community...not for medical professionals. You should find an AHA class that is BLS (basic life support) for Healthcare Providers. This course includes Adult, Child, and Infant CPR as well as choking and use of the AED. Check your local hospital's offerings of community classes.

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Typically healthcare organizations teach and require American Heart Association CPR for the Healthcare Provider which is BLS and covers CPR for all age groups as well as choking and AED.

The American Red Cross equivalent is CPR for the Professional Rescuer.

Has anyone else worked at a hospital that doesn't accept the ARC version? I was certified through the Red Cross because their classes were more frequent and convenient for me pre-nursing school, and then had to go and get BLS from AHA because my new employer only accepted the AHA one. I'm wondering how common that is.

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Has anyone else worked at a hospital that doesn't accept the ARC version? I was certified through the Red Cross because their classes were more frequent and convenient for me pre-nursing school, and then had to go and get BLS from AHA because my new employer only accepted the AHA one. I'm wondering how common that is.

That's the case at the hospital that runs my nursing school program. I currently work as a HHA and got that through the Red Cross, so I also have 2 cards for the price of two. It kinda fades into all the other costs of nursing school...

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Has anyone else worked at a hospital that doesn't accept the ARC version? I was certified through the Red Cross because their classes were more frequent and convenient for me pre-nursing school, and then had to go and get BLS from AHA because my new employer only accepted the AHA one. I'm wondering how common that is.

I worked at the Red Cross (and got my certification through them) and when I started school they made me take the AHA class. Actually my Red Cross class was a lot more hands on, we actually had to breathe through a mask into the mannequin and make the chest rise and fall. With my AHA class we just said breathe, breathe for the breaths. I also had to take a written test with Red Cross in order to get my card. The school said we have to have AHA because that is what the hospitals require and they want everyone taught the same way?

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