BLS/CPR

Is it through the American Heart Association to get your card? When I got my healthcare provider CPR/BLS card we didn't have an individual skills test. I was in a group of about 10 people and we would practice along with a video on our mannequins. We did this many many times. Lots of chest compressions, rescue breathing, and practicing with a training AED. The instructor would walk about the room watching us all, giving us advice as needed and in the end we had a short quiz to complete. It'll have questions like chest compressions to breaths ratios, etc...

I had fun in my class.

That's exactly how mine went as well. Very easy and straight to the point.

It is through AHA. It's 4.5 hours long and we are given a booklet to study and review 5-7 days prior to the course. I was told there were going to be mannequins and between 7-10 people in the class. I guess I assumed the quiz was a test and I pretty much have psyched myself out because I don't have any true medical experience except everything I've learned through all my sciences pre-read (A&Ps and what feels like a million biology classes) This will be my first taste of what's to come in nursing and I'm just really apprehensive but also so excited. Thank you for your response. Maybe now I can calm down and just try to study and prepare ahead of time so I'm not walking in blind. Thank you again.

Another question if you don't mind... I was told it would take 6 weeks before the cards come in after the course so does that mean you're certified once the course is complete or once the card is in your hand? Weird question I know but I'm also applying for jobs at our local hospital and the sooner I have the certificate the more likely I am to be hired sooner. Thank you again for your time.

Delayed cards should not be a problem. If you provide the date of your training & the Instructor contact information, they can get information that you completed the training.

You're all there for the same reason, but a great instructor makes the class so easygoing and relaxed. Smaller class sizes means it'll most likely finish earlier than the 4.5 hours scheduled. When I last renewed mine, I was a bit intimidated, because I was the only CNA in class and I got paired up with a surgeon for the 2-person CPR. He was so nice though!

I taught a class of professional football players BLS once. If they be taught, anyone can be taught!

PS: You're not 'certified' in anything, you hold a valid BLS card. you passed a class. 'Certified' means something completely different in the world of nursing.

That video is the best! Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for making that clarification, I'm very green to all things nursing so I appreciate you informing me! I have a lot to learn!!!

The AHA is moving away from paper cards anyway...when I did my renewal this year I got an email a few days later. It had the date of the class that I took and some kind of control/verification number so that an employer could check it out. (I took it at work, so that part was pretty much moot!) I don't know if they're doing the e-cards in all areas yet or for all classes, but you might have access to it sooner than 6 weeks.

Have fun in the class! Read the book beforehand, but don't go crazy. They *want* you to pass. If someone is struggling, they usually remidiate on-site.