BLS vs ACLS

[WoofyMutt80]

Hi everyone! I am a Certified Medical Assistant (not a Nurse, and I hate it when I am referred to as a Nurse!) and my BLS Certification is up next month. I went to this CPR school that offers the recertification course and the instructor said because of the economy alot of people are signing up for the ACLS course so it would look good on their resume. I am back in the job market and I would like to know if it is worth going for my BLS Recertification which is $65 or spend $225 for the ACLS? I have worked in Cardiology and in a Cath Lab and that is on my resume.

Thank You!

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Thanks for everyone's replies! I was told at the CPR place that as a CMA with ACLS I could call a code and bag a patient, but they never said anything about IVP's! After everyone's responses here, I will stick with the BLS, and look into the state laws (Massachusetts and possibly Rhode Island) on ACLS for healthcare providers.

I would think anyone would be able to call a code, and I'm pretty sure bagging a patient is a BLS skill.

[flightnurse2b, LPN]

Thanks for everyone's replies! I was told at the CPR place that as a CMA with ACLS I could call a code and bag a patient, but they never said anything about IVP's! After everyone's responses here, I will stick with the BLS, and look into the state laws (Massachusetts and possibly Rhode Island) on ACLS for healthcare providers.

anyone can call a code, from a housekeeper to a lab tech. most people who work in a hospital environment are required to have BLS and if you find someone unresponsive, by all means call a code. good quality BLS focuses on chest compressions, use of the AED and opening the airway--they have always taught how to use a BVM in the BLS classes i've taken.

[Crux1024]

This thread has got me thinking. If a layperson were to take ACLS.....seriously...what would they be able to do? Would it be strictly taking the course to increase their knowledge base or what?

Also, I cant imagine a CMA would be able to IVP meds in a code with ACLS certification....or am I wrong?

I tried googling and can find nothing?!