Calling all ACLS nurses! HELP!!!

live4today, RN · Sep 19, 2003

Thanks allnurses! Once again, you rock! :kiss

SmilingBluEyes · Sep 19, 2003

I am going in for my ACLS renewal class next week.

I hate this. Why?

I never use the skill.

I work in OB---and I never use it---the algorithms are NOT in my head and I am afraid all I could do in the case of a code is call it and initiate CPR and let the TEAM run things.

This worries me because:

I am HELD TO THIS STANDARD OF CARE because I HAVE THE TRAINING. I personally see this as a bigger liability than asset for those of who never use it and never can remember the algorithms. JMO

It's a corporate mandate we have ACLS, so off I will go---and relearn what I DO NOT REALLY KNOW!!!

Don't worry Renee, they will teach what you need to know and it is pretty laid-back these days. Just relax and learn. Good luck.

BadBird, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2003

I would not worry, it isn't like it used to be, now they teach in groups and take tests in groups, no stress like the old days. As long as you can identify Vtach and VFib and know the treatments you will pass.

mattsmom81 · Sep 19, 2003

At my facility they do take into account where you work...those who comprise the code team (ICU and ER) are held to a higher standard on Megacode.

Other areas are let off easier. I think they make all nurses take this to look good to JCAHO, the public, and the like.

flashpoint · Sep 19, 2003

OK...not to sound upity here or anything, but I don't think ACLS is that bad. Show up for a couple of days and pay attention to what the presenters are saying...take some notes, learn the algorithms (http://www.acls.net has GREAT mnemonics!) Megacode isn't that bad...usually it's done in teams and if you don't know an answer, just pass...they'll get someone else to answer and come back to you...

live4today, RN · Sep 19, 2003

Thanks siblings! :) And...I too think it's a bunch of hype for JCAHO. The things we have to do to never be accepted no matter how hard we work, no matter how hard we try to please, no matter how many lives we touch as nurses.........we're never good enough.

Agnus · Sep 20, 2003

Originally posted by cheerfuldoer
Thanks siblings! :) And...I too think it's a bunch of hype for JCAHO. The things we have to do to never be accepted no matter how hard we work, no matter how hard we try to please, no matter how many lives we touch as nurses.........we're never good enough.

((((((((HUG))))))))

Just because you deserve it. ((((((HUG)))))))

nowplayingEDRN · Sep 20, 2003

Check out Ted's web site: http://www.toolivenurse.com/ They have some nice little jingles that help you remember things......and Glascow......we have to be very careful about the shock, shock, shock with the joules increasing as we go because slowly hospitals are switching to the new defibrilators that use biphasic technology, which states that 3 stacked shocks at 150 joules is the standard.......see: http://www.medtronicphysiocontrol.com it is not specific to all biphasic defibrillators but it gives you an idea. Hope this helps.

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · Sep 20, 2003

Back in 1981, when I took the EMT course, we were required to know our stuff without anyone coaching us. When it came to the final exam, If you passed the practical part, you were allowed to take the final written. Out of 3 who began the course, I was the only one who made it through. I decided to sit in the front and record the lectures. I know that helped a lot.

The first one quit when he saw how difficult it was, the second one made it to the practical, but failed. That did a real psych job on her.

The monitors for the practical would not let you know if you passed or failed, or if you were performing your tasks correctly. But the last time I recertified, it was so people friendly, it was incredible. In fact, I assisted the instructor with the practical skills, and helped her teach the BCLS courses.

I did however, take every opportunity that presented itself, to learn anything about ACLS. I managed to take the Defibrillation course, and Pediatric Trauma Care, and New York State's first Emergency Trauma Care course. I was thankful for that, because about a week after completing The ETC course, I used it on the victim on a car wreck who had critical injuries.

In our rural area, we were located between two hospitals. I was the corps captain at the time, and I had orders to expedite. I located another member, and we went to the scene.

The victim I chose to care for was thrown through the windshield, and was found on the side of the road about 100 yards from the car. A junior fireman assisted me, and I began to stabilize her injuries. I bandaged and dressed her head wounds, then with the junior fireman's assistance, I strapped her head to the backboard with tape and cravats, tied cravats together to make body straps, and then we carried her to the ambulance where I continued to care for her. I placed an air splint on eack foot, and then began to drive in the direction of where the closest trauma care hospital was located.

When we arrived at the local hospital, and took the two victims we had into the ER, the doctor immediately removed the air splints, and let both feet drop to the surface of the stretcher. After they were stabilized, we transported them to the trauma center where my victim was diagnosed in critical condition. About a week later, she was assisted to a chair, but when she went to stand, her feet hurt her so much she wasn't able to stand. She was taken to XRAY where her films revealed fractures in both feet.

Doctors; DUH! :rolleyes:

ahsweeney · Sep 21, 2003

I live and breath for the assistance from http://www.acls.net. It is invaluable. In fact, my mega code drill was PEA and I had it down pat thanks to that website. I would panic each and every time I had to renew ACLS, in fact I still do get a little anxious. I renewed last June and the Heart Assoc has simplified things tremendously. At the educ center where I take my renewals the instructors will not fail you.....they will work with you until you pass. Remember, in the field, you always have others with you and you have a guide on the crash cart.

Now that I am "retired" and raising babies, I am continuing to keep my ACLS up to date. Even if I don't need it I don't want to go thru the stress of starting over again.

You'll do fine and check out that website.

live4today, RN · Sep 22, 2003

Thanks for the help and encouragement Agnus, UntamedSpirit, Fran and ahsweeney! :kiss It's sooooooo good to know I'm not the only nurse who is or was nervous about taking ACLS. Nighty night!

mattsmom81 · Sep 22, 2003

I too like the new way to teach Megacode...in groups...because that is how codes are run anywho, right? It's a group effort and the team all inputs....

I'm glad the new ways to teach ACLS are not so harsh...I still remember the stress of 80's ACLS...(((shudder)))

Altho ocasionally we still run into a powermad instructor who needs to 'prove' their exceptional knowledge base and run down the nurses...usually they are RT's or paramedics....but since we have an eval on instructors they generally don't last long..

I recall a paramedic (and this was recent but before group Megacode) who gave me a field situation for megacode, and I calmly told him I doubted making an ICU nurse into a field worker was the goal here...