CPR instructor as resume builder?

[EMT-newbie]

Hi, I'm a 48 year old male who's starting a career transition from computer programming to RN; long story but I loved bio/medical stuff as a kid and I'm indulging my midlife crisis :)

I start pre-reqs next semester but am already thinking ahead to job hunting, making my resume stand out and boosting my knowledge in general before I have to focus on classes.

I'll need a CPR-C card for school application but it is a short hop to make sure BLS, AED and BVM are done at the same time too, and another short hop to add Red Cross First Aid. It's a bigger hop to get certified as a CPR trainer.

My first question is whether there is a distinct preference for AHA certification or if Red Cross is equally loved by recruiters? I ask because Red Cross will bundle a First Aid class and AHA doesn't offer anything similar. I plan on avoiding card mills and taking classes from the local fire department / EMS in any case.

My second question is whether certifying as a CPR trainer is worth the extra effort and money vis a vis recruiters and hiring decisions two years from now, or if you all can recommend another activity to better prepare myself?

Thanks in advance; I've been lurking for a month and have chosen allnurses as my new home.

[Rodoon, BSN, MSN, RN]

At hiring time with all things being equal a new grad that trains in ACLS is valuable, plus you can make money on the side doing it. I'd go with AHA over RC, but it could have different meaning depending on region. Go with what works in your area. The best thing to get hired is to work on weekends or nights as a student nurse in your dream unit. Note: If the nurses don't like you, it could hurt.

[EMT-newbie]

Thanks for the fast reply! I'll check out the local options for ACLS and related training, I like your advice that a practical skill certification would be better than a bookish one.

I'm still trying to weed my way through all the information I need to plan for a successful career. In what ways can I make money on the side with ACLS certs?

I know what you mean about the dangers of not getting along with the locals as a temporary student worker. But those are the same people I'd be working with if hired in cold so I guess I'll go with the dangerous option if I can when the time comes.

Thanks again.

[darlink]

No one cares where you get your card. It's a mandatory requirement to have CPR cert for most jobs I know.

Don't take ACLS until you are almost done with your nursing program. It wouldnt make any sense to you and would be a waste of money. What you learn in ACLS are drug protocols which you can't use without a license.

[Rodoon, BSN, MSN, RN]

XY Learner

The people making money have the ACLS trainer status. You don't have to be out of nursing school to understand it but it will require you to learn EKG and emergency drugs on your own. People making money at this are mobile. Some go to big Doc boxes and recertify in the evening and some train anxious caregivers in the home setting in BCLS. The docs I worked with preferred this method and we re-certified as a stroke team in the evening in the department. Obviously, there is a dollar investment but lots of people prefer and pay for one on one training or speciality group training. I wished I'd thought of it at the time. Three male nurses joined into a business and were successful. They were experienced ICU nurses and comfortable working with docs.

[EMT-newbie]

So the concept is good, the timing needs to be spread out a wee bit to be practical =) Thanks to the both of you for the input and discussion.

[mtsteelhorse]

ACLS cert is good for 2 years so give it some time before you take this. You are smart to think ahead. Get all you can! AHA is the cert required everywhere I've worked...again 2 year cert. Getting certified as an instructor isn't a huge deal if you can locate an instructor course. I plan to become an instructor this winter through a hospital about an hour from home. Anyhow, good luck to you! You'll be a great nurse because it's obvious you're a thinker!