Cpr

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 10, 2005

I'm not sure how much extra studying will help, but I will start studying Friday for my Wednesday (17th) class.

As for your A&P, I don't think few days before your class starts will hurt if you study a little bit for the CPR class. Maybe divide your study time between the two, if that makes you more comfortable.

Good luck on both.

Has anybody heard anyone ever failed?
I have the class this coming Saturday. I am thinking whether it is wise to spend time on the CPR manual now, or should I save the study time for my A&P in the coming fall.

Montessori Mommy · Aug 10, 2005

I took this class last week. It was about 4 hours long. We were required to buy and read "BLS for Healthcare Providers" before attending the class. We were warned that if it was obvious to the instructor that we hadn't read the book, we could be told to leave.

The test at the end wasn't bad, but maybe that's because I read the entire book and practiced doing the review tests at the end of each chapter. Passing the test was an 84 or above. People who didn't pass the first time were allowed to review their tests and try a second time.

I sat at a table with four experienced nurses who were wonderful, funny women. I had a great time!! The woman next to me was a head nurse at a local hospital and offered me a job when I graduate. It turns out the instructor at our table is a teacher at my nursing school!! She was very kind & enthusiastic and said she was glad I'd be in her class.

Beth

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 10, 2005

WOW! The hospital didn't tell me anything like that. I'm glad I planned on studying beforehand!

As for the actual class, I hope I'm surrounded by enjoyable, helpful people as you were. :)

I took this class last week. It was about 4 hours long. We were required to buy and read "BLS for Healthcare Providers" before attending the class. We were warned that if it was obvious to the instructor that we hadn't read the book, we could be told to leave.
The test at the end wasn't bad, but maybe that's because I read the entire book and practiced doing the review tests at the end of each chapter. Passing the test was an 84 or above. People who didn't pass the first time were allowed to review their tests and try a second time.
I sat at a table with four experienced nurses who were wonderful, funny women. I had a great time!! The woman next to me was a head nurse at a local hospital and offered me a job when I graduate. It turns out the instructor at our table is a teacher at my nursing school!! She was very kind & enthusiastic and said she was glad I'd be in her class.
Beth

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 10, 2005

I took this class last week. It was about 4 hours long. We were required to buy and read "BLS for Healthcare Providers" before attending the class. We were warned that if it was obvious to the instructor that we hadn't read the book, we could be told to leave.
The test at the end wasn't bad, but maybe that's because I read the entire book and practiced doing the review tests at the end of each chapter. Passing the test was an 84 or above. People who didn't pass the first time were allowed to review their tests and try a second time.
I sat at a table with four experienced nurses who were wonderful, funny women. I had a great time!! The woman next to me was a head nurse at a local hospital and offered me a job when I graduate. It turns out the instructor at our table is a teacher at my nursing school!! She was very kind & enthusiastic and said she was glad I'd be in her class.
Beth

I would not concern myself about the instructor telling you that you have to leave.

Instructors may "suspect" that someone is not prepared, but, NO instructor can say, "Leave.....you do not know anything!" I have NEVER told an individual to leave my class because I can "tell" you have not studied.

Just study the book and relax. You will learn plenty during the class.

smile123 · Aug 10, 2005

For the BLS course I took, there was no reading ahead of time. We went through the lecture, videos and hands on in the 4 hour class. Then we had a "hands on" test (no big deal, because we just practiced it 10 minutes before (you do this several times on the dummy). After that, we had the written exam (all multiple choice). It was pretty easy. Everyone passed.

I would not spend any time going through all parts of the BLS manual beforehand. They will teach you all you need to know in the class. You see it, hear it, practice it, get feedback and practice several times so it should be pretty simple to pass the test. Good luck.

A & P is much more important in the scheme of things. Also consider that some places do not want you take the BLS more than 30 to 60 days ahead of starting the clinicals. But check with your specific program at school to be sure.

Cheers,

Smile123

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 10, 2005

Thansk sirir.
Now I am going to put all my after-work study time on A&P and not on CPR.

Your CPR class is this Saturday, your A&P class is a whole semester. If your CPR class was at the end of the semester of A&P, then yes, your study time for CPR should be minimal compared to the A&P. A&P hasn't even started yet for you, it's not going to be extrememly beneficial for you to study so much A&P now. You don't even know what you will be tested on. (Some chapters may be skipped, etc.)

I don't feel that heavy cramming of the CPR manual is needed, but maybe skimming the book, or whatever. As for A&P, the main thing to be beneficial for knowing first off is directional terms, regions, etc. (anterior, posterior, etc.)

rhp123 · Aug 10, 2005

Thanks for everybody. I've got all these wonderful suggestions.

I did some readings on the CRP manual last weekend. Now I think I will do a little readings these days, but won't spend too much time on it.

Most programs around me require valid CPR through the whole program. I guess I could always get recertified if I need to. smile123 you are right, A&P is much important in the long scheme, that would occupy all my spare time next semester. (Fortunately I am only taking one class - A&P I next semester).

smile123 · Aug 10, 2005

Thanks for everybody. I've got all these wonderful suggestions.
I did some readings on the CRP manual last weekend. Now I think I will do a little readings these days, but won't spend too much time on it.
Most programs around me require valid CPR through the whole program. I guess I could always get recertified if I need to. smile123 you are right, A&P is much important in the long scheme, that would occupy all my spare time next semester. (Fortunately I am only taking one class - A&P I next semester).

Hi rhp123,

I misread your post. I thought you were already into A&P and had reading and homework. So if you want to read a little on the CRP manual now (and you don't have any other commitments like A&P), that's great. I'm just saying it's not critical in order to pass because they review all the concepts during the class. Time management is the key to getting into these programs and successfully completing your prerequisites. Good luck!

Smile123

rhp123 · Aug 10, 2005

Hi rhp123,
I misread your post. I thought you were already into A&P and had reading and homework. So if you want to read a little on the CRP manual now (and you don't have any other commitments like A&P), that's great. I'm just saying it's not critical in order to pass because they review all the concepts during the class. Time management is the key to getting into these programs and successfully completing your prerequisites. Good luck!
Smile123

Thanks Smile123!

bshi · Aug 11, 2005

I just took the course yesterday. They told us it would be from 8 - 4:30 and we were walking out the door at noon! I read the manual before the class but found out that you really didn't need too (but it of course helps). There was movie then a instructor shows us and lets us practice on the dummy. There was the multiple choice test at the end. If you paid attention to movie and instructor - you will be just fine. You can miss only 5 questions and I missed 1. Most people only missed 1 or 2. So don't panic - its pretty easy! Good luck.

glascow · Aug 11, 2005

I am a CPR instructor and teach nursing students all the time. They are definitely my favorite students, always prepared and eager to learn. They also over stress about the class. No one fails, it is a learning experience. If you do not make the required grade on the post test, then the instructor has to "remediate" you (American Heart, not sure about red cross), which can be done after class if time permits or rescheduled.

I always have my students go to this website:http://www.medicaltraining-cpr.com/index.cfm?id=64897&fuseaction=browse&pageid=64 to prepare for the class. There is a pretest there with the answers.

Also, when "shopping" for your CPR class, remember, if you go through an AHA your CPR card is valid for 2 yrs, Red Cross is 1 yr. Good luck!

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2005

Thanks for posting this! I have been CPR-healthcare certified before, and I'm sure it's like riding a bicycle......but........ Yes, I am a little more stressed than I should be! lol

My class is tonight 5-10 PM. My only stressor on it is the fact if I do screw up, I have to be certified before August 31st. August 31st is the deadline to turn in my application for the Spring '06 RN program.

I've skimmed through the book, answered some of the questions, but not all chapters. I'm sure I'll do fine, but I'll feel better tonight after I have my card in hand, or at least know I got my certification coming in the mail.....whatever happens.....

Thanks again! :)

I am a CPR instructor and teach nursing students all the time. They are definitely my favorite students, always prepared and eager to learn. They also over stress about the class. No one fails, it is a learning experience. If you do not make the required grade on the post test, then the instructor has to "remediate" you (American Heart, not sure about red cross), which can be done after class if time permits or rescheduled.
I always have my students go to this website:http://www.medicaltraining-cpr.com/index.cfm?id=64897&fuseaction=browse&pageid=64 to prepare for the class. There is a pretest there with the answers.
Also, when "shopping" for your CPR class, remember, if you go through an AHA your CPR card is valid for 2 yrs, Red Cross is 1 yr. Good luck!